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The assertion that Midsummer is exclusively celebrated on the astronomical summer solstice, which invariably occurs on June 21st, requires examination.
Answer: False
This statement is inaccurate. While Midsummer is closely associated with the summer solstice, the precise date of the solstice can vary between June 20th and 22nd. Furthermore, many Midsummer festivals are traditionally observed on fixed dates, such as June 23rd or 24th, rather than solely on the astronomical event itself.
Ancient monuments demonstrably aligned with the summer solstice sunrise or sunset are exclusively found within the European continent.
Answer: False
The assertion of exclusivity is incorrect. While numerous such monuments exist in Europe, evidence of solstice alignments has also been identified in ancient structures across other continents, indicating a widespread human fascination with and utilization of this astronomical event.
The Anglo-Saxon term 'midsumor' denoted the winter solstice.
Answer: False
The term 'midsumor' in Anglo-Saxon usage referred to the summer solstice, signifying the midpoint of summer, not the winter solstice.
The Julian calendar's inherent inaccuracy caused the summer solstice to shift significantly earlier than June 20th by the time of the Council of Nicaea.
Answer: False
The Julian calendar's inaccuracy caused a gradual drift, but by the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), the primary concern was standardizing the spring equinox to March 21st. This adjustment effectively moved the perceived date of the summer solstice forward to June 20th within the calendar system, rather than significantly earlier.
According to the provided information, what marks the traditional beginning of summer in some European cultures, preceding Midsummer observances?
Answer: May Day
The source material indicates that in many European cultures, the season of summer was traditionally considered to commence on May Day, preceding the Midsummer celebrations which occur later around the solstice.
What form of historical evidence suggests the profound cultural significance of the summer solstice dating back to the Neolithic era?
Answer: Ancient monuments aligned with solstice sunrise/sunset.
The alignment of numerous ancient megalithic structures and monuments across various regions with the sunrise or sunset on the summer solstice serves as compelling evidence of the event's long-standing cultural and possibly astronomical importance dating back to prehistoric times.
What was the Anglo-Saxon designation for Midsummer, and what temporal significance did it convey?
Answer: Midsumor; denoting the middle of summer.
The Anglo-Saxon term 'midsumor' directly translated to 'middle of summer', accurately reflecting its position relative to the summer solstice.
Common elements observed in numerous Midsummer celebrations include bonfires, communal feasting, singing, and dancing, often centered around a maypole.
Answer: True
The description accurately reflects prevalent Midsummer customs. These activities, rooted in ancient folk traditions, signify community, celebration of nature's bounty, and the peak of summer.
In 13th-century England, 'wakefires' were exclusively constructed from bones.
Answer: False
Historical accounts from 13th-century England differentiate types of Midsummer fires. 'Wakefires' were specifically described as being made of wood, distinct from 'bonfires' which sometimes incorporated bones, or 'St. John's Fire' which used both.
A 13th-century monk interpreted the ritualistic rolling of a wheel during Midsummer revels as a symbolic representation of the sun's celestial descent.
Answer: True
This interpretation is documented; a 13th-century monk observed the practice of rolling a wheel during Midsummer festivities and posited that it symbolized the sun reaching its zenith and subsequently beginning its decline in the sky.
Which of the following activities is NOT mentioned as a common element within traditional Midsummer celebrations?
Answer: Exchanging gifts
While bonfires, decorations like birch branches, singing, and dancing are frequently cited as components of Midsummer festivities, the exchange of gifts is not consistently mentioned as a primary or common element in the provided source material.
According to descriptions of 13th-century English Midsummer fires, which type was specifically characterized by the absence of bones?
Answer: Wakefire
Historical accounts differentiate Midsummer fires in 13th-century England. 'Wakefires' were explicitly defined as fires made of wood but not bones, distinguishing them from other types like 'bonfires' or 'St. John's Fire'.
The Christianization of Midsummer festivals involved the association of these celebrations with the feast day of Saint John the Baptist.
Answer: True
Indeed, the Christian Church integrated Midsummer observances by aligning them with the feast days of Saint John the Baptist, particularly Saint John's Eve and Day (June 23rd-24th), thereby overlaying Christian significance onto existing solstice traditions.
Christian interpretations exclusively viewed Midsummer fires as symbols of the harvest season.
