The summer solstice is a festival that takes place on the longest day of the year. It has been celebrated for centuries all over the world. Ancient civilizations in Asia, Europe, and America each had their own understanding of this astronomical event. Rituals were formed to thank the sun for its service and ask for continued growth and prosperity.
Many of these rituals are still carried out around the globe today. Click through the following gallery to learn about the origins of the summer solstice in various ancient cultures.