by Allison Tannery

Created on: June 12, 2008

Flickering fireflies, buzzing mosquitoes. and iced drinks on the back porch. Children run in the dewy grass, scraping knees, asking for flashlights. At nearly 9 in the evening, the sun still offers a little light, and the longest day of the year begins to close. Although summer has barely begun, the long march till winter begins on this eve. The days from here will only shorten.

"Why, this is very midsummer madness", wrote William Shakespeare

Why not a midsummer soiree to commemorate the event? To recognize the half point of what once seemed just beginning, but is now the rapidly declining year?

Traditionally, this event is celebrated by fire, and is symbolized by sun. Invitations, via email or snail mail could carry the theme of the sun, in a ring of fiery blazes. Or perhaps, images of Stonehenge. The entire afternoon/evening could be guided by Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Stonehenge may be the oldest monument to the Solstice, so if you're feeling particularly ambitious, some packing grade foam and gray spray paint could recreate, on a smaller scale, a Stonehenge in your own backyard. Children could practically do this project themselves, as long as an adult did the cutting into the appropriate block forms. Added to Shakespeare, the theme could become a sort of British influence, allowing interesting food and drink to be incorporated. Maybe something countryside. Think country wines, fruited liquors and bottled ales, alongside background playings of recordings of Shakespeare's play, audio or DVD. Or early English music. Particularly enthusiastic party-comers could look to the play for costume. As host or hostess, you could be Oberon, or Titania, or the tailor Bottom. Even just a hint of dress, like flowers in the hair, long skirts, blouse-y white tops, (for men, too) or facial make-up could turn the ordinary into extraordinary.

Foods could range from rump roasts with hearty, crusty bread to potato pasty and British broad (or fava) beans, and the summer season is perfect for fresh berry trifle. A classic British dish. Easy access to online information will help you find foods wherever your price point may be. Decor for a soothing scene should include outdoor lighting, even inexpensive Christmas lights, homemade construction paper suns (children are great at this) hung from ribbon around a deck or porch, wild flowers or herbs in simple vases of milk jars, canning jars, or mugs. Inexpensive yards of tulle, or netting, hung from the tallest points of the outside area will create an aura of fairies, mystery and magic. Guest could choose Shakespearian names, on hand made tags shaped like the sun, or a flame. Even take turns reading from the play, acting out favorite scenes.

Helping the children with sparklers, the simply lit wands of fireworks, will add to the atmosphere. If you live in an area where you can build a bonfire, the celebration is almost complete. And while some may veer away from what is considered a pagan holiday, it seems that anyone can claim a day for their very own. Make it what you will. Infuse it with your beliefs, traditions and means of observance. Are you Christian? Begin or end the evening with a company prayer, acknowledging all that has been given, and all that is to come. Or for help with challenges ahead, and thanksgiving for blessings thus far. Guests could contribute to this, either by vocally participating, or perhaps adding notes to a communal prayer basket.

The idea that our year, our planet, is shifting and changing with the representation of astronomical events under a Great Creator, is something we all can claim to celebrate. Understand our place in the universe, and make this day your very own.

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