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Summer Solstice 2015
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The Eternal
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Re: Summer Solstice 2015
Jul 04, 2015, 23:56
tjj wrote:
Now the parties are over, have seen many photos/videos from Avebury and Stonehenge. A few from Castlerigg which were rather lovely in the low cloud.
I am wondering was the midsummer solstice actually celebrated in prehistory or even in the first millennium?
I totally get the Midwinter Solstice celebrations - driving away the darkness and the return of the light.


Hi June,

You have echoed my thoughts exactly. I have banged on about the Midwinter Solstice being more important on TMA numerous times, but most people seem too ready to accept the Summer Solstice version.

My main argument has been, as Parker-Pearson re-iterated during his Durrington/Stonehenge investigations, why enter Stonehenge via the Avenue and then turn around to face the Midsummer Sunrise. It's more logical to enter Stonehenge and face the object of your journey, i.e. the Midwinter Sunset. This also makes more sense, as the sunset at the darkest day would be the most worrying time, in that the community would be hoping for the Sun to return to ensure life for the crops. Also, in Christian religions, the congregation enter the church and face the altar in the same direction.

Just a few thought of mine, but I think we agree.

All the very best,
TE.
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