It’s known as the longest day of the year,
Summer’s arrived, let’s all cheer!
What is Summer Solstice all about?
We’re here to explain so you’re not in doubt!
What is Summer Solstice?
Thursday 21st June 2018 will be the longest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere and marks the start of the British summer time. It signifies the time Earth’s axis tilts most towards the sun. While it signals the start of British summer time, it also marks the start of days becoming steadily shorter as the slow march towards winter begins. We won’t notice this for a while though as the shortest day of the year isn’t until Thursday 21st December. It will be approximately 8 hours shorter than 21st June!
Why is Stonehenge associated with the Summer Solstice?
Crowds of around 20,000 head to Stonehenge, Wiltshire, to see the sunrise on the longest day. The rising sun only reaches the middle of the stones and shines on the central altar on the longest day of the year. The day marks the ancient middle of summer, midsummer day. Pagans have always believed that midsummer day holds a special power as it was believed to be a time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest, and when fairies are at their most powerful!
What other traditions are there?
Over the centuries, the June solstice has inspired many festivals and midsummer celebrations involving bonfires, picnics, singing, watching the sun rise and Maypole dancing. Many towns and villages across Britain still mark the day. One ritual was the lighting of fires, marking the start of shorter days, although this doesn’t really happen anymore. The idea was that flames would keep the dark away.
Where can I celebrate it?
If you want to avoid the crowds of Stonehenge, head to Avebury stone circle, Britain’s second greatest prehistoric site located about 20 miles from Stonehenge. The National Trust are also running events at various locations nationwide – you can find out more here.
What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!
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