The Summer Solstice is coming up this weekend, and I personally can’t wait. My sister and I are heading out on a kid-free camping trip (is that even legal? I feel like we’re breaking some kind of law), and I’m beyond ready for some quiet, quality sister time.
This trip has reminded me just how lucky I am to have her in my life. We’re definitely two sides of the same coin, but our differences have brought something beautiful to our relationship and to the way we both connect with the world around us. We were raised in the same faith but have each grown into our own spiritual practices, which got me thinking about how others celebrate the Summer Solstice.
For some, it’s simply a seasonal marker the longest day of the year. For others, it’s rich with tradition, ritual, and connection to something greater. I ended up going down a bit of a rabbit hole (as one does) and wanted to share a few things I learned about this sun-soaked day.
A Little History
Neolithic Era
Ancient people used the solstice to track crop cycles. In parts of Europe, they’d light bonfires to “boost” the sun’s power and bring a healthy harvest. These gatherings often included rituals and feasts a celebration of life, light, and the earth’s rhythms.
Stonehenge
This famous prehistoric monument in England is thought to be aligned with the summer solstice sunrise. On that morning, the sun rises directly behind the Heel Stone. Even today, thousands gather to witness the event. While I’d love to see it in person one day, I might skip the crowd and stream it from the English Heritage YouTube channel at our campsite if we have service! If not, it’s definitely going on my calendar for next year.
Other Global Traditions
- Native American tribes, like the Sioux, honored the solstice with sun dances around a central tree, using symbolic colors.
- The Mayans and Aztecs built temples designed to align with solstice shadows.
- In Nordic regions, long days were used for productivity: hunting, raiding, and settling disputes.
- Early Christians layered St. John’s Day onto existing solstice celebrations.
- Pre- Christian pagan customs include jumping over bonfires, once thought to keep demons away and bless lovers.
Solstice Today
Modern celebrations still carry that spirit of connection.
In Scandinavia, it’s all about flower crowns, maypoles, and feasts. In India, yoga sessions mark the solstice it even shares a date with International Yoga Day. And in places like Fairbanks, Alaska, the sun barely sets. They celebrate with midnight baseball games (which, as a baseball lover, I might just brave the crowds for one day!).
This weekend, I’ve borrowed a little from everywhere. My sister and I plan to light a bonfire, make some flower crowns, and greet the morning sun with a beach yoga session. She’s also infused some whiskey for us to sip under the stars because, of course she did.
Wishing you light, joy, and just enough sunburn to make it memorable. Happy Solstice.
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