The summer solstice is a significant moment in the annual calendar and a traditional holiday with mystical roots. It is observed and celebrated by various cultures across the globe.
What is the summer solstice?
This is a significant celestial event when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon, either in the southernmost or northernmost position depending on the hemisphere, and remains above the horizon for the longest period of time.
This day is known as the summer solstice because during the following days the sun appears to remain almost stationary in the sky. It seems to hang in one position at a fixed height before beginning to descend towards the horizon. The astronomical longitude of the sun at the solstice is 90 degrees. This phenomenon is referred to as the solstice because the altitude of the sun at noon starts to change and diminish.
The summer solstice is recognized as one of the oldest pagan holidays. Our ancestors organized their lives around the cycles of the sun and moon, marking the most significant events such as full moons, new moons, equinoxes, and solstices in their calendars. The sun governed the changing of seasons, so the movement and peak points of this celestial body held great importance.
As mankind progressed, the pagan tradition became intertwined with monotheistic religions, yet the significance of this day and the ceremonies linked to it endured.
What is the date of the summer solstice?
The summer solstice always occurs at the end of the first month of summer. The specific date can vary between June 20, 21, or 22 due to leap year adjustments. In 2023, the summer solstice will be on June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 22 in the Southern Hemisphere. In that year, the sun will reach its highest point on the ecliptic at 17.58 (Kiev, Moscow) and 20.58 (Astana).
According to Starwalk.Space, during the summer solstice, the entire Northern Hemisphere faces the sun and receives the maximum amount of heat and light. It is also the longest day and shortest night of the year.
Kathryn Beckmann, the editor of Almanac.com, states that in the mid-latitudes and Northern Hemisphere, the beginning of astronomical summer is marked by the summer solstice.
Customs and signs associated with the summer solstice
The forthcoming summer solstice is set to bring about transformations in both human existence and the natural environment. This incredible celestial occurrence is surrounded by a cloud of mysterious signs, customs, and enigmas.
How to commemorate the summer solstice?
To mark the occasion, one can opt for vibrant attire, cleanse and gather dew, observe fasting, indulge in baths and immerse oneself in bodies of water. It is acceptable to revel in festivities, ignite bonfires, craft floral wreaths and set them afloat on water bodies, engage in dancing, divination, and making wishes. However, it is frowned upon to yell, use foul language, and harbor negative emotions.
As per Space.com, this day is marked by numerous celebrations worldwide. In the United Kingdom, it is referred to as the midpoint of summer and is commemorated at Stonehenge. In certain cultures, it is deemed the halfway point of the year, setting it apart from Christmas and the widely recognized Christian holiday calendar that includes Kolada.
Due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, this particular day often coincides with traditional festivities or takes place shortly before them. Eastern Slavs celebrate Ivan Kupala, Ingermanlanders (a Finno-Ugric ethnic group) observe Yuhannus, Yakutia marks Ysyakh, and Latvia celebrates Ligo.
In Kazakhstan, this day is not recognized as a public holiday, so there is no official time off. However, it has become an opportunity to indulge oneself and embrace positivity. It was believed that the rituals performed on this day would influence one’s happiness, health, and luck for the next 12 months. What can one do on the day of the summer solstice? It is essential to witness the sunrise to gather strength and well-being for the entire year and safeguard oneself from misfortune.
Omen associated with the summer solstice
A majority of the signs and omens are connected to the weather conditions. The well-being of our ancestors, as well as the success of the harvest, depended on them:
- Unfavorable weather conditions – resulting in a poor harvest season.
- A sky full of stars – indicating a bountiful mushroom harvest in the forests.
- An abundance of dew – pointing towards a fruitful harvest.
- Ripe blueberries – signaling the beginning of the winter rye harvest.
- Agitated bees – a sign of hot weather.
Additionally, there are wedding-related omens for the summer solstice. It is believed that if a man pours water on a woman, he will soon become her husband. For a woman who desires to get married quickly, there is a tradition of dancing around a bonfire. If she and her partner dance near nine bonfires, their wedding is imminent.
Children who were born on a day full of magic were gifted with a unique ability. It was widely believed that they possessed the power to cast curses with just a single look and were blessed with lifelong protection from the sun.
Another sign of the summer vacation is the chance to have your deepest desires granted. In order to make this happen, one must pass over a dozen fences. Make a wish as soon as you hear a cricket’s song. To expedite the fulfillment of financial goals, it was customary to place a coin beneath the threshold of one’s home.
The solstice is a significant event in world history, with astronomical, astrological, cultural, and religious-mystical implications. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is scheduled to occur on June 21, 2023, and promises to be a time of joy, positivity, and a deep connection with the natural world.
