The longest day of the year means different things to different cultures. Let’s explore what it means to the world.
When the northern hemisphere is heading towards summer, Earth’s axis tilts the northern side towards the sun. The summer solstice is when the tilt is its most extreme. It’s the longest day of the year and in many cultures heralds the start of summer.
Sunrise at Stonehenge
The ancient monument in Wiltshire is a spiritual centre for pagans and druids. Each year, people gather the night before the solstice to witness the sunrise.
Feast of Sant Joan
This one is actually celebrated on the 23rd with a day off on the 24th. This Catalonian festival honouring the start of summer is a loud, pyrotechnic affair. Every beach and bar in Barcelona will have some kind of party going on.
Midnight sun baseball game
In Fairbanks, Alaska, there is a baseball game held at night on the summer solstice. Because of Alaska’s proximity to the arctic circle, the sun only just dips below the horizon for an hour. What a way to spend a sunny nighttime.
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Held just outside the Canadian capital in indigenous land, this festival is a celebration of the arts and culture of Canada’s First Nations’ people. It’s not just music. It’s multi-disciplinary. Much of it is a powerful free opportunity to learn about indigenous cultures.
Midsummer
You may think of the film set in Sweden, and actually much of the imagery is accurate. Maypoles, flowers and buildings adorned with greenery, it’s a celebration of the bounty of the summer. Tbh the schnapps and skinny dipping tradition sounds like great fun.
Ivan Kupala
Another example of pagan celebrations being integrated into a christian denomination. Slavic nations and people herald the start of summer by collecting herbs and making wreaths from them, as well as bonfires and swimming in rivers.
Prospective student? We want to hear from you! Join the Student Hut Forum and earn £s by taking surveys.
