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June « 2011 « The Polar Museum: news blog

The Polar Museum: news blog

Archive for June, 2011

Midwinter Day Celebrations

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Midwinter is an extremely important event in Antarctica. Whereas it is hopefully hot and sunny in the northern hemisphere, Antarctica has 24-hour darkness. It is the knowledge the sun is on its return that is the real cause for celebration. A hundred years ago today Scott and his men also put on a bit of a spread.

Midwinter

Midwinter Day Dinner 22 June 1911 (Photo: Herbert Ponting)

Midwinter

Midwinter Day Tree 22nd June 1911 (Photo: Herbert Ponting)

It is an important tradition that is carried on to this day. As you can see some things don’t change, namely lots of good food and wine. However smoking is not allowed! The Scott Base mess was being refurbished the year I was there, so we had our dinner in the field store. The crackers were a nod towards Shackleton’s mid-winter celebrations.

Midwinter

Scott Base – Mid Winter Dinner 2007 (Photo: Fiona Cahill)

There are a few more people in Antarctica than in Scott’s day, so Mid Winter greetings are sent to all the bases. Some bases even receive messages from their Heads of State.

Midwinter

A selection of Mid Winter Greetings (Photo: Fiona Cahill)

Midwinter

Scott Base – Mid Winter Greetings (Photo: Fiona Cahill)

It was a very special event, and one I was privileged to take part in. I always think of those long dark Antarctic days at this time of year.

(Images © SPRI/Fiona Cahill)

P.S. The eagle eyed among you may have noticed a bloop in my last blog entry. The image used for Capt Scott’s birthday was in fact the Mid Winter celebration, apologies.