Answer: False
Christian interpretations extended beyond harvest symbolism. These fires were also associated with Saint John the Baptist, described as a 'burning and shining light,' and were believed to possess protective qualities against malevolent forces.
The early Christian Church aligned the feast of Saint John the Baptist with the winter solstice.
Answer: False
The Church designated June 24th, near the summer solstice, for Saint John's Day. This was strategically chosen to be six months prior to Christmas (near the winter solstice), creating a theological balance and associating John the Baptist with the period of 'lessening days'.
What was the primary theological rationale for the early Christian Church's decision to associate Midsummer festivals with the feast day of Saint John the Baptist?
Answer: Because his birth narrative aligns with the solstice cycle, occurring six months prior to Christmas.
The Church strategically aligned Saint John's Day (June 24th) with the summer solstice period. This placement was based on the biblical account placing his birth six months before Jesus's birth (Christmas, near the winter solstice), creating a theological parallel where John's birth signifies the 'lessening days' after the summer solstice, echoing his statement, 'He must increase, but I must decrease'.
Christian interpretations frequently linked Midsummer fires to Saint John the Baptist by characterizing him as:
Answer: A burning and shining light.
Christian theology often employed the imagery of Saint John the Baptist as 'a burning and shining light' to symbolically connect him with the Midsummer fires, representing spiritual illumination and divine presence.
Danish 'Sankthansaften' traditions include the lighting of bonfires intended to repel witches believed to be traveling to the Brocken mountain.
Answer: True
This accurately describes a traditional belief associated with Danish Midsummer Eve ('Sankthansaften'), where bonfires were lit with the specific purpose of warding off witches purportedly journeying to the Brocken mountain.
In Finland, the Midsummer celebration ('Juhannus') is typically observed primarily through indoor family gatherings.
Answer: False
Finnish 'Juhannus' celebrations are characteristically outdoor events, often spent in the countryside, featuring large bonfires, decorating with birch branches, and engaging in folk magic, rather than being primarily indoor affairs.
A 1653 decree issued by the Nuremberg town council abolished Midsummer celebrations due to their association with paganism and fire hazards.
Answer: True
Historical records confirm that in 1653, the Nuremberg council issued an order to cease 'sonnenwendt' or 'zimmet fire' celebrations, citing concerns regarding their pagan origins and the inherent fire risks associated with such gatherings.
Latvian Midsummer ('Jāņi') is considered less popular than Christmas within the country's cultural landscape.
Answer: False
Contrary to the statement, 'Jāņi' is widely regarded as Latvia's most significant and popular national holiday, often surpassing Christmas in terms of widespread celebration and cultural importance.
Lithuanian 'Joninės' traditions include the nocturnal search for a mythical fern blossom at midnight.
Answer: True
This is accurate. The search for the legendary fern blossom at midnight is a well-known pagan-rooted tradition associated with Lithuanian Midsummer ('Joninės').
Norwegian 'Sankthansaften' is primarily observed today as a religious pilgrimage day.
Answer: False
While 'Sankthansaften' (also known as 'Jonsok') has historical ties to Catholic pilgrimages, its modern observance is largely secular or rooted in pre-Christian traditions, with bonfires being a primary custom.
The Swedish term 'majstång' refers to the traditional Midsummer bonfire.
Answer: False
The Swedish term 'majstång' (or 'midsommarstång') refers to the maypole, a decorated pole around which dancing occurs, not the Midsummer bonfire.
Before the Reformation, English Midsummer celebrations primarily consisted of solemn religious services.
Answer: False
Pre-Reformation English Midsummer celebrations were characterized by lively festivities, including bonfires, feasting, singing, and dancing, rather than predominantly solemn religious services.
The 'Golowan' festival in Cornwall features traditional Midsummer bonfires lit on hilltops.
Answer: True
This is accurate. The 'Golowan' festival in Cornwall includes the revival of traditional Midsummer bonfires, often lit on hilltops around St. John's Day.
Jumping over bonfires during Midsummer is a tradition predominantly observed in Scandinavian countries.
Answer: False
While jumping over bonfires occurs in some Scandinavian traditions, it is also a widespread custom in many other European countries, including Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Spain, indicating a broader cultural practice.
