William Blake (1786)
Midsummer's Eve (Andrew Patterson)
Midsummer’s Eve is
still a holiday that is celebrated but has been changed by Christianity, like
Halloween and Christmas. It is of pagan origin and consists of people traveling
out into the woods to drink, dance, and play games. In the time of Shakespeare it
was illegal in several areas to participate in the festivities due to it being
viewed pagan even after changing the name to St. John’s eve.
Midsummer’s
Eve was held for fertility and the harvest. Among the events was a maypole
dance. It is still debated on whether or not the maypole is to meant to
symbolize the male member, however it still brings it to mind for some. The
disappearance of two couples in the Midsummer’s night dream and how they are
married the next morning plays into a more literal interpretation of fertility.
The
consumption of alcohol could have similar effects to a love potion. It’s know
that drinking occurred during the holiday even if looked down upon. The potion
may not be ingested but it still causes people to care less about looks and be
more reckless with themselves. Puck’s impression makes more sense to a set of
impaired men who give chase despite it being the middle of night.
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