Today is the first day of summer. Or, if you prefer, Midsummer -- about midway through the growing season. This is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, due to the tilt of the earth's axis.
Nearly all ancient societies celebrated a festival in June at or near the summer solstice, usually centered on fertility and agriculture. June was (and still is) a popular time for weddings. In some cultures, newlyweds were offered dishes made from honey to encourage love and fertility. This is the origin of the still common tradition of the "honeymoon."
After the Ocrafolk Opry tonight at Deepwater Theater Lou Ann & I will follow an old island tradition and head for the beach to dance in the moonlight & starlight (clothing, of course, is optional!).
You can read our latest newsletter here. It's the story of the Invasion of Ocracoke & Portsmouth in the War of 1812.