Every year, as June 21 approaches in the northern hemisphere, I’m reminded of my home exchange to Denmark several years ago. That’s when my Danish neighbors invited me to join them for Sankthansaften. It’s just one of many summer solstice celebrations around the world. Since Americans typically don’t celebrate the summer solstice, I thought I’d share some of the fun ways our global neighbors mark the occasion.
Exactly What is the Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. For the northern hemisphere, it usually occurs between June 20 and June 22. It’s the day on which the North Pole is at its most extreme tilt toward the sun. In fact, places closest to the pole will experience continuous daylight and what’s commonly called “the midnight sun”. But the southern hemisphere experiences the summer solstice in December, when the South Pole is closest to the sun.
St. John’s Day and the Summer Solstice
The northern summer solstice falls close to the birthday of St. John on June 24. For that reason, the two events are often celebrated together, as in Denmark. And in keeping with Nordic tradition, holidays there are celebrated the prior evening— hence the Danish celebration of Sankthansaften, or Saint John’s Eve. “Midsummer” also refers to the summer solstice and St. John’s celebrations.
Sankthansaften
Our night in Denmark was marked by a large gathering of family and friends for an outdoor dinner around a long table. Afterwards, we gathered with other residents in the countryside for a huge— and I do mean huge— bonfire. The crowd, complete with food vendors and libations, resembled a fair-like atmosphere here in the States. It was a festive occasion with lots of camaraderie, and it remains one of my favorite memories of Denmark.
Summer Solstice Bonfires
Traditionally in Denmark and elsewhere, bonfires are meant to keep evil spirits (and dragons!) at bay and bring good luck to lovers. Norway is known for having some of the largest summer solstice bonfires in the world. In Austria multiple, large bonfires are lit high in the Tyrolian mountains and create an impressive sight. In Catalonia, Spain, the evening before June 24 is called the night of fire and marked by widespread fireworks.
The Magic and Fairies of the Summer Solstice
The widespread use of fire to mark the solstice is rooted in folklore. In many cultures, demons are thought to appear on the solstice. And legend says magic and spells are strongest on this day— the one occasion each year when spirits and fairies can contact humans. It’s tradition in some places to make a wish at sunrise or sunset on the solstice.
In Slavic countries, it’s customary to leap over low flames for good luck— especially with fertility and finding a suitor. And the summer solstice is considered an auspicious day to get married In Finland.
Monuments to the Summer Solstice
Civilizations have marked the summer solstice for millennia, as evidenced by the ancient structures they left behind.
Stonehenge
At Stonehenge in England, the stones are placed to track the movement of the sun throughout the year. On the summer solstice, the sun rises in alignment with the “Heel Stone” which stands outside the main circle. The occasion draws hordes of visitors. You can watch a livestream of the event here.
Chichén Itzá
At Chichén Itzá in Mexico— home to a series of Mayan pyramids— the Temple of Kukulcan reveals an interesting design feature. By day, the pyramid appears to be split by the sun, with one half in full sun and the other in full shade. But at sunset, an image of the serpent god Kukulcan, created by alternating light and shadow, appears to descend the length of the north stairs.
Malta
Ancient ingenuity is also built into the 5,000-year-old temple of Ħaġar Qim on the island of Malta. There on the summer solstice, sunlight passes through a hole in one wall to create a shifting shape on the ground that eventually appears to be swallowed by the earth.
Iceland on the Summer Solstice
Iceland makes it own unique contribution to summer solstice celebrations around the world. Customs there include rolling naked in the morning dew and a hike lasting 10-hours. Or you can indulge in a midnight round of golf, since the sun doesn’t set so far north. And there’s always the music festival in the capital city of Reykjavik.
(After seeing Iceland in summer, head back a few months later to see the northern lights. My previous blog post will help you prepare for a winter visit to Iceland.)
Other Fun and Unusual Customs
Other nations put their own, interesting spin on summer solstice celebrations around the world. Swedes dance by a maypole, and the women don floral crowns. India holds a mass yoga event. The Chinese eat cold noodles and sponsor dragon boat races.
Meanwhile, Croatia takes a contrarian approach to the longest day of the year— they celebrate the shortest night of the year by staying up to watch sunrise the next day.
Closing Thoughts
However you choose to mark the occasion, enjoy the approaching summer solstice! And maybe light a bonfire, just in case those old superstitions are true.
If you enjoyed learning about summer solstice celebrations around the world, check out my article on New Year’s traditions in other countries.
