Let Sankthansaften Begin!
It’s Summer Solstice 2025
For this Summer Solstice - how are you celebrating?
“I’d rather be fishing,” Original watercolor, 2024
Summer officially begins today, Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:41 p.m. Eastern time. Precisely the time for the summer solstice, the longest and brightest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Thanks to my geographic location, I will enjoy 14 hours and 54 minutes of daylight. Armed with sunscreen, I am committed to enjoying the moment, seriously contemplating an in-promptu yet scaled-down version of a Sankthansaften. SISU. [SISU - 🇫🇮 It’s a Finnish thing. IYKYK "if you know you know”.]
Curious what Sankthansaften stands for? In all candor, I was too. Stumbled across it as I began researching the history of the summer solstice and created the following mixed list, complete with links. Read more about Sankthansaften under the category of Medieval Rites & Fire-Lit Folklore.
I'll let you read - I'm off to find a fire pit in a designated burning area to prepare for my new, and perhaps traditional, summer solstice.
Enjoy!
Kay
P.S. Check out my art at Happy Pig Studio.
☀️ 20 Wild & Wonderfully Weird Things That Happened on the Summer Solstice
The summer solstice isn't just the longest day of the year—it's a moment when the veil between ancient traditions, celestial events, and modern eccentricity seems to thin. While we might just notice the extra sunlight, history is packed with strange, spectacular, and unexpected events that have unfolded on or around June 20–22.
Whether you're a sun worshipper, history buff, or just here for the weirdness, this list will surprise you—and ""click"" on the link if you're you're ready to go down the rabbit hole of this notable Solstice events.
Prehistoric Mysteries & Ancient Alignments
Seahenge Rises (c. 2049 BC) – A circle of oak timbers erected on the Norfolk coast to "extend summer." Built during a sudden cold snap, it may have been a desperate plea to the sun.
Stonehenge's Heel Stone – Aligned with the solstice sunrise, it still draws 10,000+ each year. Been there - its crazy packed with people, recommend the online viewing.
Nabta Playa Stone Circles (c. 6,000 BC) – Possibly the world’s first astronomical calendar.
Machu Picchu’s Sun-Tie Stone – The Intihuatana was believed to literally “tie down” the sun on its highest day in the sky. This one I admire.
Chichén Itzá's Shadow Serpent (links to YouTube video)– At solstice, a serpent-like shadow slithers down the pyramid of Kukulkan. Also had the opportunity to visit - still in awe. It is one of my most memorable visits.
Medieval Rites & Fire-Lit Folklore
Sânziene Festival (Romania) – Wildflower crowns, fertility rituals, and bonfires mark this solstice celebration rooted in goddess lore.
Sankthansaften (Scandinavia) – Massive bonfires and lanterns light the night sky in this Nordic tradition. This is it, my friends. Wish me luck in my fire pit.
Sun-Wheel Fire Rituals – Ancient Europeans rolled flaming wheels down hills into rivers to mimic the sun’s descent.
Festivals You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Midnight Sun Festival – Fairbanks, Alaska – Party all night with 24 hours of daylight, parades, and music.
Indigenous Summer Solstice Festival – Ottawa, Canada – Celebrate First Nations traditions with cultural performances and ceremonies.
Bonfires of Denmark – Celebrate the solstice with fires, community singing, and symbolic witch effigies.
Counterculture & Cosmic Rebellion
Stonehenge Free Festival – A '70s–'80s gathering of mystics, punks, and hippies that ended in a police crackdown.
Battle of the Beanfield (1985) – A violent clash between police and travelers trying to reach Stonehenge for solstice.
Modern Druid Rituals – Today, thousands gather legally at Stonehenge in celebration.
Solstice Cyclists (Seattle) – Body-painted cyclists parade through the city to mark the solstice in wild style. This link brings you to the site, but you’ll have to go to the photographs to get a vibe of the event.
Natural Wonders Aligned With the Solstice
Manhattanhenge – NYC’s grid aligns perfectly with the setting sun, creating a jaw-dropping sight.
Güímar Double Sunset (Tenerife) – The sun appears to set twice behind ancient pyramids. Trip Advisor wasn’t so hot on this (pun intended) but I have it on my bucket list.
Leek's Solstice Sunset (UK) – A rare solstice phenomenon where the sun sets twice behind a hilltop.
Kintraw Sunset (Scotland) – An ancient site used to mark the solstice with precision.
Thousands Still Gather
Modern Solstice at Stonehenge – Today, over 10,000 people gather at sunrise each year—mixing ancient awe with modern vibes.
Peace, love and light -
Kay
