How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Step 1: Understand the solstice Understand what the summer solstice is — in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the day when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun, making it the longest day of the year.
Step 2: Have a bonfire Make a bonfire. Ancient civilizations believed that the fire they created would ward off evil spirits. Many cultures carry on this tradition today.
Step 3: Pick some flowers Pick some flowers. In medieval Europe, people believed that plants picked during the summer solstice had the ability to heal.
Step 4: Head to Stonehenge Visit Stonehenge, Britain’s famous prehistoric stone monument. Because the structure aligns with the sunrise on the solstice, thousands of people gather there to celebrate the day by watching the sun come up.
TIP: Other great destinations for celebrating the solstice include Sedona, Arizona, and Cairo, where an ancient sun temple was discovered in 2006.
Step 5: Dance around a maypole Dance around a maypole — a flower and ribbon-festooned vertical bar. That’s a cherished tradition in Sweden, where the summer solstice is a major holiday.
Step 6: Organize a naked run Organize a naked run — if you can secure your town’s permission! It’s a new — but increasingly popular — ritual in Riga, the capital of Latvia, as part of their solstice festivities.
FACT: “Solstice” comes from the Latin words “sol,” which means sun, and “stare,” to stand.

Lessons in this Guide