Today is Midsummer's Day and this year is a bit special since summer solstice happens to fall on this particular day. It doesn't always do so. I've said it before, this time is the most glorious time of the year. Today is the longest day of the year which on my degree of latitude means the night is only a few hours and it doesn't really get dark during this short time. This is the time we Nordic folks live for during the cold and dark months and Midsummer is the point of culmination, which you realize if you read this little quote from Wikipedia:
"Midsummer rivals Christmas as the most important holiday of the year due to the copious amounts of alcohol consumed."
You can easily distinguish the pagan holiday, no? Delirious partying until broad daylight. That is what's been going on here last night.
For me, though, this is a day of mourning. As from today the days will become shorter again. Sure, it'll be yet another couple of months before it's obvious, and it isn't until mid-October that I need to start my treatment again. So why the woe? Maybe it's just the knowledge that this is where it turns? And still, there is a stroke of sadness somewhere deep down inside of me...
13 comments:
chitta, there's just some sadness in the air. soon it will blow away:)
Hej Chitta! Happy midsommar!
You know here in France it's La Fête de la Musique every June 21st. They're partying like crazy all over the city and the country right now. It's a good time.
When I see girls in the street wearing wreaths of flowers and white dresses à la suedoise it always makes me happy.
Enjoy the rest of your short night, ma belle... Ha det sa bra!
There is. Many people are telling me they feel this sadness... even people who don't usually cycle in an obvious way. It's ok.
I wonder if in the US we don't make an event of midsummer because the 4th of July--day of debauchery--is around the corner?
BTW yes... it will be super interesting if you write about your reasons for writing in English.
hmmm, interesting, and i thought i was the only one feeling that sadness at this time of year. it is mixed emotions, though... the light gives you that euphoria and i do love the flowery beauty of midsummer as well :)
i didn't know of la fête de la musique!
Joy, ha det så bra du också! Glad midsommar :)
Owl, i'm working on it! it's a tough post to deliver, but it's coming.
Hmmm, I've been sad these past couple of days too. Maybe that's why?
Hi chitta,
Yes it makes me sad too. It's that fleetingness, like the japanese and their cherry blossoms. Now we are on the road to winter again.
However, it also makes me think of moomins, and that makes me happy.
Your picture is very beautiful.
Joy! I forgot about la Fete de la musique! Yes, what fun!
hi Anna! hi Susananda!
moomins, i love them... there is a beauty about them that is both happy and sad. nordic melancholy?
hope we all are feeling a bit less sad today? may sunshine and warm breezes bring you all a glorious day :)
Yes, that's it, you summed it up.
Moominsummer madness, pazzles, sunshine and warm breezes..
I am taking a half day off today.
Hi, Chitta Vritti:
Are you feeling any better? You have a beautiful picture here. Did you take it?
I just noticed that I am an Eastern princess here! Yay! Though in life I am so not princess-y, I would say rather truck driver-y. But still, aaaah! :D Thank you!
eastern princess better than eastern promises, although that's a great film. chitta, i love your header, "breath, bandha, drishti - the rest is show-off."
oh sus, i wish i could take half day off... how is your tooth doing?
Alfia, hi! yes, feeling a bit better thank you :) think i just get that blues at midsummer because everyone else is partying and i'm not into that as much anymore, as the old lady i am ;-)
oh, and i DO think you are a princess! it's just our self images that deceives us.
Eeyore, that IS a great film! loved it. am a fan of Cronenberg, and Naomi and Viggo are fantastic actors. also, i think i'd like to have a bite out of Viggo, mmmm ;-)
and i'm glad you like the header! that is my mantra, very good for bad days :)
oh, and thank you, Alfia! yes, i toke that picture.
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