What is the Summer Solstice?

The Solstice kicks off the beginning of summer and is the day with the most sunlight.

Where did the name 'solstice' come from?  It comes from the Latin noun 'Sol' meaning sun and the Latin verb 'sistere' meaning to stand still.  This makes sense as the Sun's motion in declination seems to stop and then change direction.

The Earth's rotational axis is tilted by approximately 23.4° from its orbital plane as it revolves around the Sun.  This causes it to seem like the Sun is changing elevation in the sky.  Around June 20 the Sun will begin its decent in the sky until around December 21 when the December solstice occurs.

Sun

There are a variety of myths associated with the Summer solstice.  It was known as the Midsummer Festival throughout much of the northern hemisphere.  The Church at the time converted this into St. John the Baptist day to commemorate the nativity of John (who was born approximately 6 months before Jesus denoted by Christmas).

The Midsummer Festivals were also about the importance of families.  Mother's Day and Father's Day are celebrated leading up to the Summer solstice.

The Greeks and the Romans held significant festivals on this day and served as a countdown to the Ancient Olympic Games.  It is known that the Maya and Aztec civilizations felt this day was of great importance.  Many of their architecture is aligned with astrological symbolism based on the solstice.  The Druids also placed great significant on the solstice and still gather at Stonehenge to mark the occasion.

If you chose to sleep at this time or read A Midsummer Night's Dream it is up to you.  Perhaps check out some news articles from celebrations around the world and see what different cultures still do to mark the longest day of the year!