Time to celebrate the Summer Solstice

Royalty-Free photo: Photo at Stonehenge | PickPik


I was interested to see that English Heritage are live streaming the summer solstice from Stonehenge this evening. National media coverage is persuading people not to head down the A303 to the prehistoric monument due to the pandemic. Folk will have to celebrate the summer solstice this year from the comfort of their own home.

Not that I have attended the solstice, but I have been to Stonehenge a few times. But I am tempted to celebrate the solstice and watch the live streaming this evening.  At least I won't have to worry about the weather. Traditionally, the summer solstice period fell between the planting and harvesting of crops, leaving people who worked the land time to relax. I've been in the garden this afternoon and I will be supping a glass of wine later, so I a suppose I qualify. Although it is signalling the steady start of shorter days as we head slowly towards winter. Best get my thermals out then.

I was quite interested in where the term 'solstice' comes from. Of course its origins are Latin, from the word 'solstitium', meaning 'sun standing still'. Seems logical I suppose. Then why is Stonehenge a focal point? Apparently it is a popular place for Pagans to celebrate because it aligns to the solstices. The rising sun only reaches the middle of the stones one day of the year when it shines on the central altar. Not bad for a pile of stones put together as a monument between  3,000 B.C. and 1,600 B.C.  Although Stonehenge's exact purpose still remains a mystery. Perhaps that is part of its attraction. Why ever it was built or used for, it is still one of Britain's main tourist attractions. And although I live over 300 miles away, this evening I will be able to celebrate the solstice for the first time. Cheers!

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