Revered for thousands of years as the original form of god, the sun not only warms us and enables everything on earth to thrive, but signifies an ever-present power and giver of life. Throughout history, civilisations from the Mayans to the Egyptians, ancient India and China, the Romans, Mexicans, Peruvians, and of course here in the UK have worshipped the sun and created rituals around it and the summer solstice.
Megaliths throughout the world such as Stone Henge here in the UK, the Pyramid of Kukulkan in South America, Temple of The Sun in Peru, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and Chichen Itza in Mexico all have a significant interaction with the sun at the Summer Solstice. Whether it’s the ability to shine exactly through a specifically carved circle, to cast a particular shadow or no shadow at all, there was evidently a deeply rooted connection to nature both here on earth and in an astrological sense when these giant stone spectacles were made. Not just that, but this yearning to dedicate energy to creating something that marks the sun’s path and particular points along it hints that as humans we’ve always felt the need to connect to and be a part of nature both on the ground and in the sky.
Whether you’re venturing to the UK’s Stone Henge this summer solstice, travelling afar to ancient monuments or cultivating your own home rituals, be inspired by these Summer Solstice rituals from an array of cultures across the globe.
Sun Dancing
In Native American culture, the sun dance was and still is a very traditional ritual whereby the community gathers together to pray for healing and renewal whilst looking at the sun. These sun dances were intense events lasting around four to eight days with no food or water, beginning at sunrise and with each dancer wearing a ring of sage around the head, wrists and ankles to symbolise purity.
Starlight
In ancient Egypt, the Summer Solstice welcomed Sirus, the brightest star in the sky. This point in time was just before the flood season, which was vital for nourishing crops across the land. For the ancient Egyptians, the Summer Solstice and the coming of Sirus were in fact seen as the Egyptian’s new year’s day, a time of renewal and abundance.
Holy Baking
The ancient Roman Vestalia, honouring goddess Vesta who, along with the goddess Juno, protected marriages and was considered sacred to women. This ritual was about honouring the essence of purity and virginity by making offerings to the Vestil Virgins – a little like a gathering of nuns today. A sacred flame was guarded throughout the ceremonies of offerings, one of which was a cake made with water from a holy spring, sacred salt and ritually prepared brine. Today, a modern Vestilia ritual involves baking a cake and cleaning and decorating the home. This is also a time of cleansing and of honouring women and family.
Yin & Yang
The Chinese Summer Solstice honours the Earth, femininity and yin energy. As can be seen in the yin / yang symbol, opposite energies work harmoniously together and are essential for maintaining nature’s balance. When the fiery yang energy of the Summer therefore reaches its peak at the solstice, the calm and cooling energy of yin is honoured and welcomed in. To mark the Summer Solstice, women gave each other coloured fans to cool them down, and sweet smelling sachets as a pleasant fragrance. Throughout parts of Shandong and Beijing, chilled noodles are served as the traditional food thought the Summer Solstice time.
Fertility & Fulfilment
Pagans celebrate the Summer Solstice – also known to them as Litha – by honouring fertility, and honouring achievements, joy and fulfilment. Rituals include staying up all night with a roaring bonfire to await the morning sunrise, dancing around the fire and using sacred herbs to bless plants and animals. Although most commonly associated with Yule, mistletoe is thought to be at the height of its power during midsummer, so along with herbs, flowers and honey they’re gathered whilst they’re at the peak of goodness. Much like the Roman tradition, the Pagans would traditionally bake on the Summer Solstice to symbolise a welcoming of abundance into the home. Traditional ingredients at their peak at this time of year for cooking and gathering also include elderflower, buttermilk, rosemary, fennel, sage and thyme.
Today we may spend less time outside than we did thousands of years ago, but our inherent and natural human instincts to connect to the sun are still well and truly there. Whether you’re planning an all-night, bonfire-lit celebration with sunrise dancing, or a peaceful day spent honouring mother earth with flowers, fresh air and fragrant herbs, let this Summer Solstice be a time of renewal and abundance in every sense, and create a ritual meaningful to you.
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