6.20.2008
Happy Summer Solstice
Today (and tomorrow) is the celebration of the Summer Solstice
Druids at Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice
Here are some recent quotes on this day from the press, along with some words from those who celebrate the Summer Solstice as a holiday.
"Party in the sun until midnight. That's what revelers around the world will be doing this weekend to mark summer's official start -- the summer solstice. For most of us, a trip to Stonehenge or Scandinavia is not part of the plan. But what better time to invite friends over for a radiant summer soiree than on the longest day of the year?" - Sue Gleiter, The Patriot-News
"Solstice comes from the Latin words sol and stice, and means literally "sun stands still'' because the sun rises and sets at the same point on the horizon for three days. Ancient peoples celebrated it with festivals, bonfires, feasting, singing and maypole dancing." - Jody Feinberg, GateHouse News Service
"A pagan druid ceremony will be held at the top of [Spinnaker Tower] to mark summer solstice. Leading Stonehenge Druid Frank Somers along with about seven others will be dressed in traditional ceremonial outfits to mark the occasion. The ceremony starts with a procession and a calling of the spirits followed by an explanation of the celebration. There will be chanting, singing and drumming as well as horn blowing." - Portsmouth News
"The dawn of the 2008 Summer Solstice approaches with thousands of revellers expected to descend on Wiltshire's sacred stone circle sites. In 2007, 24,000 people celebrated Summer Solstice at Stonehenge and with this years event falling on a Saturday many more are expected to turn out. Sunrise will occur at Stonehenge at 4.58am on June 21 on what is the longest day of the year." - Victoria Ashford, Wiltshire Times
"Celebrate Solstice time with other Pagans -- take part in the Pagan Spirit Gathering or some other Pagan festival happening during June. Keep a Sacred Fire burning throughout the gathering. Stay up all night on Solstice Eve and welcome the rising Sun at dawn. Make a pledge to Mother Earth of something that you will do to improve the environment and then begin carrying it out. Have a magical gift exchange with friends. Burn your Yule wreath in a Summer Solstice bonfire. Exchange songs, chants, and stories with others in person or through the mail. Do ecstatic dancing to drums around a blazing bonfire." - Selena Fox, "Summer Solstice"
A blessed Midsummer to you all!
* Technically speaking, the 2008 Summer Solstice occurs at 23:59 UTC on June 20th. Please check your local time-zone for accurate Solstice timing.
Labels: holidays, Litha, Midsummer, Paganism, Summer Solstice
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