The Summer Solstice takes place this year on 21st June. In 2012 it took place on 20th June and next year it will take place on 21st June again. Sometimes referred to under the name Midsummer Litha, the Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year.
From this point onwards, the amount of daylight will go down for the next six months. The Summer Solstice is the actual meteorological beginning of the summer season and is an excellent time to enjoy going on vacation, playing baseball, going in the swimming pool, and just enjoying the superb weather and everything else that goes along with this part of the year, which is a much-loved season by children and adults alike.
One interesting fact about the Summer Solstice is that on this day the sun does not set at the North Pole. The Summer Solstice takes place when the tilt of the world’s semi-axis is most inclined toward the sun. This happens twice a year, during which time the sun gets to its highest position in the sky from the North or South Pole (in this case the North Pole).
Interpretation of the event has varied according to different cultures all over the world, though the great majority have always seen it as a sign of fertility. Many festivals, holidays and religious rituals have taken, and still take place, at this time.
Jon Huser
