I just learned that Midsummer’s Day (also St. John’s Day) is always June 24, while the summer solstice falls between June 20 and June 22. This year the summer solstice falls today, June 20, 2022. Now let’s look at some celebrations that occurred around the summer solstice in different cultures throughout history.
Ancient Egypt
You might know that Ra, the sun god, was one of the most important Egyptian deities. The summer solstice marked the Egyptian New Year as it also aligned with the yearly rise of the Nile. If you stand at the Sphinx on the summer solstice you will see the sun set directly between two of the Great Pyramids.
Ancient Greece
In some parts of Ancient Greece the festival of Kronia, celebrating the god of agriculture, took place around the summer solstice. It was a time when social hierarchies were suspended as the day was meant to emulate the Golden Age of Kronos. The summer solstice also marked one month before the opening of the Olympic Games.
Ancient China
In Ancient China the summer solstice celebrated “yin” (feminine force), while the winter solstice celebrated “yang” (masculine force). In addition, summer solstice was the time of wheat harvest and so it was a time to show gratitude (and also worship ancestors).
Neolithic Europe
German, Celtic, and Slavic peoples celebrated Midsummer around the solstice with bonfires, which were meant to ensure a healthy harvest. Numerous stone circles (such as Stonehenge) seem to be set up to align with movements of the sun. The Vikings met around the summer solstice to decide legal matters
Native Americans
Some Native American tribes performed ceremonial sun dances. Those of the Sioux are particularly well-documented and still performed today.