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Summer Solstice
June 20th
Here are some of the traditional ways Scotland has celebrated the longest day of the year - and how you can make the most of 2024’s lightest night.
What is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice takes place when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt towards the sun, offering the longest period of daylight.
It happens twice a year, with one in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere.
While at the pole, there is continuous daylight around the summer solstice, in Scotland, we also experience very long days, situated in the north of Europe.
Depending on the calendar, the summer solstice takes place between June 20 and 22 in the northern hemisphere, and this year, it will occur again on June 20th.
What are the summer solstice traditions in Scotland?
The summer solstice has traditionally been an important time in Scotland and other northern countries, and they still celebrate the longest day of the year after the dark months of winter.
While in England, people flock to the sacred Neolithic site of Stonehenge, in Scotland, they have our own traditions and spiritual, historic sites to visit.
Most of the history of solstice celebrations are found in Orkney and Shetland, where there’s a strong influence from Scandinavia, where summer solstice is an important celebration.
Similar to the Beltane festivals of May 1st, which were celebrated in ancient Scotland and Ireland, summer solstice uses torches and fire as a symbol of light defeating darkness.
Marking the midway point of the harvest season, many of the celebrations for summer solstice revolved around warding off evil spirits and bringing good fortune.
People would walk around their homes, fields, and towns wielding torches to banish evil spirits, while protective plants such as St John’s Wort would be draped over doors or stashed under pillows to bring good luck.
The fern is also linked to good luck at the summer solstice, and according to mythology, it blooms for a short time on the eve of midsummer, bringing good fortune to those who find it.
Eating elderberries was also thought to protect against witchcraft, as the elderflower plant peaks around the summer solstice. Some creatures, such as snakes and frogs, are also believed to have curative qualities at this time of year.
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