Fast Facts
- Areas near and above the Arctic Circle can experience 24 hours of daylight around the summer solstice, meaning the Sun never fully sets.
- Even though it is the longest day, it is not usually the hottest day of the year. The land and oceans take time to warm up, so the warmest weather often comes later in the summer.
- People have been observing the solstices at Stonehenge for around 5,000 years. around 5,000 years.
- The word "solstice" comes from the Latin words sol meaning "Sun" and sticere "to stand still" because the Sun's path across the sky appears to pause briefly before changing direction.
The summer solstice is an important event that connects people around the world to nature, the Sun, and the changing seasons. Occurring around June 20 or 21, it marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the official beginning of summer. At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere experiences the winter solstice, bringing the shortest day and longest night of the year.
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have marked these seasonal turning points in different ways. Some communities hold festivals, share traditional foods, sing, dance, or gather outdoors with family and friends. In ancient times, many pagan traditions honored the Sun and nature through special ceremonies. Some cultures celebrated deities (gods and goddesses) connected to the Sun, light, fertility, or the harvest. These celebrations expressed gratitude for the natural world and hopes for a successful growing season.
From dancing around a maypole in Sweden, watching a midnight baseball game in Alaska, or picking flowers and having bonfires, people all over the world will be celebrating light and nature this June 21.
Additional Information and Resources:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/summer-solstice
https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-summer-summer-solstice