Summer Solstice: A Celebration Of Different Nations Of The World

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

The solstice is an astronomical event characterized by the passage of the center of the Sun through the point of the ecliptic farthest from the equator of the celestial sphere. Today we have equipment with which you can monitor the process; there are specialists whose qualifications allow making observations, measurements and conclusions; and in our languages there are words with which people can describe the phenomenon.

It is difficult to say how our ancestors managed to discover and comprehend such complex secrets, but the fact remains: the summer solstice holiday was known to many peoples of the world, and was celebrated at about the same time. Of course, every nation has unique traditions. But when it comes to celebrating the summer solstice, there are many similarities. Since ancient times, many peoples have revered the gods of fertility on this day, performed rituals to protect their relatives, turned to higher powers with requests for harvest, offspring of livestock, health. In different parts of the world, ancient traditions are still alive today. With the advent of Christianity, a lot has changed, and in our country even the date has been shifted. However, people still cherish the memory of the culture, beliefs and customs of their ancestors. This is probably due to the fact that the holiday has been loved and important since ancient times, and therefore even the new faith could not completely erase it from the people's memory. Let's take a look at how different peoples of the world celebrate the summer solstice.

Kupala night, Russia

Today in our country, mass festivities are usually held on July 7 - on the day of Ivan Kupala. The holiday has long acquired Christian features, it is considered the birthday of John the Baptist, and the word “Kupala” itself is associated with the baptismal font by most people today. However, the official representatives of the clergy remind: the holiday has nothing to do with Christianity.

This is indeed the case. Since ancient times, long before the Baptism of Rus, our pagan ancestors glorified Yarila and Kupala. On the shortest night of the year, the Slavs of Russia thanked Mother Earth for their generosity, collected medicinal herbs in the forests and fields, divined, drank antimony and had fun. It was believed that fire, water, and all the gifts of nature on this night have magical powers. However, one should not forget that the border between the worlds is thinned, and therefore evil spirits can easily penetrate into the obvious world from their naval dungeon. The Kupala night was usually celebrated on the night of June 21, although in some regions the date could shift slightly - by 2-3 days. Why is there a confusion with the dates, and today many consider the "correct" date to be July 7th? It's all about the difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars.

Sunrise at Stonehenge

For many people, this is one of the most coveted places in the world to celebrate the summer solstice. It sits on top of the Neolithic structures at Stonehenge in the UK. An ingeniously designed construction allows you to enjoy the spectacle: the sunrise at this time of the year perfectly matches the circle carved in one of the stones.

Theories of the origin of Stonehenge vary, but here, on the solstice, both mystic seekers and history buffs gather to witness an architectural wonder, built, as some say, to worship the deities of the Earth and the Sun.

Stonehenge is one of the main ancient mysteries that researchers still cannot explain.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Another miracle of ancient architecture is the Chichen Itza pyramids on the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula. This is a great place to celebrate the longest day of the year. Thanks to its special design and shape, a unique phenomenon can be observed here twice a year: the central pyramid of El Castillo bathes in pure sunlight on one side and in full shade on the other.

Thousands of spectators come from afar to celebrate the solstice, admiring this incredible sight in which the pyramid appears to be cut in two. Among them are Christians and those who preserve the pagan beliefs of pre-Colombian America.

Johannus, Finland

If you've survived a merciless winter away from the warmth of the equator, you will understand why countries with cold climates really enjoy the summer solstice.

Scandinavians celebrate one of their main holidays in the early 20th of June. In Finland this day is called Juhannus or Midsummer.

Friends and families gather at cottages in the countryside for fishing, boating, relaxing in the saunas and lighting bonfires. This holiday is also a popular day for marriage. And those who have not yet met their love, on this night perform special rituals and sing ancient songs in order to quickly find their happiness.

Midnight Sun Festival, Fairbanks, Alaska

Located less than 250 km south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the United States to celebrate the summer solstice. In May, the land is often still covered with snow, but at the end of June, the locals enjoy short, cool summers.

In Fairbanks, daylight hours at this time of the year lasts as much as 24 hours. And if you ever decide to visit this place in the early 20th of June, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the many activities. The city's famous Midnight Sun Festival lasts day and night.

Austria

High in the mountains for which the beautiful Tyrolean region of Austria is famous, bonfires are lit in the evening, inspired by ancient tribal customs.

Many residents go to the mountains to honor the ancient traditions of their people, have a lot of fun and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views.

Iceland

Reykjavik's partygoers indulge in fun during the solstice celebrations. Usually at this time a huge number of musical events take place in the city.

And those who want to take a break from the bustle of the city go away from the noisy capital. At this time, both Icelanders and guests of the country can visit one of the many excursions to glaciers and ancient historical sites.

Vestalia, Ancient Rome

In the milder climate typical of the Mediterranean, the Romans once praised Vesta, the goddess of the Earth, on this day. During the ancient festival known as Vestalia, Roman women traditionally baked pies with blessed spring water, visited the goddess’s temple, and made offerings to her and her priestesses. During Vestal Week, only women were allowed to enter the temple.

Modern Italians still see the solstice as a time of new beginnings, and the country is alive with celebrations. In Italy these days you can watch the rituals of water and fire, which were performed in ancient times.

Slinnings ballet, Norway

Norwegians celebrate Sankthansaften, a midsummer festival, and they do it with the same enthusiasm as their northern neighbors. On June 23rd every year, people across the country light bonfires, dance around the maypole and participate in other amusements to celebrate the welcome warmth.

The largest bonfire in the country was built in Ålesund on the west coast. As in our country, historically this day in Norway is associated with John the Baptist, although it has much more ancient pagan roots.

Yin Force Celebration, China

In ancient China, the masculine yang and heaven were worshiped at the winter solstice, while the feminine yin and earth were honored on the longest day of the year every June.

To celebrate, women give each other colorful fans and fragrant sachets. In the south of China, on this day, dishes from meat and lychee fruits are prepared, and in the north of the country they eat traditional noodles. The essence of the holiday, as in other parts of the earth, is to greet the sun and thank the earth. And, of course, people have fun, they just rejoice in the warmth and summer.