Spring is coming to an end, and people all over the northern hemisphere are preparing for summer. There’s nothing quite like summer, as it offers the best opportunity for people to spend time outdoors. For pagan communities, the start of the season is marked by the summer solstice. On a scientific level, this is the point at which the sun passes through the Earth’s sky on a somewhat curved angle. Long before this scientific data was uncovered, however, people all over the planet were using the solstice as a way of welcoming the warm days of summer.
There are plenty of fascinating facts surrounding the solstice. Take a look at these interesting bits of information and learn a little about how you can celebrate this important celestial event.
Facts About the Solstice
The word solstice comes from the ancient Greek word sol meaning “sun” and stitium, which translates to “standing.” For those watching the skies millennia ago, this was the point of the year when the sun seemed to stop sailing “northward” in the sky and began to “stand” in a position directly above the Earth. Of course, future generations would learn how and why it appeared the sun was acting in this manner. Still, the idea of the solstice marking the start of the summer season was born of a time when people tracked the sun’s movement through observation.
The solstice marks the start of summer, but it also marks the beginning of shorter days on the horizon. The day of the solstice is always the longest day of the calendar year. This means the most daylight on the solstice than at any other point during the year. From that point on, the days will slowly get shorter and shorter. This is hard to notice, as the summer contains the longest and most enjoyable days. Still, the sunlight will become scarcer and scarcer until the arrival of the winter.
Ways To Celebrate the Solstice
The solstice has been celebrated in a variety of ways across human history. For pagans, it is considered something of a holiday. Even those who do not follow any specific pagan teachings might be moved to head outside and welcome the season in a festive way. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the solstice, there are plenty of fun and simple ideas. For one, you definitely need to head outdoors. Simply being outside, surrounded by the beauty and bounty of nature, is enough to start your celebration.
Some people find creating an altar to be a simple and practical way to commemorate this event. You don’t need much for this activity. Simply find a small table and drape it with an appealing, summertime cloth. Place various items on the altar that have a connection with the season: flowers bursting to bloom, fruits ripening on the vine, or anything else that connects the natural bounty of summer with your altar. Light a candle, set it on the altar, and say a prayer for the coming season and all it will bring.
Plant the Future
The world is in a strange position these days. Natural resources are dwindling, and it is important for all people to step up and take action. For the solstice, consider planting a garden. Whether you plant one around your home or in a communal spot in your neighborhood, this is a wonderful way to encourage lush, colorful summers for years to come. If a garden is too much of a commitment, consider organizing a group to plant trees in your area. Encouraging a green future is an easy way to honor the solstice. The solstice marks the beginning of summer. Get outside, stand in nature, and appreciate all this time of year can bring.