'Jāņi cheese' is a traditional food item specifically associated with Latvian Midsummer celebrations.
Answer: True
This is correct. 'Jāņi cheese' is a distinctive and integral part of the culinary traditions during Latvia's Midsummer festival, known as 'Jāņi'.
In England, Midsummer Day (June 24th) was historically recognized as a quarter day for financial settlements.
Answer: True
This is historically accurate. Midsummer Day, June 24th, was traditionally one of the four 'quarter days' in England, marking significant dates for rent payments, lease settlements, and other financial transactions.
Finnish 'Juhannus' celebrations are characterized by large bonfires and folk magic rituals.
Answer: True
This accurately describes Finnish Midsummer ('Juhannus'). Large bonfires ('kokko') and various folk magic practices, particularly concerning love and fertility, are prominent features of the celebration.
The Latvian festival 'Jāņi' is considered the most important holiday, surpassing Easter in popularity.
Answer: False
While 'Jāņi' is indeed a highly important national holiday in Latvia, sources indicate it is often considered the most celebrated festival, frequently surpassing Easter in popular regard and participation.
The German term 'Sommersonnenwende' directly translates to 'summer sun turning'.
Answer: True
This is correct. 'Sommersonnenwende' is the German term for the summer solstice, and its literal translation accurately reflects the astronomical event of the sun reaching its highest point and beginning its apparent descent.
During Danish 'Sankthansaften', bonfires are lit with the prevailing belief that they:
Answer: Repel witches traveling to the Brocken mountain.
A traditional belief associated with Danish Midsummer Eve ('Sankthansaften') is that the bonfires serve to ward off witches who were thought to be traveling to the Brocken mountain on this night.
Which of these represents a key tradition during the Finnish Midsummer celebration ('Juhannus')?
Answer: Decorating homes with birch branches.
Decorating homes and surroundings with birch branches is a characteristic and widespread custom during the Finnish Midsummer festival ('Juhannus').
The Nuremberg town council's 1653 decree against 'sonnenwendt' celebrations cited concerns primarily related to:
Answer: Pagan practices and fire hazards.
The Nuremberg council's 1653 order explicitly prohibited 'sonnenwendt' celebrations due to their classification as 'old heathen use' (pagan practices) and the associated risks of fire.
Which country celebrates Midsummer as 'Jāņi' or 'Līgo svētki' and considers it their most popular national festival?
Answer: Latvia
Latvia celebrates Midsummer as 'Jāņi' or 'Līgo svētki', and it is widely regarded as the nation's most popular and cherished festival, often exceeding the popularity of Christmas.
What is a key pagan-rooted tradition observed during Lithuanian 'Joninės', involving a search for a mythical element?
Answer: Searching for the mythical fern blossom at midnight.
A central element of Lithuanian 'Joninės', rooted in pagan folklore, is the quest for the elusive fern blossom, which is said to bloom only at midnight on Midsummer's Eve.
In Norway, the Midsummer celebration 'Sankthansaften' is also known by what alternative name?
Answer: Jonsok
The Norwegian Midsummer celebration, 'Sankthansaften', is also commonly referred to as 'Jonsok', derived from 'John's wake', referencing Saint John the Baptist.
In Sweden, the tradition of decorating with greenery, known as 'att maja', is believed by some scholars to be the etymological origin of which central Midsummer element?
Answer: The maypole ('majstång')
The practice of decorating with greenery, termed 'att maja' in Swedish, is theorized by some to be the origin of the name for the maypole ('majstång'), a central feature of Swedish Midsummer celebrations.
What was the historical function of Midsummer Day (June 24th) in England concerning financial and legal matters?
Answer: One of the traditional quarter days for financial settlements.
Historically, Midsummer Day, June 24th, served as one of the four 'quarter days' in England, serving as a significant date for settling accounts, paying rent, and managing lease agreements.
Which of the following is a characteristic traditional element of Latvian Midsummer ('Jāņi')?
Answer: Eating 'Jāņi cheese'.
The consumption of 'Jāņi cheese' is a distinctive and integral culinary tradition associated with the Latvian Midsummer festival.
The German term 'Sommersonnenwende' directly corresponds to which astronomical event?
