In the UK, the summer solstice is on June 21st when the sun is at its maximum elevation and is above the horizon for the longest time in the year. In the southern hemisphere, the date of the event is December 21st.
The word solstice comes from the Latin ‘solstitium’, which means ‘sun standing still’.
The summer solstice is seen by many as a reason to celebrate, with pagans regarding it as a day to venerate and acclaim. Because Midsummer Day is the height of the growing season, pagans believe it has a mystical power. The ancient stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire are significant locations for pagans and non-pagans on Midsummer Day where they gather in large numbers to watch the sun rise over the enigmatic stones.
Throughout the UK, some organizations mark the day with special events, and towns and villages maintain a tradition of marking the day with festivals and bonfires, Maypole dancing and picnics.
summer solstice
the day of the year when the Sun is above the horizon for the longest amount of time, around 21st June in the northern half of the Earth and 21st December in the southern half
