Enchanted with costumes is a concept that combines the magical and whimsical elements of enchantment with the visually captivating world of costumes. It refers to the idea of transforming oneself or others into fantastical beings through the use of clothing and accessories. Costumes have long been associated with enchantment and transformation. From fairy tales to mythology, costumes play a significant role in creating an otherworldly atmosphere. They allow individuals to step into different roles and identities, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Enchanting costumes are not limited to specific genres or themes.
The tradition of burning a Yule log is believed to have come from Germanic and Scandinavian pagan practices, though it’s often incorporated into Christmas celebrations as well.
I am Scandinavian so Yule could be the way I work with it, but I prefer Winter Solstice in my personal practice, said Olsen, who has been practicing for over 25 years. Other Summer Solstice traditions surround the ashes from a midsummer bonfire, which can be used as a protection against misfortune by being formed into an amulet, or spread across a garden to ensure a good harvest.
Enchanting costumes are not limited to specific genres or themes. They can range from ethereal fairy outfits to elaborate historical reenactments or even futuristic sci-fi ensembles. The key to creating an enchanted costume lies in the attention to detail and the ability to transport the wearer and viewer into a world of imagination and wonder.
Why do we celebrate the Summer Solstice?
First things first! The term ‘solstice’ can be traced back to the Latin word ‘solstitium’, combining the words ‘sol’, meaning sun, and ‘-stit’ or ‘-stes’, meaning standing or still. The name derives from the Romans’ observation that during a solstice, the sun’s position in the sky at noon didn’t seem to change much throughout the day, but instead appeared motionless.
Astronomically speaking…
The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the end of spring and the start of the astronomical summer. It takes place between 20 th and 22 nd June each year, the reason for the shift in date boiling down to the fact that our calendar doesn’t precisely reflect the Earth’s rotation, and so we have to allow some wiggle room!
Both the summer and winter solstices form part of a wider astronomical calendar, flanked by two equinoxes in the spring and the autumn, and other daily and monthly cycles throughout the year. Incidentally, ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin ‘equi’ meaning equal, and ‘nox’ meaning night. On these two dates, day and night are of equal length before the days begin to get either lighter in the spring, or darker in the autumn.
During the solstices, the Earth’s axis tilts us at either our closest or farthest point from the sun. The hemisphere tilted most towards the sun sees its longest day and shortest night (the Summer Solstice), whilst the hemisphere tilted away from the sun sees its shortest day and longest night (the Winter Solstice.)
Prehistoric significance
Now that’s the science of a solstice explained (phew!), but just why do we humans place so much significance on the solstices and the days surrounding them? We know that the solstices certainly held importance for Neolithic humans, who may initially have started to observe the Summer Solstice as a marker for planting and harvesting crops. Stonehenge, our most famous Neolithic monument, was certainly built to reflect the solstices, and it has long been debated whether one of its functions was to act as ancient solar calendar. The site’s megaliths are aligned with the direction of the sunrise on the Summer Solstice, with the sarsen stones lined up to trace the movements of the sun. It’s likely that on the solstices people gathered at the monument to celebrate, though little archaeological evidence remains of the ceremonies that may have taken place there.
Interestingly, Archaeoastronomers (yes that’s an actual job, amazing!) think that the midwinter solstice may actually have been the more important focus for the builders of Stonehenge, due to the entire monument’s alignment facing toward the setting midwinter sun. As you enter the site along the main avenue and walk towards the standing stones, the position of the Winter Solstice’s sunset is the main focus directly ahead, perhaps in the same way that the most important parts of a church are located ahead of you as you enter. There’s a WEALTH of information on Stonehenge’s association with the solstices on the English Heritage website, and we fully encourage you to fall down that rabbit hole and check it out!
The Summer Solstice throughout history
Our fascination with the solstices didn’t end with our Neolithic ancestors. According to some ancient Greek calendars, the Summer Solstice marked the start of the New Year, and began the one-month countdown to the opening of the famous Olympic games. In the days leading up to the Summer Solstice, the Romans celebrated the Vestalia, a religious festival to honour Vesta, goddess of the home and hearth. Before the rise of Christianity, Slavic, Germanic and Celtic tribes celebrated the midsummer with bonfires, believing that they would boost the sun’s energy and guarantee a good harvest. It was believed that bonfires could also help banish demons and evil spirits. Following the establishment of the Christian church, solstice celebrations were often combined with St John the Baptist’s Day on the 24 th June, the date of Midsummer’s Day.
N.B. The Summer Solstice and Midsummer’s Day are actually separate dates, with the later falling on the 24 th June. Midsummer is often now referred to as the period of time commencing with the Summer Solstice and leading up to Midsummer’s Day.
