Midsummer

Midsummer Summer Solstice
Midsummer bonfire in Tysnes, Norway
Also called	Feast of Saint John the Baptist, Summer Solstice, St. John's Feast Day, Jāņi, Enyovden, Līþa/Lithe, midsommar, Ivan Kupala Day, Juhannus/Mittumaari (from Swedish midsommar)/Keskikesä (from Swedish midsommar), Alban Hefin, Gŵyl Ganol yr Haf, Sankthans, Joninės, jaanipäev, Kresna noč
Observed by	Traditionally: Europe, particularly the Nordic countries Canada[1] United States[3] Liturgically: Roman Catholic Church,[4] Lutheran Churches,[4] Anglican Communion[4]
Type	Cultural and Religious
Significance	Marks the traditional middle of summer, beginning of Meteorological summer, and the nativity of St. John the Baptist.
Celebrations	Festivals, bonfires, feasting, singing, Maypole dancing
Observances	Church service,[2] reenactments of the life of Saint John the Baptist,[5] processions,[6] baptisms,[7] and church weddings[8]
Date	A date close to the summer solstice
Related to	Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Saint John's Eve

Midsummer is a celebration of the season of summer, taking place on or near the date of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere; the longest day of the year. The name "midsummer" mainly refers to summer solstice festivals of European origin, especially those in the Nordic countries. In these cultures it is traditionally regarded as the middle of summer, with the season beginning on May Day.^[9] Although the summer solstice falls on 21 or 22 June in the Northern Hemisphere, it was traditionally reckoned to fall on 23–24 June in much of Europe. This date was Christianized as Saint John's Eve and Saint John's Day. It is usually celebrated with outdoor gatherings that include bonfires and feasting.