Rosita Cipolla The Summer Solstice on June 21st celebrates the longest day of the year, marking the beginning of summer. It's a time for reflection, celebration, and connection with nature.
The 21st of June marks the arrival of summer, with the summer solstice being the first day of the season. It’s also the day of the year with the longest daylight hours. From this moment onward, daylight begins to progressively shorten until the winter solstice.
It’s important to remember that June 21st is the summer solstice only in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, this date corresponds to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
At the summer solstice, the sun is directly overhead at its highest point in the sky, along the Tropic of Cancer, at noon. Between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole, the sun never sets, creating a phenomenon known as the midnight sun, where there are 24 hours of daylight. This year, the solstice will occur at 4:41 AM Central European Summer Time (CEST).
Celebrating the solstice
The Summer Solstice has long been associated with themes of rebirth and new beginnings. In modern times, this day is often a moment to relax and enjoy a vacation, as we embrace the start of summer.
Historically, however, the solstice held far deeper significance, with rituals tied to the agricultural cycle and nature’s rhythm. The period between June 21st and June 24th is considered the best time to gather wild herbs and medicinal plants, particularly lemon balm and St. John’s Wort (hypericum). In many regions of Italy, this time of year sees the preparation of St. John’s Wort oil and nocino (a walnut-based liqueur).
Internationally, Stonehenge stands as the focal point of the summer solstice, where thousands of people gather each year to await the dawn of the longest day. The gathering echoes the ancient practices of druids, witches, and warriors, who greeted the sun with reverence and ceremony.
Rituals and festivities
There are countless ways to celebrate the summer solstice. Since this day coincides with International Yoga Day, a beautiful tradition is to practice the Sun Salutation both in the morning and evening. This serves as a symbol of well-being and as an auspicious start to this special day.
As the evening sets on the solstice, don’t miss the chance to admire the sky after sunset. Often, this is the perfect time to witness a full moon, be enchanted by shooting stars, or embark on a quest to spot constellations and planets.
In various Italian regions, the solstice evening is a perfect opportunity for musical and theatrical performances. Local traditions are brought to life, adding a cultural layer to the festivities.
The deeper meaning of the summer solstice
The summer solstice is more than just a celestial event; it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Metaphorically, it is a day where good triumphs over evil. The wild herbs and medicinal plants gathered during this time are said to absorb positive energy. Tradition holds that one can expose a jug of water, stones, and crystals to the light of the moon during the solstice night to recharge them with this life-giving energy.
Between the solstice and St. John’s Night, Italy’s regional traditions often include bonfires around which people gather. These fires symbolize the release of worries from the first half of the year, offer blessings for the upcoming harvest, and provide a night filled with music and joy.
Even if you won’t be able to celebrate the solstice at Stonehenge, you can still connect with the traditions of your own region. This special day can be made even more meaningful by gathering wild herbs, joining in local music and dance, or practicing yoga and meditation.