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August 17, 2023: It is the first day of the lunar month; 🌑 The New Moon occurred on August 16, 2023 at 12:38 pm; The symbol representing today is: Luminary; The Moon is currently in the zodiac sign: Virgo
August 19, 2023: On the 3rd day of the lunar cycle; 🌒 The moon is currently in the Waxing 1st quarter phase, which started on August 16, 2023 at 12:38. The symbol of the day is the Leopard, and the moon is in the sign of Virgo.
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Location: Moscow Center
Calculated on: June 21, 2023 10:06.
The sun is currently positioned below the horizon. The distance to the sun is 151,423,138 kilometers, and the duration of daylight is 17 hours, 33 minutes, 40 seconds.
The morning twilight will start at 03:09:17, followed by dawn at 03:44:25. The sun will reach its zenith at 12:31:15, and sunset will occur at 21:18:05. Evening twilight will end at 21:53:12.
Time remaining until the Summer Solstice: 3 hours (June 21, 2023)
The period of the morning known as the blue hour begins at 03:21:00 and continues until 03:44:25.
The golden hour in the morning starts at 03:44:25 and lasts until 04:42:57
In the evening, the golden hour begins at 20:19:32 and ends at 21:18:05.
This is followed by the blue hour, which begins at 21:18:05 and continues until 21:41:29
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In the evening of June 21, the residents of Novosibirsk will experience the convergence of the shortest night and the longest day. This astronomical event marks the beginning of the astronomical summer.
“On June 21, as the Sun moves along its path in the northern hemisphere, it moves further away from the celestial equator, reaching its maximum distance. This is when the longest day and the shortest night occur,” reminds the planetarium of the Siberian University of Geosystems.
The summer solstice has been regarded as a magical and significant occurrence since ancient times. It is believed to be a day of peak energy and abundant possibilities.
When does the summer solstice occur?
The date of the summer solstice changes every four years. In leap years, this celestial event takes place on June 20th. In all other years, it falls on June 21st.
What occurs during the summer solstice
During the summer solstice, the Sun reaches its highest point on the ecliptic in relation to the Earth. In Novosibirsk, the longest day of sunlight will last for 17 hours, 23 minutes, and 6 seconds. This event marks the beginning of astronomical summer in the northern hemisphere.
On this particular day, the sun appears to stand still, remaining in the zenith for an extended period of time. This phenomenon is a result of the Earth’s axis of rotation tilting towards the sun at an angle of 23.4 degrees. This angle is the smallest possible value, causing nearly the entire Northern Hemisphere to face towards the sun,” as explained by “Izvestia”.
The celebration of the summer solstice has been a longstanding tradition for various cultures dating back to ancient times. In Russia, before the switch to the Gregorian calendar, the longest day of the year was commemorated with the holiday of Ivan Kupala.
What to do on the summer solstice in 2023
On this special day, it is customary to make heartfelt wishes, set goals, and cleanse your surroundings. The energy of the summer solstice is said to be abundant and can support all of your endeavors. The prolonged daylight offers an opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the future.
Additionally, it is recommended to gaze at the Sun as much as possible on this day. By waking up with the first rays of sunlight and washing your face with dew, it is believed that you can achieve remarkable success while preserving your youth and beauty.
June 21st is a great opportunity to engage in purification rituals, such as taking a dip in the river or visiting a bathhouse. These practices not only cleanse the body but also refresh the soul. Additionally, individuals who enjoy physical activities and meditation can tap into the energy of the Sun.
Another popular tradition during the summer solstice is the creation of fires, the lighting of candles, and the decoration of homes with flowers and greenery. These actions have the power to invite the warmth and vibrancy of summer into our lives.
What to avoid on the day of the summer solstice-2023
It is advisable to steer clear of conflicts, aggression, jealousy, and negative thoughts on such a day. Selfish actions should be avoided as well. It is important to maintain peace and a positive mindset on this day of heightened energy.
Signs on the day of the summer solstice-2023
Some signs have been passed down from Ivan Kupala Day, which used to coincide with the summer solstice. It was believed that if a young man accidentally poured water on a girl, it meant that their marriage was imminent.
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Anticipated celestial conditions in June 2023
Date: 31.05.2023
The astronomical summer will begin on June 21. It will be the day of the summer solstice, which will bring us the highest position of the Sun and the longest daylight hours of the year! On June 21, in Moscow, we will have 17 hours and 33 minutes of daylight! In the Northern Hemisphere’s circumpolar latitudes, the eagerly anticipated white nights will arrive, while the Polar Regions will experience the polar day.
June is the month when we can observe the beautiful silvery clouds in the twilight sky.
*June 8 marks World Oceans Day.
*June 12 – the celebration of 12 years since the renewal of Moscow Planetarium.
*June 30 – International Asteroid Day. It has been 115 years since the Tunguska meteorite fell.
