Summer Solstice Celebration
From LoveToKnow Party
You never know when you might be invited to a summer solstice celebration or decide to host a solstice event of your own.
The Beginning of Summer
Summer solstice takes place every year on either June 20, 21, 22 or 23. The date varies depending on when the sun has reached its maximum elevation. At the solstice, the sun's position on the celestial sphere reaches its greatest distance above the celestial equator, about 23 1/2 degrees of arc. This is when it is directly over the Tropic of Cancer. The longest day of the year, this day in June provides more sunlight in the northern hemisphere than any other day. Winter solstice is its counterpart, taking place on the shortest day of the year, December 21.
Solstice is Latin and means sun stands still. In the northern hemisphere, summer solstice marks the first day of summer. Sometimes summer solstice is referred to as midsummer since this day is about the middle of the growing season in much of Europe.
Europe is not the only geographical region to note the longest day of the year. The Vietnamese call the day Hạ chí which translates to summer solstice. It begins when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 90 degrees and ends when the sun reaches the longitude of 105 degrees.
Solstice at Stonehenge
Druids and other Pagans have gathered at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England at different points in history to celebrate the longest day of the year. Although there were some disturbances about ten years ago, now this ancient site provides a peaceful setting for summer solstice. Many enjoy watching the sun set there.
Neopaganism
Neopaganism is a group of religions which are re-creations of ancient Pagan beliefs. The most common of these is Wicca. Wicca is based loosely on ancient Celtic beliefs and practices. Wiccans take part in eight days of celebration. Four of these are minor sabbats and occur at the two solstices and the two equinoxes. The other are major sabbats. Major sabbats take place approximately halfway between an equinox and solstice. The summer solstice sabbat is often called Midsummer. It is also known as Litha.
Summer Solstice Celebration in the United States
Since Chicago, New York and Minneapolis have many people of Scandinavian origins, taking part in rituals celebrating summer solstice is common. Other regions in the U.S. also host events planned around the longest day. Some include:
- Annual Summer Solstice Booze Cruise in downtown Chicago
- The NYC Swedish Midsummer celebrations in Battery Park, New York City
- The Swedish Sjölunden, run by Concordia College in Minnesota
- Geneva, Illinois hosts a Swedish Day (Svenskarnas Dag) festival on the third Sunday of June
- The Seattle, Washington neighborhood of Fremont puts on a large Summer Solstice Parade and Pageant
- A Solstice Celebration is held on Casper Mountain in Wyoming at Crimson Dawn Park
Hosting a Summer Solstice Celebration
If you are considering a party to mark the beginning of summer, a dinner party or a gathering in your garden might be just what you and your friends need. Cook up some food and mix the drinks. Since it is summer, bring out drinks that are garnished with cucumbers, limes, a sprig of mint or fruit. To make the party even more bright, plan for the following:
- Decorations
- Games
- Tableware
- Music
- Flowers
- Entertainment
- Candles or tiki lights
In addition, you may want to create invitations to send out to your friends. On the invitations include the location where the celebration will be held and a phone number in case people want to RSVP or have questions about the event.
With careful planning, you can have a festive time welcoming summer into your world. You might enjoy the festivities so much that you add summer solstice parties to your calendar every year.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 2,003 times. This page was last modified 02:16, 28 April 2008.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook