In article , Jo Ling
writes
The 21st of June is the "first day of Summer" and ALSO midsummer's day, it
being the longest day in the year (the Summer solstice).

No, Midsummer's day has always been 24th June and as such was always the
day when everyone would go to the top of the Beacon to watch the
sunrise. We didn't do that on the longest day, we did that on midsummer
day. We ignored the fact that Druids were cavorting at Stonehenge 3 days
earlier.

Who came up with the 24th of June?

well, in my part of the world (Worcs) it's traditional.

I think, but may be wrong here, that it is also the day of pershore
Fair, and the day that you cut the last asparagus.

That's the feast of St Johann, if I
remember rightly, and now to do with being the first, last or middle day of
Summer.


--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm