On the 21st June, summer solstice occurred. It is also known as midsummer and is a very special time in the UK. Not only is it the longest day in the UK’s calendar, but Scotland also enjoys a full 24 hours of sunlight. In various sacred sites around the UK, midsummer celebrations are held, the most famous of which is Stonehenge. Ancient traditions are upheld and people of all faiths gather at these important places as they would have done millennia ago.
The summer solstice celebrations do not only happen in the UK though. Across different civilizations, the summer solstice holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. From ancient pagan traditions to modern-day festivities, people have honoured this celestial event with rituals, gatherings, and rejoicing. The solstice symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, as daylight hours reign supreme, filling our lives with vitality and abundance.
Whether you were watching Maypole dancing in Sweden, midnight backwards sea plunging in Puerto Rico, watching a midnight baseball game in Alaska or enjoying bonfires in Barcelona and Norway, there’s a midsummer festival for everyone. Here in Scotland we have mysterious stone circles built by our distant ancestors. We still don’t understand their full significance, but archaeological findings suggest feasting and celebrations in such places. Modern festivities include a huge gathering at Carlton Hill in Edinburgh to watch the sun dip and rise over the historic capital city.
The summer solstice also reminds us of the power of nature and the importance of protecting the environment. As we make advances in technology to harness solar and wind power, MCI is with you every step of the way, making your company more energy efficient as well as saving you money. If you would like to hear more about how we can make your machinery more environmentally friendly, call us on 01324 611371 to see how we can help you.