A Solstice is about to arrive, and understanding what such an event means is important if we are to tune in to the natural cycles of the planet and our place in the scheme of things…
Why they are significant
A solstice is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year, marking the points when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest position in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest or shortest days of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs around June 21, when the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, resulting in the longest day and the start of summer. Conversely, the winter solstice occurs around December 21, when the North Pole is tilted furthest from the Sun, leading to the shortest day and the start of winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, these events are reversed: the summer solstice occurs around December 21, marking the longest day and the start of summer, while the winter solstice occurs around June 21, marking the shortest day and the beginning of winter. These solstices are significant cultural and natural milestones, affecting seasonal weather patterns and daylight hours.
Our ancestors worked with the solstices
For our ancient ancestors, solstices held profound significance due to their impact on agriculture, survival, and cultural practices. The solstices marked critical points in the solar calendar, guiding planting and harvesting cycles essential for sustaining communities. The summer solstice, with its longest day and abundance of sunlight, signalled the peak growing season and a time of fertility and abundance, while the winter solstice, with its shortest day, marked a time of reflection, planning, and the anticipation of longer days ahead. These events were often associated with rituals and celebrations, symbolising rebirth and renewal. Monuments like Stonehenge and Newgrange were aligned with the solstices, serving as ancient calendars and places of worship, highlighting their importance in tracking time and connecting with celestial cycles. The solstices thus intertwined with the spiritual, agricultural, and social fabric of ancient societies, shaping their understanding of the world and their place within it.
The Aztecs and the Mayans
Many cultures, such as the Aztecs and the Mayans, placed significant emphasis on the Winter Solstice because it signalled “the return of the Sun.” For these civilisations, the Winter Solstice marked the point when the days would begin to lengthen again, bringing renewed light and warmth after the darkest part of the year. This event was crucial for agricultural societies reliant on the sun’s energy for crop growth. The Mayans, for instance, built sophisticated astronomical observatories to track the solstice, and their pyramids, like those at Chichen Itza, aligned with the solstice sun. Similarly, the Aztecs celebrated this event with elaborate rituals and ceremonies to honour their sun god, Huitzilopochtli, believing that these practices would ensure the sun’s return and the renewal of life. The Winter Solstice was thus a time of hope and celebration, marking the cyclical nature of life and reinforcing the cultural and spiritual belief systems that underscored these ancient civilisations.
In Northern Europe
Northern European peoples also revered the Winter Solstice, recognizing it as a pivotal moment when the harshest period of winter began to turn towards the promise of renewal and new growth. Living in snow-bound regions, they experienced long, dark winters that made the return of sunlight a symbol of hope and survival. The solstice marked the gradual lengthening of days, signaling the eventual thawing of the frozen landscape and the return of warmth, which were essential for the agricultural cycles. Celebrations such as Yule involved feasting, lighting fires, and decorating with evergreens, symbolizing enduring life through the winter’s darkness. These traditions reflected a deep connection to the natural world and an understanding of the solstice as a turning point in the seasonal cycle, heralding the gradual return of light, warmth, and fertility to the land, essential for their livelihood and cultural continuity.
In modern times
In modern times, despite our largely artificial environments such as cities, the impact of the seasons is still profoundly felt. The changing seasons influence various aspects of urban life, from the availability and price of seasonal foods to energy consumption patterns and even our mood and behaviour. Winter brings shorter days and longer nights, often leading to increased energy use for heating and lighting, as well as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for some individuals. Conversely, summer’s longer days and warmer weather encourage outdoor activities, travel, and social gatherings, impacting everything from fashion trends to public transportation usage. Seasonal shifts also affect urban planning and maintenance, such as snow removal in winter and landscaping in spring and summer. Thus, even in our concrete jungles, the rhythms of the natural world continue to shape our daily lives, reminding us of our inherent connection to the Earth’s cycles.
The rural folk
Although modern urban living has led to a certain disconnect from the solstice cycles due to the artificiality of our environments, rural folk, farmers, market gardeners, and produce growers remain closely attuned to these natural rhythms. For these individuals, the solstices are not merely astronomical events but essential markers for agricultural activities. The summer solstice signals the peak of the growing season, a time for nurturing crops and anticipating the harvest, while the winter solstice marks a period of some rest and preparation for the coming year. These cycles dictate planting and harvesting schedules, influence livestock management, and guide the timing of market offerings. Their deep connection to the land and reliance on its cycles for sustenance and livelihood ensure that the solstices continue to play a crucial role in their lives, preserving a timeless link to the natural world amidst an increasingly artificial global landscape.
A simple acknowledgement
With accurate astronomical calendars now widely available, it is beneficial for everyone to mark the solstice events with an acknowledgement or ritual, reconnecting with the natural cycles that have guided humanity since our beginnings. Celebrating the solstices can foster a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of the Earth and our place within the broader cosmos. Simple acts such as gathering with loved ones, lighting a candle, watching the Sun come up or just being in the nature can serve as meaningful reminders of these ancient cycles. By honouring the solstices, we can bridge the gap between our modern lives and the timeless natural patterns that continue to influence our world, fostering a sense of continuity and connection with the planet that sustains us.