International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice is observed globally on the 21st of June. This day brings awareness about solstices and equinoxes and their significance for several religions and ethnic cultures.
When is International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice Celebrated?
The observance brings awareness to the importance that solstices and equinoxes have for many religions. These days have special meanings for Jews, Muslims, Christians, Indigenous, and most religions. Each culture or religion has its meaning and way of interpreting the occurrences.
What is Solstice?
Solstice is the point at which the Sun is at its greatest distance from the world and equinox is when space is that lowest. Both solstice and equinox have their significance for Christians, Muslims, and other religions.
Solstice is derived from the Latin sol (“sun”) and sister (“to stand still”) because the seasonal movement of the Sun’s daily path (as seen from Earth) appears to “standstill” at a northern or southern limit before reversing direction is an occasion that occurs when the Sun reaches its most northerly or southerly day-arc relative to the equator.
Therefore, two solstices occur annually: around the summer solstice (commonly referred to as “Summer Solstice” for being the primary day of summer and therefore the longest day of the year) and December 21 (commonly referred to as “Winter Solstice” for being the primary day of winter and the shortest day of the year).
Why is International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice Celebrated?
Mindful that the solstices and equinoxes symbolize the fertility of the land, agricultural and food production systems, cultural heritage, and their millenary traditions; the General Assembly of the United Nations acknowledged that the celebration of those events is an embodiment of the unity of the cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions, and further play a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good-neighborliness.
History of International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice
June Solstice festivities have a time-honored tradition. The date of the June Solstice was used in ancient times to arrange calendars, and as a marker to decide when to plant and harvest crops.
Bear in mind that the solstices and equinoxes symbolize the vitality of the processes of agricultural and food production, cultural heritage, and their millennial practices; the United Nations General Assembly recognized that the celebration of these activities is an expression of the unity of cultural heritage and of centuries-long practices
It also plays an important role in strengthening the relations between cultures on the basis of mutual respect and the values of peace and good neighborliness. It, therefore, is recognized on 21st June because of the International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice.
How is International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice Celebrated?
The summer solstice fire festivals take place in the Pyrenees each year on the same night when the sun is at its zenith. Once night falls, people from different towns and villages carry flaming torches down the mountains to light a variety of traditionally constructed beacons.
The descent is a special moment for young people, signifying the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The festival is considered a time for regenerating social ties and strengthening feelings of belonging, identity, and continuity with celebrations including popular folklore and communal dining.
Roles are assigned to specific people. In some municipalities, the mayor is involved with lighting the first beacon. In others, a priest blesses or lights the fire. Elsewhere, the most recently married man lights the fire and leads the descent to the village.
Often, young unmarried girls await the arrival of the torchbearers in the village with wine and sweet pastries. In the morning, people collect embers or ashes to protect their homes or gardens. The element has deep roots among local communities and is perpetuated thanks to a network of associations and local institutions. The most important locus of transmission is the family, where people keep the memory of this heritage alive.
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