Midsummer is the religious celebration held at the summer solstice. This feast usually falls around June 20-21. Midsummer-related holidays, traditions and celebrations are found in all the Germanic countries of Northern Europe. Midsummer's eve is considered the second greatest festival of the Germanic holy year, comparable only to the 12 days of Yule. Great roaring Bonfires, speeches, songs, and dancing are most traditional. There is even a maypole. Rich foods and drinks are consumed during this celebration. You would see possibly a tankard like this one would be filled with mead or ale. This tankard is made from all natural horn and stained a butterscotch color. Four narrow connecting bands are carved around the center. The flat bottom is also constructed from horn as well as the handle. Let this beauty tag along the next time you find yourself at a Viking celebration or re-enactment. Please wash with a gentle detergent and polish with vegetable oil to keep it from drying out. And from time to time you will want to use beeswax to coat the inside to keep from cracking and the inside drying out. Natural imperfections may be visible on this item. Please remember this is a natural item and each piece is unique.
