June Solstice in Australia

June Solstice is known as the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere where Australia is part of. In the northern hemisphere, June Solstice is known as the summer solstice. In western countries, June Solstice usually happens in the 20th, 21st, or 22nd of June in accordance to the Gregorian calendar.

Ancient Times and the June Solstice

During the old times, the equinoxes and solstice guided the people. It sort of served as their calendar. Equinoxes and solstice helped them in determining when to plant, cultivate, and harvest their crops. Many ancient people, especially those who spent most of their times outdoors, depend on equinoxes and solstice. The ancient people also determine the season through equinoxes and solstice. The June Solstice was also the time most of the festivals, cultural traditions, and festivities were held.

June Solstice Celebrations

In modern times, June Solstice’s is still very much recognized due to the many festivals and celebrations associated with it. In the northern part of Europe, June Solstice is celebrated and the festival is called the Midsummer Festival. This celebration is one of the most attended summer festivals. The celebration is held because of the people’s fondness of the summer season in which the summer days are at its longest. The Midsummer Festival is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for the Earth’s fertility. This means that the soil is rich, and there is abundance in harvest. The houses in this part of Europe are usually decorated using garlands of flowers, branches of trees, and fresh fruits.

June Solstice is not a public holiday in Australia. In this country, there are small groups who still keep the tradition of the June Solstice alive. They gather together and organize events that are in connection to summer traditions. The gathering is usually graced by singing and dancing programs. But the celebration of June Solstice focuses more on the importance and uses of the sun in modern times. For instance, the event serves as an avenue to tackle the eco-system benefits of using natural light as a source of energy. The June Solstice gathering also discusses the preservation of the environment and natural resources.