The Unnoticed Summer Solstice: A Modern Reflection
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The Summer Solstice: A Day Missed
If you're situated in Northern Europe, you might not have realized that today marks the summer solstice—also known as Midsummer's Day. Unfortunately, the dismal weather has resulted in my seeing the sun less frequently than I did my beloved cat, who passed away three years ago. It’s truly been dreadful!
This is particularly unfortunate since, for the past three decades, I've used the summer solstice as an excuse to indulge in plenty of cannabis while enjoying my Caravan and Faust albums in the sunshine. During my twenties and early thirties in South-West England, June was always warm and bright. This region, rich in Arthurian legend and home to Glastonbury, was once a hub of pagan activity, thriving five thousand years ago.
They constructed a massive stone structure where, on the morning of the summer solstice, druids adorned in white robes would assemble to witness the sun rise above The Heel Stone. You may know this place—it’s called Stonehenge.
A Rainy Experience at Stonehenge
I once attended this annual event, but alas, it rained, and our view was obscured. The somber tones of the ancient stones melded with the overcast sky, creating a sea of gray. After three days of partying on amphetamines, we all went home disappointed.
While we often refer to the summer solstice as the longest day, in reality, the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of June are nearly indistinguishable in terms of daylight. For instance, the difference in daylight between today and tomorrow is merely a single second! Today, we have 16 hours, 34 minutes, and 38 seconds of daylight, while tomorrow offers just one second less. This brings me to question why English Heritage, the organization responsible for Stonehenge, is hosting their summer solstice celebration tonight and tomorrow morning.
Correct me if I’m mistaken, but shouldn't the attendees already be there? I don't want to be a downer, but it seems they might have the date wrong! I recall showing up three months late to a friend's 30th birthday party, arriving on November 9th with drinks and weed, only to find out he was in India for four months. I was bewildered, thinking I was right for his birthday, only to discover it had been back on August 9th! Not the worst night ever, I suppose.
The first video, What Happens During the Summer Solstice? | NBCLA, explores the significance and events surrounding this unique day.
Choosing Not to Attend
Regardless, I won’t be at Stonehenge this evening. Firstly, I live in France, and secondly, reports indicate that the parking lot will be filled by 7 PM. Can you imagine the scene five millennia ago? Pagans arriving in their equivalent of SUVs for an annual summer solstice celebration, resembling Fred and Wilma Flintstone with bags filled with strong cider, chicken wings, and a giant family-sized portion of nachos!
And of course, it would rain.
Then, at 5 AM, just after sunrise, everyone would stumble back to their vehicles, only to get caught in a massive traffic jam on the way back to London, arriving just in time for tea and pastries at an overpriced café in Belgravia.
Instead, I think I'll stay home tonight. Fortunately, if I muster the energy, I can tune in to the live stream on the English Heritage YouTube channel! That's the beauty of modern technology.
The second video, WATCH: Thursday's summer solstice is the earliest in 228 years. Here's why, discusses the astronomical significance of this year's solstice.
Happy Summer Solstice!