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THE LONGEST DAY
Here in the Northern hemisphere we usually mark the longest day on the 21st of June, but because this year is a leap year, the longest day is one day earlier, the 20th of June. From now on the days will get shorter, so less time to spend in the garden.
Apparently Midsummers day is on the 24th? Traditionally on this day St John's Wort was gathered, thought to be imbued with the power of the sun. Other special flowers (Vervain, trefoil, rue and roses) were also thought to be most potent at this time, and were traditionally placed under a pillow in the hope of important dreams, especially dreams about future lovers!
14 comments:
Wow. Thank you for pointing that out...for some reason I'm not ready for it, but I will break out the bubbly. Lovely rugosa (I think?).
Oh, I didn't know that about dreams....interesting. YOur flower image is lovely, such a gentle curve to the petals...
I love these long days of midsummer-such a shame the day is going to end in rain so we can't sip something refreshing in the twilight.
Happy midsummer to you Louise.
Oh I didn't realise the longest day was today (which is my birthday - come by my place for chocolates!). It's a shame it's cloudy and raining here, we won't get the benifit of a lovely long evening.
We had this argument very recently in our house...re the longest day and Midsummer's day!
I found this site:
http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/mid_summer.htm
Lovely photo (as usual!!);-)
I love midsummer, but didn't realise it's a day earlier this year.
Margaret and Noreen
My St John's Wort isn't ready yet. Mind you, neither am I, so I guess we're in good company.
Tonight ,i will put a rose under my pillow,wishing that my treu love and i, will have a long and happy live together...have a great midsummer nights dreamy weekend.
warmly
It was a bit of a dismal day here, in fact I think as it was so wet and shiny it actually appeared to get dark early as they say.
Learn something new every day! Well, the days leading up to and following "the longest day" has been celebrated with lots of sunshine here - a bit too much, perhaps! How about you?
Hi Louise,
Your posts are always so informative and easy to read. It's a shame that we will have less time in the garden!
Sara from farmingfriends
what a magical post. i love thinking about longest days, midsummer etc. mr m. has gone to collect walnuts to make walnut liquor as that has to be collected on the 23rd or 24th, according to italian tradition. and i didn't know about the special flowers for this time, how interesting - thanks a lot! :)
Happy Midsummer's day! I'm so happy looking at all these lovely flowers and yes, that lovely blackbird!
No post or pics for 5 days? Are you out playing with your camera?
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