Summer Solstice

The biggest summer celebration happens on the day, when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky and the day has the longest period of daylight in the entire year (on average about 17 hours). It usually happens the day before the Saint Valerian's day, but not always. Summer solstice is commonly associated with huge bonfires and a feast that goes well into the night. It is considered to be the most magical night of all, when the light's power is the strongest and as such, there are many stories associated with it.

Primary Related Location

Bohemia

Related Ethnicities

• Bohemians

Cave Dipping

This is probably the absolute favourite summer past-time for the people living in the Republic. There is a lot of underground streams and cave systems, but for the majority of the year, it is too cold to go down there and explore. During summer solstice, the weather tends to be very sunny and very warm for couple of weeks, so the earth gets warmed up enough, that it is actually really comfortable to spend some time down there. Especially on very hot days, you can find a lot of folks going into the caves to get refreshed. It is much preferred to sunbathing that is common among other ethnicities present in the Republic, although there are some people who don't go cave dipping to cool down, but rather to find rare pearls, gemstones and other treasures that might be hiding down there.

Bonfires

The fires are first started to help out with preparation of the various meals needed for the giant evening feast, but there is at least one that is kept going for the entire night. It's part of the tradition, that everybody will jump over it before the sunrise. This is a must do activity. People usually jump over in pairs (doesn't matter if they are lovers, friends, relatives or complete strangers) to strengthen bonds of the community and help out those who might be a little afraid to jump.

The Feast

Lots of food, lots of alcohol, the usual things that can't be missing from any true Bohemian tradition.

The Dances

Mostly group dances around the fires to keep the party going. Also, beware the wildlings - faeries gone far beyond the boundaries of sanity - not to lure you away from people and among their dance. You wouldn't come back. Only your pieces.

Show spoiler

Also there is always some naked dancing happening somewhere. That's usually why people tend to wonder around. It's summer after all.

Bouquets and spells

Some witches pick certain flowers during summer solstice as it is said all magical things have the most amount of power that day.