gooseberryhigh | SUMMER SOLSTICE

SUMMER SOLSTICE

Although seniors still have their project presentations to prepare for, the other three years can let loose and celebrate a little. Students make and wear animal or plant masks and leaf garlands, and there’s a massive bonfire by the lake to welcome in summer.

RULES

The celebration begins at 8:00 PM around the docks, and goes until 10:00 PM, when staff will walk students back to their campsites.

There's a massive bonfire, and it's tradition for students to throw their unwanted textbooks, notes, or other things they're done with into the fire. Some students may be reluctant to do so.

Students can wear masks inspired by nature (plants, animals, etc.), but this time there's no anonymity charm to help you blend in.

You can also wear a leaf garland, which is a long scarf of leaves and flowers. Virgins are supposed to have white flowers in their wreaths, but only very traditional wizarding towns and families worry about this dated tradition.

At the end of the night, everyone is given a candle in their house color. The flame burns with magical brightness in purple, green, blue or orange. [Volunteer A] lights their candle first, and uses it to light the candles of the people standing near them. Then they light the candles of those next to them, until everyone's candle is lit. Everyone keeps their candles burning as they walk in single file back to their cabins, singing an old traditional song. The lights of students walking home can be seen all across campus as everyone heads back. Blow out your candle before entering your home (or in this case your cabin) and reflect on the upcoming year.

» the bonfire: The large bonfire has space for dancing, socializing and s'mores. Some students are tossing in old books, photos of exes, and unwanted notes. It's hopefully cathartic.

» the shore and docks: If you want to get a little closer to the water, it's quieter here, and you can even find a bit of privacy.

» truth or dare: There are too many teachers for truth or shot, but there's lots of wide open space and plenty of friends to embarrass.

» the end of the night: The walk back to bed is solemn. What do you hope for the coming year?

» OOC: QUESTIONS, COMMENTS & CONCERNS

SUMMER SOLSTICE

Re: OOC - Questions, comments, concerns!