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Facts About Summer Solstice That You Didn’t Know

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Summer Solstice has been worshiped among most civilizations on our planet no matter their geographical distance. It’s one of the traditions that is with Slavic people from the earliest days of our existence all the way to today . June 20 is the longest day of the year while June 22 is the shortest night and all this is because Earth’s axis is tilted toward the Sun at the lowest angle at that point of the year, and when that happens it’s what we call the day of the summer solstice. Let us see what we know about it, and why it has always been important:

Syncretism

In Russia traditionally they always associated solstice with celebration of Ivan Kupala Day. According to the old calendar it was celebrated on July 7th. with swimming in the river, jumping over bonfires – the main rituals in this holiday, reflection of dual faith among Slavs (Pagan and Christian). Water became main part of this ritual because of the Christian idea of baptism and cleansing power of water and Pre-Christian Slavic Pagan element of fire as a mean of purification. It has become one of the most popular traditional festivals in Poland, Russia and other Slavic countries with connecting people to dance during the celebration as a representation of the life cycle.

The summer solstice occurs when the tilt of a planet’s semi-axis, in either northern or southern hemispheres, is most inclined toward the star that it orbits. Earth’s maximum axial tilt toward the Sun is 23° 26′. This happens twice each year (once in each hemisphere), at which times the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the north or the south pole.

Not only Europeans seen this as a special day

  • In China – the Solstice is a change in the Yin Yang elements. According to local views, especially successful day for meditation, when Qi increases.
  • In India – Hindu tradition also recognized Sumer Solstice and on this day their believers refuse food and water.

Famous events on Sumer Solstice.

  • In 1633 Galileo released the theory that the Earth revolves around the Sun,
  • in 1675 the English King Charles II founded the Greenwich Observatory,
  • in 1978 Pluto’s moon was discovered by Charon.

Solar Activity

Day solstice – one of the hottest days of the summer in solar activity, humans may experience light headaches due to lack of water and lowering blood pressure, it is important to pay attention to their health.

Do you celebrate Kupala Night?

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