Midsummer festival

Ryan Calhoun, on July 17, 2007, said:

Awesome! This scene really needs to be set to music. I'm thinking heavy rhythmic Polynesian drums with maracas and bamboo flutes.

Marilyn Whiteley, on July 17, 2007, said:

You've got the right idea but you're way too far south! It recreates a Nordic festival--fires lit simultaneously around the bay at sunset on the longest day of the year. But drums, maracas, and flutes would be a nice touch!

Roger Sandvik, on July 17, 2007, said:

Beautiful picture, again! This looks just like our midsummernight fest we celebrate in Norway,(as you mention, a Nordic festival). The music played is normally accordian, fiddle and/or guitar :) to accompany dance. Then there of course is the barbeque. Never seen anything picture the fest like this photo though. Excellent!

Marilyn Whiteley, on July 17, 2007, said:

Thanks, Roger. The community where we spend summers was founded more than 150 years ago by Norwegian settlers who were members of the Moravian Church, and there were also Swedish and Icelandic settlers in the county. (Dare I confess that my father's parents were Swedish emigrants who met and married in Chicago?)

The whole county is now a popular resort area, and of course this festival now welcomes tourists. Yet there remains something of a "village" feeling to the festival, different from the other towns' attempts to capture the attention (and money) of tourists. And yes, there is appropriate music, and Norwegian dancing.

Roger Sandvik, on July 17, 2007, said:

Swedish? Well, all right then! Norway and Sweden were ones ruled by one king so you're practically a bit Norwegian too! (So you know of the friendly brotherly / sisterly rivalery between our three countries, i.e. us and the Danes? :) Anyway, we're all Scandinavins and I'm happy to learn that such a talented photographer has her genes from our part of the world.

Marilyn Whiteley, on July 17, 2007, said:

Yes, Roger, I know about the rivalry ... My grandfather was from Dalsland, which isn't all that far from the border anyway.

I've been in Norway three times--all too briefly--and loved it. The third time we took the coastal steamer up to the Lofoten Islands and Bodo (? I don't know how to do those letters!). Wonderful trip!

Luis Maderuelo, on July 17, 2007, said:

Very nice and interesting, Marilyn. What is the date of this celebration?

Marilyn Whiteley, on July 17, 2007, said:

Thanks, Luis. It is held around 21 June, the time of the summer solstice.

Luis Maderuelo, on July 17, 2007, said:

YES!!!! YES!!! I KNOW IT!!!! Jaaa!!! I know it It is the date of my birthday... and the date of the "new indigenous year" in the south hemisphere. (beginning of the winter, here)

You can see some photos of the "Inti Raymi"

Here, December 21th (beginning of the summer here) is also a traditional celebration for some people: THE SAME of your June 21th, (beginning of the summer there).

Yank in Dixie, on July 17, 2007, said:

Enjoyed this photo and read with interest the input regarding the Nordic festival marking the summer solstice. Interestingly the Seneca people of the Finger Lakes of New York had a similar event in the autumn to give thanks for a good harvest. It has been revitalized recently and is called Genundowa.

© Kojak, on July 20, 2007, said:

Wow! Fantastic picture! There I want to be NOW! Greetings from Bavaria!

Keith P. Luke, on July 22, 2007, said:

Here's a new rule - "Shooting people in black silhouette against a setting sun is ALWAYS a good idea!"

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/191976

Sigmund Rise, on July 22, 2007, said:

Very nice picture of our "midtsommerfest" Marilyn! I like it!

Marilyn Whiteley, on July 22, 2007, said:

Thank you, Sigmund. You see that Norway is remembered here in Wisconsin!

Marilyn Whiteley, on July 22, 2007, said:

Keith, encouraged by your "new rule," I decided to see whether cropping could salvage a shot I liked except for some distracting stuff at one side. Here's the result.

SarpBKS, on July 26, 2007, said:

ALL pictures wonderful.. I looked all..

Marilyn Whiteley, on July 26, 2007, said:

Thanks, SarpBKS, for your visit and your comment.

Snemann, on July 27, 2007, said:

This is a "10"!! Great colours, and balance, and you have managed to capture the "midsummernight feeling" so well! Thanks!

steandeb, on August 8, 2007, said:

great photo ,great information on the meaning of the event!

Gibrail, on August 28, 2007, said:

Excelent!

Sigmund Rise, on September 9, 2007, said:

This photo is selected for the Panoramio Elections 2007!

Greetings from Norway!

Sigmund

giulio colla, on October 29, 2007, said:

This photo for Panoramio Elections.

Ciao, Giulio

Marilyn Whiteley, on October 30, 2007, said:

Thank you, Giulio. And sincere but belated thanks, Sigmund and John. I was distracted by being in Australia. Greetings from Canada, Marilyn

Bjørn Fransgjerde, on December 26, 2007, said:

Hello Marilyn.This is a beautiful composition. Like it very much.

Greetings Bjørn.

Agoe, on December 29, 2007, said:

Awesome Marilyn!! What´s about that? Greets and an happy new year!!!

Marilyn Whiteley, on December 29, 2007, said:

Thanks you, Bjørn and Agoe. It's nice to remember during this dark season that there's more light coming, even the summer solstice--distant but growing closer day by day!

Greetings, Marilyn

Conquilha, 7 days ago, said:

Very interesting pic.....Congratulations from Portugal....Conquilha