Significance of the solstice in Paganism
Today, the celebration of the solstices is mostly strongly associated with Paganism. The Pagan festival of Litha is one of the most important in the Pagan religion, commencing on the eve of the Summer Solstice it celebrates the midsummer and the power of the sun god. Magic is thought to be strongest during the Summer Solstice, and it’s also the time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest, eep! According to Pagan folklore, evil spirits in particular may walk the earth more freely at this time, and in order to ward them off, people wear protective garlands of herbs and flowers. One of the most powerful of these is the ‘chase devil’, also known as St. John’s Wort, because of its association with St. John’s Day.
Other Summer Solstice traditions surround the ashes from a midsummer bonfire, which can be used as a protection against misfortune by being formed into an amulet, or spread across a garden to ensure a good harvest. ‘Sunwheels’ were also used to celebrate midsummer in some Pagan communities. A wheel or ball of straw was lit on fire and rolled down a hill into a river. It was believed that if the fire went out before hitting the water then a good harvest was guaranteed.
Maypole in Eaton Socon c.1914 – picture credit: Cambridgeshire Community Archive Network
Local traditions
Over the centuries, the June solstice has inspired many midsummer celebrations involving bonfires, singing, and Maypole dancing. Many towns and villages across Britain still mark the day with fairs and festivals, like the one that takes place on Midsummer Common in Cambridge.
Local historian C.F. Tebbutt records in his writings a few other local traditions that took place in Huntingdonshire. In Bluntisham in the late 19th century, a midsummer feast was once held, with stalls selling sweets and gingerbread, and a garlanded hoop hung over the street. Records from Waresely in 1679 record the firing of blanks from guns at a midsummer festival, intended to scare away fairies and evil spirits. Finally, court records from Stilton in 1830 tell of one Thomas Wade, who was brought before a court for “walking up and down disguised by having a pair of painted ram’s horns on his head and a green veil over his face… at the same time also making strange and frightful noises…” Though whether this was actually to do with midsummer celebrations is anyone’s guess!
And there we have it! It can’t be denied that the Summer Solstice is a significant occasion astronomically, spiritually and historically. However you choose to mark the day (though we’d recommend not taking inspiration from Mr Wade), be sure to enjoy the longest day to its fullest!
https://www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Capture1.png 548 794 Kelly Garner https://www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/st-neots-museum-logo.svg Kelly Garner 2020-06-19 10:38:30 2020-06-19 10:40:32 Why do we celebrate the Summer Solstice?
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Every year, the coven does a different mythos of the solstice from around the world. “For this year, we’re doing traditional Celtic view on it with the death of the Holly King and then the re-birth of the Oak King,” said Syleena.
Enchanted costumes often incorporate elements such as intricate embroidery, flowing fabrics, and exotic accessories. They can be adorned with delicate lace, sparkling sequins, or shimmering fabrics, all contributing to the magical aura. The colors used in these costumes are often vibrant and eye-catching, further enhancing the overall effect. The enchantment of costumes goes beyond their visual appeal. When wearing an enchanted costume, individuals often embody the character they are portraying, bringing their personality and essence to life. They become part of a story or narrative, allowing themselves to fluidly move between different worlds and identities. Enchanted costumes have gained popularity in various forms of artistic expression, including films, theater productions, and even costume parties. They provide an opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in a different realm, where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary. In conclusion, enchantment with costumes offers a magical and transformative experience. It allows individuals to escape reality and immerse themselves in a world of wonder and imagination. Whether it be through the intricate details, vibrant colors, or the act of embodying a character, enchanted costumes have the power to captivate and inspire..
Reviews for "Enchanted Costumes for Every Occasion: From Halloween to Comic Con"
1. John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Enchanted with costumes". The costumes were boring and generic, nothing like what I was expecting from a show with a title like that. The acting was also lackluster, with no depth or emotion in the performances. Overall, I found it to be a complete waste of time and money.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - "Enchanted with costumes" left me feeling underwhelmed. The costumes, although decent, were not as extravagant as I had anticipated. The storyline was also quite shallow and predictable, lacking any real substance or engaging moments. The actors seemed disengaged and their performances fell flat. I wouldn't recommend this show to anyone looking for a truly enchanting experience.
3. David - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Enchanted with costumes", but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The costumes were visually appealing, but the overall production lacked creativity and originality. The script was uninspiring, and the acting was mediocre at best. It felt like a missed opportunity to create something truly magical. I left feeling disappointed and unimpressed.
4. Emily - 1 star - "Enchanted with costumes" was a letdown. The costumes, which were supposed to be the highlight of the show, were bland and unimaginative. The performances were forgettable, with no standout moments or captivating talents. The whole experience felt like a waste of time and money. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for an enchanting and memorable theatrical experience.