For many of us, the Summer Solstice is the greatest day of the year. It marks the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year, which can be a life-affirming event that brings back childhood memories of beach vacations, camping and more.
The Grateful Dead even marked the occasion with a legendary concert in 1989 that will live on in the hearts and minds of deadheads until the end of time.
In addition, here are the top 10 fascinating facts about this special day:
- The Science Behind the Summer Solstice: The Summer Solstice occurs when the tilt of a planet’s semi-axis, in either northern or southern hemispheres, is most inclined toward the Sun.
- The Origin of the World “Solstice:” The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).
- It Doesn’t Always Fall on the Same Date: The Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere ranges in date from June 20 to 22. This occurs in part because of the difference between the Gregorian calendar system, which normally has 365 days, and the tropical year (how long it takes Earth to orbit the Sun once).
- Ancient Greece: According to the Greek calendar, the Summer Solstice was the first day of the year, and included festivals that celebrated the agriculture God Cronus.
- Ancient Egypt: In ancient Egypt, Summer Solstice was also the start of the New Year. The rising of the star Sirius roughly coincided with the Summer Solstice and the annual flooding of the Nile River.
- The Vikings: Nordic seafarers would meet to discuss legal matters and resolve disputes around the Summer Solstice.
- Celebrating with Strawberries: In Sweden, people celebrate the Summer Solstice by eating the first strawberries of the season.
- The Day of Private Reflection: In Northern Ireland, the Summer Solstice serves as the Day of Private Reflection, where people reflect and acknowledge the conflict in the region.
- International Surfing Day: Held each year on the Summer Solstice, International Surfing Day is an unofficial, environmentally conscious holiday that celebrates the sport of surfing, the surfing lifestyle, and the sustainability of ocean resources.
- International Yoga Day: International Yoga Day is also celebrated on the Summer Solstice and is recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
We would be remiss by not pointing out that the foundation for the Summer Solstice centers around planet Earth. As such, the Voice.Earth will be marking this occasion with some special news and offers in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, please visit one of these registrars to secure your new .earth domain.
