Midsummer

We celebrate the Birth of John the Baptizer on Midsummer or June 24. Celebrating his birth is unique on our Catholic calendar because with all other saints we celebrate their death--their birth into eternal life. The feast comes at the summer solstice when the sun begins to decrease leading to the Nativity of the Lord at the winter solstice. John pointed the way for the Messiah and said, "He must increase, I must decrease."

In the Northern Hemisphere Christians replaced the pagan Midsummer celebration with the Birth of John the Baptist. They kept alive many of the previous customs and added great water games.


Scripture and Liturgy

Here are today’s Scripture readings.


* Watch the story of John the Baptizer on YouTube.

Background

The Orthodox church celebrates John the Forerunner. Here is a background article

Learn how Fete de la St. Jean-Baptiste was celebrated in the upper Mississippi area in the 1800's.

Activities

Make a candle lantern.

Pray a litany.

Learn how other countries celebrate: Philippines, Spain, Tuscany

Enjoy some water games online, 2, 3,