Answer: The Summer Solstice
'Sommersonnenwende' is the German term for the summer solstice, signifying the point in the year when the sun reaches its northernmost position relative to the plane of the ecliptic.
In the ancient Roman calendar, the summer solstice was notably linked to the festival of Saturnalia.
Answer: False
This is incorrect. While Saturnalia was a significant Roman festival, it was celebrated in December. The summer solstice in ancient Rome was associated with the festival of Fors Fortuna, observed around June 24th.
In Albania, ashes derived from ritual Midsummer fires are customarily thrown onto fields to invoke good fortune.
Answer: False
The practice described is accurate, but the intention is to ward off bad luck, not necessarily to invoke good fortune directly, although the two are often intertwined in folk beliefs. The ashes are scattered on fields for protective purposes.
The Wachau Valley in Austria observes its Midsummer celebration with a notable procession of boats along the Rhine River.
Answer: False
The Midsummer celebration in Austria's Wachau Valley involves a procession of ships, but it takes place on the Danube River, not the Rhine.
The Bulgarian Midsummer celebration, known as 'Enyovden', is associated with folklore concerning the sun's 'winking' and the peak healing properties of herbs.
Answer: True
This is correct. 'Enyovden' in Bulgaria is linked to specific folklore, including beliefs about the sun's behavior at sunrise and the heightened efficacy of medicinal herbs on this day.
The French 'Fête de la Saint-Jean' involves bonfires, which are sometimes referred to as 'chavande' in the Vosges region.
Answer: True
This statement is correct. The French 'Fête de la Saint-Jean' traditionally includes bonfires, and the term 'chavande' is indeed used for these fires in the Vosges region.
The Greek Midsummer celebration 'Klidonas' involves rituals through which unmarried girls discover potential romantic partners.
Answer: True
This is accurate. 'Klidonas' in Greece is associated with divination practices, particularly for young women seeking insight into their future marriages.
In Hungary, 'Szentivánéj' traditions are focused exclusively on lighting fires for purification purposes.
Answer: False
While fire-jumping is a component of Hungarian 'Szentivánéj' traditions, the celebrations encompass broader folk customs, including fairs and rituals related to marriage and fertility, not solely purification fires.
The Polish festival 'Wianki' translates to 'bonfires' and is predominantly celebrated in Warsaw.
Answer: False
The Polish festival 'Wianki' translates to 'wreaths', not 'bonfires'. While celebrated in various locations, Krakow is particularly known for its 'Wianki' festival.
In Portugal, Midsummer festivities ('Santos Populares') honor Saint John the Baptist and feature traditional foods such as grilled sardines.
Answer: True
This is accurate. Portugal's 'Santos Populares' celebrations, particularly around Saint John's Day (June 24th), incorporate honoring the saint, decorating streets, and enjoying traditional foods like grilled sardines.
Romanian Midsummer celebrations, known as 'Drăgaica', are primarily focused on agricultural harvest rituals.
Answer: False
Romanian Midsummer celebrations, 'Drăgaica' or 'Sânziene', are centered around specific ritual dances performed by young women and associated Midsummer fairs, rather than primarily agricultural harvest rites.
Russian Ivan Kupala Day, celebrated on July 7th, possesses pagan origins involving water and fertility rituals.
Answer: True
This statement is correct. Ivan Kupala Day in Russia has deep roots in pre-Christian Slavic traditions focused on water, fire, and fertility rites.
In Spain, 'San Juan' celebrations on June 23rd traditionally involve the collection of herbs believed to possess special properties.
Answer: True
This is accurate. In Spain, 'San Juan' festivities often include the tradition of collecting herbs on St. John's Eve, with the belief that their medicinal or magical properties are enhanced at this time.
Ukrainian Ivan Kupala Day traditions are solely Christian observances honoring Saint John the Baptist.
Answer: False
While named after Saint John the Baptist, Ukrainian Ivan Kupala Day retains significant pagan roots, incorporating fertility rites and water rituals that predate Christianization, indicating a syncretic blend rather than solely Christian observance.
In Greece, 'Klidonas' is a celebration primarily focused on harvest blessings.
Answer: False
'Klidonas' in Greece is associated with divination and rituals for unmarried girls seeking knowledge about future partners, and communal bonfires, rather than being primarily focused on harvest blessings.
