in the UK, on June 21, 2010 at 11:28 UT
--I'm not exactly sure why the black cat above represents the solstice, but we have our own version of a sleek, black clad, graceful creature with penetrating, bright eyes to offer inspiration...
Sol + stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" + "to stand still." As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky.
As a major celestial event, the Summer Solstice results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. The Northern Hemisphere celebrates in June, but the people on the Southern half of the earth have their longest summer day in December.
Early Celebrations - Awed by the great power of the sun, civilizations have for centuries celebrated the first day of summer otherwise known as the Summer Solstice, Midsummer (see Shakespeare), St. John's Day, or the Wiccan Litha.
The Celts & Slavs celebrated the first day of summer with dancing & bonfires to help increase the sun's energy. The Chinese marked the day by honoring Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light.
Perhaps the most enduring modern ties with Summer Solstice were the Druids' celebration of the day as the "wedding of Heaven and Earth", resulting in the present day belief of a "lucky" wedding in June.
Today, the day is still celebrated around the world - most notably in England at Stonehenge and Avebury, where thousands gather to welcome the sunrise on the Summer Solstice.
11 comments:
"If I were actually with RA, I would prefer it to be the Winter Solstice" she said with a naughty wink!
I'm imaginning Guy in the place of the cat, whishing me a wondeful summer sosltice with that penetrating gaze... *contented sigh*
OML ;)
Ladies, stirring thoughts from the two of you -- the long, cold Winter w/RA along side a cozy fire,,*melt..melt* He can ski while I stoke the fire...err,,,it would be easier if he's actually in the room though. haha
Or nibbling on cheese & sipping wine at Locksley Manor while Sir Guy shows us his etchings...*smolder,smolder*
Whew!...need to turn the AC on high asap....thanks to both of you;)hehe
A panther, indeed. Although, a black cat would be more congenial company on a long Northern winter night....
And the Druids and their cohorts were indeed out at Stonehenge yesterday.
fitzg,
Yes, there was a crowd celebrating at Stonehenge yesterday, although quite how many remember it the next day is anyone's guess judging by the state of some of those waking up the day after the night before! What a mess they left behind for everyone else to clear up after them as well! It's ruining a beautiful historical environment by being trashed in this way every year. For me the summer solstice at Stonehenge should be quietly and thoughtfully experienced and absorbed in peace and quiet, without habitual revellers being stoned out of their heads!
Sue,
My husband and I traipsed around Stonehenge years ago, when it was completely open. And had no urge to carve our initials or drop litter. Sadly,even opening it for the Solstice might not be a good move.
Times change...
Of course, Stonehenge will be one of the top sites on my list when we make the long-planned trip to No England.
I've read how the sun is perfectly aligned between two of the stones for the solstice, but a light-hearted memory that's emblazoned on my mind is the scene, some yrs back, in Chevy Chase's crazy comedy "European Vacation". The father, Chevy, unknowingly backs their car into the first stone...it's only a nudge, but enough to make that stone fall over, with the others following like dominoes. He drives off with his family, blissfully unaware he's just toppled one of the most ancient structures on Earth. The audience howled because the dad had just lectured his children about the significance and importance of the historic site.
Hi RiCrAr, Stonehenge is SW - in Wiltshire, which is a gorgeous county. While there, make time for Salisbury, one of the loveliest cathedrals in the country. And the site of ancient Sarum (see Edward Rutherford, "Sarum" - you've probably already read his books)
Thanks for the travel advice, fitzg. We also have a Salisbury - It's a charming seaside community in Maryland.
Good grief - we lived two years in Washington, and I didn't know that!!
fitzg, Salisbury, MD is a few mi south of Ocean City, MD. Much smaller community than the latter. We've oftened enjoyed the beach, boardwalk at O.C.
My great aunt was in charge of the nursery for many yrs at Walter Reed Hospital in WashDC. I understand it will soon close.
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