Sun Standing Still
/The summer solstice marks the official first day of summer. On this day, the northern hemisphere is tilted most towards the sun, the sun is highest in the sky, and we enjoy the longest day of sunlight. These characteristics are the reason why, in Latin, the word solstice means ‘sun standing still’, a suggestion that the sun pauses as it reaches its most extreme height. This day also marks the point when days begin to shorten but lets not focus on that – we in the northern hemisphere only have so much time to enjoy the warmth of summer.
I have not been able to find when celebrating the summer solstice became a thing, but in 240 B.C., the Greek astronomer Eratosthenes made the first good measurement of the size of Earth by noting the angles of shadows in two cities on the Summer Solstice. So, the idea of the Summer Solstice has been around for quite some time!
In ancient times, the summer solstice was a marker to figure out when to plant and harvest crops and helped to predict annual flooding. It was also used to mark the 1-month countdown to the Olympic Games. On the other hand, Pagan folklore believed evil spirits would appear on the summer solstice, and people would wear protective garlands of herbs and flowers to protect themselves from evil spirits. Other summer solstice traditions hold that the ashes from a Midsummer bonfire can protect one from misfortune or that the ashes—when spread across one’s garden—will bring a bountiful harvest.
Many ancient cultures held festivities and celebrations on the Summer Solstice (Midsummer):
Kronia, a festival celebrating Cronus, the god of agriculture, was also held around this time. The Greeks’ strict social code was temporarily turned on its head during Kronia, with slaves participating in the merriment as equals or even being served by their masters.
In the days leading up to the summer solstice, the ancient Romans celebrated Vestalia, a religious festival in honor of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. During Vestalia, married women could enter the temple of Vesta and leave offerings to the goddess in exchange for blessings for their families.
In ancient China, the summer solstice was associated with “yin,” the feminine force. Festivities celebrated Earth, femininity, and the “yin” force.
Before Christianity, ancient Northern and Central European pagans (including Germanic, Celtic and Slavic groups) welcomed Midsummer with bonfires. It was thought that bonfires would boost the sun’s energy for the rest of the growing season and guarantee a good harvest for the fall.
Midsummer was a crucial time of year for the Vikings, who would meet to discuss legal matters and resolve disputes around the summer solstice.
Many Native American tribes took part in solstice rituals, some of which are still practiced today. The Sioux, for instance, performed a ceremonial sun dance around a tree while wearing symbolic colors.
Today, cultures around the world still celebrate Midsummer, from hosting bonfires to wearing garlands in their hair and dancing at a festival or heading to an archeological site (Stone Hedge) to watch the sun rise between massive stones. I don’t know about you but since learning about the history of the Solstice I want to celebrate it meanings.
Here is a website to give you some more ideas on how you can celebrate the Solstice this year: 5 amazing ways to celebrate the summer solstice | Wanderlust
