Why is the first day of summer called midsummer's day?

Question

Conversely, why is midsummer's day the first day of summer? (Yes, I know the more accurate term is the summer solstice, but the day is called all of these...)

Answer 1

The first day of summer is also called Midsummer because it comes roughly during the midst of the growing season in Europe.

Midsummer or Litha is listed on the reconstructed Germanic calendar used by some Germanic Neopagans. Litha is one of the eight solar holidays or sabbats of Neopaganism, especially Wicca.

The holiday is considered the turning point at which summer reaches its height and the sun shines longest, but at the same time it is said we are reminded that the days will soon begin to shorten.

Answer 2

I've often wondered that, too. Perhaps because it is midway between the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. Midsummer is actually about 45 days later, climatically.

Answer 3

summer means the period when the daytime is greater then the night time in a day. This period starts in spring and ends up in autumn. Therefore the first day of the summer is in the middle of the summer.