This year, the Summer Solstice occurs on the 21st of June. Many cultures and people have mystical beliefs regarding the importance of Summer Solstice.
People of Pagan Europe would light bonfires and dance around, followed by rituals performed by ancient druids. Customs such as “bonfire jumping” were observed.
The Solstice was seen as an important festival, and workers were given the day off to celebrate. Various rituals honoured the earth and the feminine power known as “yin”
Similar to the Chinese, the Romans also gave the day off to workers and celebrated the goddess Vesta, the deity of the hearth, harmony, and family.
Some modern-day druids celebrate the Summer Solstice to this day and can be observed gathering together at Stonehenge during the occasion.
The Swedes call it “midsummer”, and it is mainly celebrated in the countryside. Families gather together, dance around a maypole, and cook up delicious food to eat.
This Swedish tradition can be found in popular culture. The 2019 horror movie, Midsommar, follows a young couple’s journey to observe the midsummer festival as it all goes downhill.