Solstice celebrations have been a significant part of human culture for thousands of years. These festivities mark the changing of the seasons, particularly the summer and winter solstices. The summer solstice, also known as Midsummer, occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the point when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the day is the longest of the year. Many cultures around the world, such as the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Celts, celebrated this event with feasts, bonfires, and various rituals. In modern times, summer solstice celebrations continue in different forms.
The rules have been tightened over the decades, certainly during the coronavirus pandemic. Back in the less-restrained past, tens of thousands would travel by foot, car, bus or motorcycle to worship at the solar temple, or just have a bit of fun.
It s a symbol of British culture and history and remains one of the country s biggest tourist draws, despite the seemingly permanent traffic jams on the nearby A303 highway, a popular route for motorists traveling to and from the southwest of England. For druids, modern-day spiritualists linked to the ancient Celtic religious order, Stonehenge has a centuries-long importance, and they will be there to perform dawn rituals around the solstice in their traditional white robes.
In modern times, summer solstice celebrations continue in different forms. For instance, in Scandinavia, where the summer solstice is known as Midsummer, people gather to dance around maypoles adorned with flowers and ribbons. It is also common to sing traditional songs and enjoy traditional food and drink.
Summer solstice brings druids, pagans and thousands of curious people to Stonehenge
Members of the Happy Seal Yoga class practice on Cayton Bay in Scarborough as the sun rises to celebrate the Summer Solstice, Wednesday June 21, 2023.
LONDON — All hail the rising sun.
A seemingly curious alliance of druids, pagans, hippies, local residents and tourists gathered around a prehistoric stone circle on a plain in southern England to express their devotion to the sun, or to have some communal fun.
They stayed and celebrated at Stonehenge for the night and greeted sunrise on Wednesday, which will be the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
All over the U.K., optimism will reign supreme as summer officially starts. It's no coincidence that the nearby Glastonbury Festival, one of the world's biggest music events, opens its doors on Wednesday, too. Both Stonehenge and Glastonbury supposedly lie on ley lines — mystical energy connections across the U.K.
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For the thousands making the pilgrimage to Stonehenge, approximately 80 miles (128 kilometers) southwest of London, it is more than looking forward to Elton John at Glastonbury or a few ciders in the sun.
For druids, modern-day spiritualists linked to the ancient Celtic religious order, Stonehenge has a centuries-long importance, and they will be there to perform dawn rituals around the solstice in their traditional white robes. It's effectively all about the cycle of life, of death and rebirth.
This year, the summer solstice at Stonehenge started at 7 p.m. Tuesday and ran through 8 a.m. Wednesday. For this one night, worshippers are allowed to spend time inside the stone circle. Others chant or play their acoustic guitars. Alcohol is prohibited, as are sound systems. Bring a blanket, but no sleeping bags, please. And definitely, no climbing on the stones.
The rules have been tightened over the decades, certainly during the coronavirus pandemic. Back in the less-restrained past, tens of thousands would travel by foot, car, bus or motorcycle to worship at the solar temple, or just have a bit of fun.
It's a symbol of British culture and history and remains one of the country's biggest tourist draws, despite the seemingly permanent traffic jams on the nearby A303 highway, a popular route for motorists traveling to and from the southwest of England.
People gather during sunrise as they take part in the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Andrew Matthews/AP hide caption
toggle caption Andrew Matthews/APPeople gather during sunrise as they take part in the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
Stonehenge, one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments and a World Heritage Site, was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
The site's meaning has been the subject of vigorous debate, with some theories seemingly more outlandish, if not alien, than others.
English Heritage, a charity that manages hundreds of historic sites, notes several explanations — from Stonehenge being a coronation place for Danish kings, a druid temple, a cult center for healing, or an astronomical computer for predicting eclipses and solar events.
The charity said the most generally accepted interpretation "is that of a prehistoric temple aligned with the movements of the sun."
After all, the stones match perfectly with the sun at both the summer and winter solstices. On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the northeast part of the horizon and its first rays shine into the heart of the stone circle. When the sky is clear, those rays are a triumphant spectacle to behold.
It's a symbol of British culture and history and remains one of the country's biggest tourist draws, despite the seemingly permanent traffic jams on the nearby A303 highway, a popular route for motorists traveling to and from the southwest of England.
In other countries, such as the United States, festivals and gatherings are organized to celebrate the summer solstice with music, dancing, and outdoor activities. The winter solstice, also known as Yule, takes place around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and represents the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Winter solstice celebrations have been observed by various cultures throughout history. For example, the ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival honoring the god Saturn, during this time. Additionally, Germanic and Norse peoples celebrated Yule with feasting, drinking, and gift-giving. In modern times, the winter solstice is still celebrated in many parts of the world. In some cultures, such as those influenced by the ancient Celts, people light bonfires and candles to symbolize the return of light and warmth. Others may decorate trees or have festive meals with loved ones. These celebrations often incorporate elements from different traditions and have become important holidays in many cultures, such as Christmas. Overall, solstice celebrations are deeply rooted in human history and culture. These events serve as a reminder of our connection to the natural world and the cyclical nature of life. Whether it is through dancing around maypoles or gathering with loved ones, solstice celebrations bring people together to honor and embrace the changing seasons..
Reviews for "Solstice Celebrations as a Way to Connect with Nature"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Solstice Celebrations PSFSN. The event felt disorganized and chaotic. There were long lines for everything and it seemed like the organizers didn't plan enough for the number of attendees. Also, the food options were limited and overpriced. Overall, it was not worth the money or the time spent waiting in line.
2. Mike - 1 star - This was the worst event I have ever attended. The Solstice Celebrations PSFSN was a complete waste of time and money. The entertainment was subpar, the activities were poorly executed, and the overall atmosphere was lackluster. I would not recommend this event to anyone. Save your money and find a better way to celebrate the solstice.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Solstice Celebrations PSFSN, but it fell short of my expectations. The performances were unimpressive and the vendors lacked variety. The event also felt overcrowded and there was a lack of seating areas, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the festivities. I wouldn't attend this event again in the future.
4. Mark - 3 stars - The Solstice Celebrations PSFSN had some potential, but it didn't quite deliver. The organization was average, and while there were a few enjoyable moments, the overall experience was underwhelming. The event could benefit from better coordination and more diverse activities. It was an okay event, but nothing extraordinary.