The Summer Solstice was once celebrated widely in ancient times throughout Europe, the British Isles, China, Egypt, North Africa and Scandinavia, but its popularity has dwindled over time.
The ancients were utterly fascinated by the summer solstice, and it was a significant event for them. Celebrations were held in various places, including Egypt where the oldest recorded one took place at the Temple of Amen-Ra in Karnak around 3700 B.C. During this event, a beam of light would shine into the temple's interior for about 2-3 minutes on the solstice, reaching its peak before fading away. The dramatic spotlighting effect allowed priests to accurately determine the length of the solar year.
In addition to the Winter Solstice, the Chinese emperors of ancient times also observed the Summer Solstice in order to honor the earthy and feminine yin energies. These ceremonies were held at the Altar of the Earth within The Forbidden City. In contrast to the Round Mound used for the Winter Solstice, this altar was square in shape and featured staircases leading in all four directions. As part of their ritual for the Summer Solstice, a human sacrifice was performed; however, unlike the Winter Solstice where the victim was burned, they were buried instead. This act symbolized their belief in maintaining a harmonious balance within nature's rhythms.
During the Winter Solstice, there is a sense of hope as the days start to lengthen. However, the Summer Solstice brings a different feeling – one of sadness as the days begin to shorten and darkness increases. Paradoxically, it also marks a time of increased warmth, abundance, and fertility.
Winter Solstice and New Years festivities are still a part of modern celebrations, but the ancient rituals associated with the Summer Solstice have largely vanished. While some "New Age" groups in the United States continue to honor this tradition, the biggest observation takes place in Belfast, Maine. At this event hosted by The Institute for Advanced Thinking (known as The World's Oldest Think Tank), individuals from 20 states and 5 countries gather to camp under the stars and welcome the daybreak with prayers and ritual songs dedicated to the sun.
Interested in learning more, such as symbols and customs? Excellent!
Bonfires
Throughout history, bonfires have played a significant role in various ancient rituals. They continue to be a prevalent practice during the Summer Solstice, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. For instance, in Denmark and Norway, it is believed that lighting these fires can ward off diseases that may affect their livestock. Similarly, the Germans would observe the bonfires through larkspur branches as they believed it would promote good eye health. In Scotland, cowherds would encircle their animals three times while carrying lit torches, viewing it as a means of safeguarding and purifying their herds.
Bonfires served multiple purposes, aside from protection. In addition to warding off danger, they were also linked to fertility and courtship. In Bohemia, young men and women would stand on opposite sides of the fire and gaze at each other through intricately crafted wreaths. This ritual was believed to reveal the strength of their love and determine future marriages. To symbolize their affection, the girls would toss their wreaths over the flames towards their beloveds. These charred wreaths were then taken home as a safeguard against illness and thunderstorms throughout the year. Once the fire had died down slightly, couples would hold hands and leap over the glowing embers three times.
In San Pedro Manrique, Spain, it is a tradition to construct and ignite a bonfire at 6:00 pm on Midsummer Eve. At midnight, the coals are spread out to create a glowing path, and individuals walk across barefoot while carrying another person on their back. Similarly, in North Africa, Midsummer bonfires are also observed, despite the Islamic calendar being based on the lunar cycle and not the seasons. This leads some to believe that the practice of lighting bonfires predates the introduction of Islam.
Herbs
It was believed that the best time to gather herbs was during the solstice. This was because it was thought that the herbs would possess healing properties and protect against malevolent forces. In an effort to shift focus away from these pagan traditions, the Christian church designated June 24th as Saint John the Baptist Day. Consequently, these herbs became known as "St. John's Herbs." In France, mugwort earned the moniker "herb of St. John," further evidence of the church's attempts to Christianize ancient herbal remedies. Mugwort was commonly used to craft garlands during this time and is still utilized by modern herbalists to treat ailments such as rheumatism, fevers, and ague. Additionally, sewing mugwort into a pillow is said to induce vivid dreams.
On Midsummer's Eve, Verbena, or vervain as it is also known, was traditionally harvested after sunset. It would then be soaked in water overnight, or dried and worn around the neck. This herb was believed to have powerful effects on the nervous system, helping to ease stress and promote relaxation. In addition, it was thought to have aphrodisiac properties by those of ancient times.
As the Summer Solstice approaches, St. John's Wort bursts into bloom with vibrant yellow flowers resembling the sun. Its oil is now utilized to soothe sunburn, while also being believed by ancient cultures to ward off malevolent entities with just one sniff.
Hawkwee, also known as Mouse-ear, was believed by the ancients to possess the blood of St. John within its milky, reddish juice. They viewed this herb as an effective remedy for whooping cough and other respiratory ailments.
Back on Midsummer's Eve at the stroke of midnight, it was thought that ferns would also come into bloom, bringing with them astonishing wisdom and influence to anyone lucky enough to witness it. However, if a mortal dared to lay hands upon the enchanted blossom, all enchantment would immediately dissipate.
There are several herbs that have long been linked to the Summer Solstice. These include chamomile, geranium, thyme, rue, chervil seed, giant fennel and pennyroyal. They were highly valued for adding pleasant scents to bonfires.
MidSummer Bride
Why is June the most sought-after month for weddings? Is the reason behind it the pleasant climate? Not exactly. According to ancient beliefs, the Summer Solstice denoted the height of summer and also symbolized fertility and sensuality! Thus, it was a common practice to partake in symbolic marriage rituals during this period.
In Sweden, during the Midsummer festivities, a chosen bride from each village would pick a mock-bridesgroom. Additionally, young men in the village used this time to select temporary brides.
In Sardinia, the celebration of the summer solstice was known as "Sweethearts of St. John." It included pots of sprouting wheat and barley, symbolizing the connection between human sexuality and the fertility of nature.
However, the marriage customs observed by the ancients were not mere performances. Rather, their intention was to bring abundance to the crops and beauty to the flowers. Additionally, they believed that sexual intercourse among humans had a unifying effect on nature and society. This was particularly important during the solstices, when Heaven and Earth were at their most extreme points.
Mock Funerals
As the Summer Solstice marked the beginning of shorter and darker days, ancient ceremonies aimed to delay the sun's descent by honorably practicing life and fertility or lamenting its departure. Thus, midsummer became a significant time for both weddings and ironically, also for funerals.
During midsummer in Tsarist Russia, it was customary to dress a straw man in women's clothing and adorn it with a crown of flowers. This effigy would then be carried by young people as they leaped over a bonfire. The following day, the effigy would be discarded into a river or stream after being stripped. In certain regions, the straw figure would be viciously torn apart and its "death" would be mourned loudly. In some cases, the effigy was even paraded through the streets in a coffin.
The mock funeral served to lament the demise of the sun and mark the start of nature's decay. In both weddings and funerals, transformation occurred as energy was unleashed and Heaven and Earth momentarily merged.