Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Photo by Hello I'm Nik 🎞 on Unsplash

It is believed by most that ancient civilizations celebrated the Summer Solstice as a way to mark the longest day of the year. Not because they knew it would start getting hotter as the days went on, but because the days would begin to grow shorter and the annual death of the land was on its way.

When our ancestors began farming the land, they quickly learned that they only had a small window of time in which to plant, grow, and harvest enough food to get the clan through the harsh winter months. The more accurate they were, then more food they could accumulate. 

Most modern scholars believe that Stonehenge in England was an enormous observatory that framed the sun on the longest day of the year. It was their sign that they were on the decline of time to tend to their fields. 

Many cultures, such as the ancient Chinese and ancient Romans, celebrated the sacred feminine around this time of year. Goddesses were worshiped in hopes of blessed marriages or to help maintain a girl's virginity. 

The idea of getting married around the summer solstice was due to the fact that many ancient people viewed this time of year as one of great fertility. German couples would jump over bonfires in hopes of securing a successful future, while young women of some Slavic tribes would make wreaths of flowers to float down the river, hoping to be retrieved by a suitable mate.

Image from Witchgarden from Pixabay

There are a few who now think that one of the reasons our ancient ancestors celebrated the solstice was due to the fact that the sun made us feel better. Our bodies gained nutrients from the sun, as well as the soil. We were more active, food was easier to find, and it took less effort to maintain family structures.

Today, most of us celebrate the summer solstice with picnics and family gatherings. We still celebrate the power of the sun on its longest day of the year, knowing that from there, the days will get progressively shorter. We still light bonfires, gather with friends and family and enjoy the warmth of the sun that lingers on into the night. 

Even in our technologically advanced age, we are still the people of the sun.

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© Christine Graves 2020