Midsummer and flowers: an ancient tradition

Image source: http://goo.gl/Eqgkf2

The summer season barely ever arrives unannounced. It doesn’t just knock on our doors any day, looking for hospitality. With punctuality and coherence, it officially starts on 21st June every year. Its appearance, as noted by all, bares the name of Midsummer, the date on which the sun sets at its latest and the day becomes longer.

Midsummer marks the start of all sorts of celebrations around the world. Back in ancient civilisations, the sun was at the heart of their culture, to the point that it was considered a God, or almost. And with the arrival of the sun, comes the blooming of flowers. This explains why flowers were so important, as well as the power held by grass and plants, the herald of a happy future hidden away in them.

Also in Catholicism, the summer solstice is an important date, since it virtually gives rise to the festivity of Saint John, on 24^th June. On the eve of the 23^rd June, in some countries it is quite common to see people dancing on beaches around large bonfires to celebrate the arrival of summer, on the one hand, and to burn down the past to welcome a better future.

Flowers, especially summer flowers, are also a main element of this festivity today. Many spaces are decorated with flowers, the young wear flower necklaces and crowns, and beaches are dressed in a cloak of yellow, red or white flowers.

Image  source: http://goo.gl/lZmAkh

Welcome the summer solstice too, having fun with friends and with a floral touch for the start of the summer season!