We've all been guilty of complaining about what a disappointing summer its been this year so far, but did you know that summer didn't officially start until today? And as it, happens, the weather is great in our neck of the woods here in the South-East! This year, Thursday 20th June marks the summer solstice, which is the longest day (and shortest night) of the year.
What Happens During the Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice happens when the Earth's tilt is most aligned with the sun, giving us the longest daylight hours of the year. This usually occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. The word "solstice" comes from the Latin words "sol," meaning sun, and "sistere," meaning to stand still, because the sun seems to pause in the sky before reversing its path.
During the solstice, the North Pole is closest to the sun, and the sun's rays hit the Tropic of Cancer directly. This marks the start of summer and has been celebrated for thousands of years by many cultures.
Celebrating the Summer Solstice in the UK
Every year, people with an interest in the traditions of the summer solstice get together to celebrate the event. One of the most famous celebrations happens at Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Built between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, Stonehenge aligns perfectly with the sunrise on the summer solstice. Thousands of people, including pagans, druids, tourists, and locals, gather there each year to watch the sunrise over the Heel Stone, illuminating the centre of the stone circle. It's a time to celebrate nature, heritage, and the changing seasons.
Other historic sites like Avebury and Glastonbury Tor also draw crowds during the solstice. Today, people mark the solstice with festivals, outdoor events, and enjoying the long daylight with picnics, barbecues, and time spent outside.
This year's summer solstice brings an added astronomical extra: the season's first full moon, known as the strawberry moon. Despite its name, the moon won't appear pink or red. The name "strawberry moon" originates from several Indigenous tribes, who observed that this full moon coincided with the strawberry harvest.
Mythology and Beliefs
The summer solstice is rich with myths and beliefs from different cultures. In ancient times, it was seen as a moment when the barrier between the physical and spiritual worlds was thin, making it easier to connect with the divine.
For the Celts, the solstice was a key part of their calendar. They celebrated with bonfires, which were thought to boost the sun's power and ensure a good harvest. The fires also symbolized the victory of light over darkness. Druids, the Celtic priests, considered this day sacred and held rituals to honor the sun god.
In Norse mythology, the solstice was connected to the goddess Sól, who represented the sun. It was a time to celebrate the light and life she brought to the world. The Norse also believed that the solstice was a time when fairies and other supernatural beings were especially active.
Midsummer's Eve, closely tied to the solstice, is another tradition with roots in various European cultures. It's a night linked to magic and supernatural happenings. In Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the play’s whimsical events reflect the mystical qualities associated with this time of year.
Next Week's Forecast
The summer solstice is a wonderful reminder of our connection to nature and its cycles, but hopefully also a change in the weather that we've been waiting for! Next week, temperatures are forecast to rise, with Thursday 27th looking like it may reach 29 degrees in the South-East! Take a look at the full forecast here.
Comments
Post a Comment