The 'Fête de la Musique' in France is a Midsummer tradition characterized by bonfires and dancing.
Answer: False
The 'Fête de la Musique', celebrated on June 21st, is a festival dedicated to music, encouraging public performances. While it occurs around the Midsummer period, it is distinct from the traditional Midsummer celebrations involving bonfires and dancing, such as the 'Fête de la Saint-Jean'.
In Galicia, Spain, women traditionally collect plants on St. John's Eve, believing their potency is enhanced when dipped in dew.
Answer: True
This practice is documented in Galicia, where women gather medicinal herbs on St. John's Eve, believing their efficacy is amplified by the dew or by being dipped in water from specific sources.
Within the ancient Roman context, which festival was associated with the summer solstice, often involving gatherings by the Tiber River?
Answer: Fors Fortuna
The festival of Fors Fortuna, observed around the summer solstice, involved rituals and gatherings by the Tiber River in ancient Rome, including processions in boats.
In Albania, what is the customary practice involving the ashes from ritual Midsummer fires?
Answer: They are scattered on fields for good luck.
Albanian Midsummer traditions include scattering the ashes from ritual fires onto fields, a practice believed to bestow good fortune and protection for the crops.
The Midsummer celebration observed in Austria's Wachau Valley features a procession of ships on which significant river?
Answer: The Danube
The notable Midsummer solstice celebration in Austria's Wachau Valley involves a procession of illuminated ships navigating the waters of the Danube River.
What is the name of the Bulgarian Midsummer celebration, and what distinctive ritual is associated with it?
Answer: Enyovden; Nestinarstvo (firewalking dance)
The Bulgarian Midsummer celebration is called 'Enyovden'. A particularly striking ritual associated with it is 'Nestinarstvo', a firewalking dance performed on hot embers.
What is the etymological meaning of the Greek Midsummer celebration name, 'Klidonas'?
Answer: Sign or Oracle
The Greek term 'Klidonas', used for the Midsummer celebration, translates to 'sign' or 'oracle', reflecting its association with divination practices.
In Hungary, the month of June was historically known by what name, reflecting its connection to Midsummer traditions?
Answer: Month of Saint Ivan
Historically, the month of June in Hungary was referred to as the 'Month of Saint Ivan' (Szentiván), acknowledging the significance of Saint John's Day (Szentivánéj) within the Midsummer period.
The 'Wianki' festival, associated with Midsummer traditions in Poland, translates etymologically to:
Answer: Wreaths
The Polish term 'Wianki' directly translates to 'wreaths', referring to the flower wreaths that are a traditional element of the Midsummer celebrations, particularly when floated on water.
Which of the following is a characteristic element of Portuguese 'Santos Populares' during the Midsummer period?
Answer: Decorating streets and eating grilled sardines.
Portuguese 'Santos Populares' festivities, including those honoring Saint John the Baptist around Midsummer, prominently feature street decorations and the consumption of traditional foods like grilled sardines.
What is the primary focus of the Romanian Midsummer celebration 'Drăgaica', according to the provided source?
Answer: A ritual dance performed by young girls and Midsummer fairs.
Romanian 'Drăgaica' celebrations are centered around a specific ritual dance involving young women and are accompanied by traditional Midsummer fairs, rather than focusing on astronomical measurements or other activities.
The Russian holiday 'Ivan Kupala Day', observed on July 7th, derives its origins from:
Answer: Pagan rituals related to water and fertility.
Ivan Kupala Day in Russia is recognized as having deep roots in pre-Christian Slavic pagan traditions, particularly those associated with water, fire, and fertility rites.
What specific traditional food is commonly consumed during the 'San Juan' celebration in Spain?
Answer: Coca de Sant Joan
A characteristic culinary item during the Spanish 'San Juan' festivities is 'Coca de Sant Joan', a type of sweet bread or cake.
What aspect of Ukrainian Ivan Kupala Day traditions exemplifies the blending of pagan and Christian influences?
Answer: The naming of the holiday after St. John while retaining fertility rites.
Ukrainian Ivan Kupala Day demonstrates syncretism by adopting the name of Saint John the Baptist while preserving ancient pagan fertility rites and water rituals, integrating them into a Christianized framework.
