by Simi Brown

Created on: June 17, 2007

From prehistoric times, the summer solstice has been a joyous event marked by elaborate rituals, bonfires, dancing, and feverent prayer. The word "solstice" literally means "the sun is caused to stand still." On this day, which falls on the 21st of June, the daytime hours are at a maximum in the Northern hemisphere, and the noontime sun reaches it's highest point in the sky.

For the ancient people of pre-historic times located in the northern hemisphere, the solstice heralded the beginning of the harvest months. It was a time of blossoming and warmth that carried them through till the fall. The month of the solstice was also a time for weddings. It was believed among the ancient people that in the month of May the Gods and Goddess's would unite sexually. In order to avoid competing with these deities, any couples would hold off their weddings until the following month.
Many ancient societies throughout the world have had festivals on or around the summer solstice, which is also known as All-couples day, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, Gathering Day, Midsummer, and Vestalia.

Among the Druids, the ancient Celts of Britain, the solstice was a time of transformation. It was believed that this day symbolized a shift in power from the Oak King, god of the waxing year and the Holly King, his twin, god of the waning year. At this time the Oak King fell and the Holly King began his reign which would continue till the Winter Solstice at which point the Oak King would return.
Among the ancient Germanic, Slav and Celtic tribes in Europe the solstice festivities were centered around the man and woman. Couples would jump together through bonfires. As high as these couples would jump that is how high the crops would grow. It was also believed that through power of the fire, unmarried women could inquire about their future husbands.

In ancient Rome they celebrated the festival of Vestelia, which was observed from June 7 - 15, in honor of the Roman Goddess of the hearth, Vesta. On the first day of this festival, the inner sanctum of the Vesta temple which was kept closed the entire year, was opened for married women who came to bring offerings.

Several remains of ancient stone structures that appear to have religious, astronomical purposes can still be found throughout Europe. Perhaps the most famous is Stonehenge, a megalith monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire which was built in three stages between 3000 and 1500 BCE.

With the arrival of Christianity to Europe came the festival of St. John the Baptist which was set as June 24, the alleged date of the saint's birth. Though it was meant as a solemn festival of highest degree completely disconnected from any pagan rites, the day is celebrated around the world with bonfires, dancing, and merrymaking- all of which hints to a pagan connection with the solstice celebration.

In the eastern hemisphere there are also signs of ancient solstice celebrations. Several break away Jewish sects were believed to have worshiped the sun. In ancient Egypt, the solstice celebrated the rise of the Nile river. While in China, the solstice was a time of celebration of the earth and the feminine yin forces.

Sources:
www.religioustolerance.org/summer_sol stice.htm
www.crystalinks.com/summersolstice.html
anci enthistory.about.com/od/sterms/g/Solstice.htm
www.ang lefire.com/sundance

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