Summer Solstice. A Midsummer Celebration Proclaiming the Glory of the Season!
In this interactive one-time class we will explore the history of the summer solstice, also called Midsummer, and learn how it was celebrated by the ancient Celts.
Shelley L Murphy
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(31)
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this one-time interactive class students will learn about the history of the Summer Solstice from its inception in 2nd Century to present day Europe. We will watch short videos and colorful presentations to explore this summer celebration. This is the longest day of the year, mid-way between the planting and harvesting of crops, Ancient farmers showed their gratitude by honoring this day. We will explore why bonfires, fire walking, morning dew and a theatrical displays were essential to this Celtic celebration. Next we will discover why the Summer Solstice was so important to the Vikings and see how their descendants celebrate the longest day of the year today. In Sweden, the Midsummer celebration includes making garlands out of flowers and meals of pickled herring. It is also a time for traditional games. Find out what they are. Finally we will discuss how we can create our own celebrations for this special time of year. No experience is necessary to take this class.
Learning Goals
Students will have the opportunity to learn about different ways the Summer Solstice is celebrated in Celtic times. It is my hope that this will spark an interest in this type of history.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The Celtic people who lived thousands of years ago looked to the seasons, the weather and the predictions of their elders to make sense of their world. The seasons guided their crop planting and harvest as well as caring for their livestock. I will reference History.com and their editorial called "Who Were Celts?" which traces the movement of Celtic peoples across Europe. I will also reference HistoryWorld, "History of the Celts", and TheSchoolRun.com is a website specifically for children and I will refer to their in depth study of the Celts along with suggestions for books to read. Finally, I will reference newworldceltsinc.com which studies the Celtic Lunar Calendar and outlines the different celebrations during the changing seasons of the year.
Joined October, 2020
4.9
31reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Growing up in the United Kingdom, I developed a love for the 8 nature-oriented celebrations throughout the year. These ancient festivals were observed in a modern way all during my childhood. I have travelled to and experienced the festivals that are discussed in this class. My family's closest friends were Norwegians from Oslo and we spent a summer learning about and participating in the Summer Solstice celebration. As a teacher, I used my experiences to show young learners the importance of these ancient festivals and traditions and how they apply to their world. I taught enrichment classes at a private school for children with special needs, focusing on these festivals including the Harvest Festival, All Hallows Eve, the Winter and Summer Solstices, and the Fall and Spring Equinoxes. I have done extensive research on all of these topics.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
30 min
Completed by 13 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
3-6 learners per class