In Brazil, Midsummer celebrations such as 'Festa Junina' occur during the country's summer season.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. 'Festa Junina' in Brazil takes place in June, which corresponds to the Southern Hemisphere's winter season, not summer.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Canada is primarily recognized as a secular holiday for English Canadians.
Answer: False
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a significant cultural holiday, particularly in Quebec, and is primarily celebrated as a secular national holiday for French Canadians, not English Canadians.
The 'Midnight Sun Game' in Alaska is classified as a winter sporting event.
Answer: False
The 'Midnight Sun Game' is an annual baseball tradition held in Fairbanks, Alaska, during the Midsummer period, taking advantage of the extended daylight, and is therefore not a winter sporting event.
Swedish-American communities in the United States primarily celebrate Midsummer through indoor religious services.
Answer: False
Swedish-American communities typically celebrate Midsummer with traditions such as raising and dancing around a maypole, folk dancing, and feasting, often outdoors, rather than primarily through indoor religious services.
The Brazilian 'Festa Junina' is celebrated in June, aligning temporally with the Northern Hemisphere's Midsummer period.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. 'Festa Junina' occurs in June, which is the same calendar month as the Northern Hemisphere's Midsummer, although it falls during the winter season in Brazil.
The 'Midnight Sun Game' in Fairbanks, Alaska, is played under floodlights to accommodate the late hour of the event.
Answer: False
The 'Midnight Sun Game' is notable precisely because it is played at a late hour (starting 10:30 PM) without the need for artificial lighting, utilizing the extended daylight of the Alaskan summer solstice period.
How do Brazilians adapt Midsummer traditions, given that June falls within their winter season?
Answer: By celebrating 'Festa Junina' with rural themes and honoring Saint John.
Brazilians celebrate 'Festa Junina' throughout June. These festivities, adapted from European Midsummer customs, incorporate rural themes, honor Saint John the Baptist, and feature traditional dances and foods, despite occurring during the Southern Hemisphere's winter.
In Canada, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day has evolved into a significant secular holiday primarily for which demographic group?
Answer: French Canadians
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a major cultural observance in Canada, particularly in Quebec, where it functions as a significant secular national holiday primarily for the French Canadian population.
The 'Midnight Sun Game' in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a baseball event distinguished by being played:
Answer: At 10:30 PM without artificial lights.
The 'Midnight Sun Game' is renowned for commencing at 10:30 PM and continuing past midnight without artificial illumination, leveraging the extended daylight hours characteristic of Alaska's Midsummer period.
In Neo-Druidism, the summer solstice observance is referred to as 'Alban Hefin'.
Answer: True
This is accurate. 'Alban Hefin' is the term used within Neo-Druidic traditions to denote the summer solstice celebration.
The 'Wheel of the Year' in Neopaganism encompasses eight festivals marking astronomical events and cross-quarter days.
Answer: True
This is correct. The 'Wheel of the Year' is a fundamental concept in many Neopagan traditions, structuring the annual cycle around eight major festivals that correspond to the solstices, equinoxes, and the cross-quarter days between them.
The 'Great Rite' in Wicca is a ritual specifically performed during Midsummer to symbolize the sun's peak.
Answer: False
While the 'Great Rite' is a significant Wiccan ritual symbolizing divine union and fertility, it is not exclusively performed during Midsummer. Midsummer celebrations in Wicca often focus on the peak of the sun and fertility, but the 'Great Rite' itself can be performed at various times.
The 'Wheel of the Year' is a concept utilized in Neopaganism to delineate eight festivals, including Midsummer.
Answer: True
This is correct. The 'Wheel of the Year' is a central framework in many Neopagan traditions, structuring the annual cycle around eight key festivals, with Midsummer (Summer Solstice) being one of the most significant points.
What is the designation for the Midsummer observance within Germanic Neopagan traditions?
Answer: Litha
Within Germanic Neopaganism, the Midsummer celebration is often referred to as 'Litha', a term derived from Bede's historical description of the Anglo-Saxon months corresponding to June and July.
What is the primary function of the 'Wheel of the Year' concept within Neopaganism?
Answer: To represent the cycle of eight seasonal festivals.
The 'Wheel of the Year' serves as a calendrical framework in Neopaganism, organizing the annual cycle into eight major festivals that correspond to the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days.