Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

I have not visited Stonehenge since I was a child and back then you were able to walk up and touch the stones! Today’s post explains more about this amazing British landmark

While you might have missed the 2014 summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge, why not make it a date in your diary for 2015, and in the interim there are other special events to celebrate there, including the winter solstice.

The summer solstice occurs either on 21st June or 22nd June. At dawn when the sun rises in the northeast, it aligns with the central Altar stone, the Heel Stone and the Slaughter stone. This is when druids in their white cloaks and hoods tap the heel stone and chant their prayers to the Sun God.

However it isn’t just the druids who gather to watch this event; people from all over the world visit Stonehenge to view this spectacular astronomical sight and to partake in this pagan ritual; each year it attracts over 37,000 people. It is a rare opportunity to get close to the original stones and the event is organised by English Heritage which endeavours to ensure that the event is peaceful and that Stonehenge and other monuments aren’t damaged.

The Summer and Winter Solstices

The summer solstice occurs when the on the day when sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer at midday and the winter solstice occurs on December 22nd when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at midday. The summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year, is considered to be the first day of summer and the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year is considered to be the first day of winter.

For both of these equinoxes the most important way to celebrate is simply to be there, though many people have the special ways of celebrating. There is generally plenty of chanting and singing to get involved with, as well as linking hands and dancing. It is very important to Aztecs who have their own special way of celebrating which includes wearing their traditional dress and performing special dances and rituals. Otherwise it is simply a matter of finding the best vantage point you can to view the spectacle and record it on your smart phone, though be careful not to look directly into the sun.

The Equinoxes

As well as the solstices, people also visit Stonehenge to celebrate the spring and autumn equinoxes. The autumn equinox occurs on the 23rd of September, and the spring, or vernal, equinox on 20th March, but unlike the highly popular summer solstice only a 100 or so people attend these celebrations. It is traditional to celebrate the occasion by drinking dandelion and burdock infusions and cordials

Stonehenge Visitors Centre

If you can’t make the solstice celebrations, then you can visit the new Stonehenge Visitors Centre at any time and learn about this amazing monument which dates back more than 4,000 years. There is an exhibition centre which has on display over 300 archaeological artefacts that were either used or buried at Stonehenge.