There is a little confusion between us lot here at Phanganist HQ as to what the meaning of Summer Solstice is in Thailand, if there is any significance at all…
Thailand goes more by the lunar calendar yet the Summer Solstice is determined by the earth’s orbit around the sun.
It means that on this day and time the sun will be at its most Northern point in the sky, here on Koh Phangan and Thailand this will be today (Wednesday 21st June) at 11.24am.
One of the most famous places in the world related to the solstice (both Winter and Summer) would be Stonehenge in the UK.
It is the only time of year when people are allowed right up to the stones themselves to celebrate, dance and feel the joy of this natural event. There is no electronic music allowed but people bring drums and frolic around and hug the almighty stones. They watch the sunrise and then have to leave…
As we are close to the equator here on Koh Phangan it doesn’t make so much difference to us, the change will be approximately 90 minutes and we cannot find anything to suggest that it is celebrated like it is in other cultures.
That doesn’t have to stop you doing your own ritual though! As you can read from the information below we are sure you can come up with something similar if this is an important day for you.
Happy Summer Solstice!
Some background information on Summer Solstice from Oberon Zell-Ravenheart & She’ D’Montford (CREATING CIRCLES & CEREMONIES Copyright © 2006 by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart and Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart)
Litha (LITH-ah), also called Midsummer or Summer Solstice, occurs around June 21.
Litha is the name of a Saxon Grain Goddess corresponding to Greek Demeter or Roman Ceres, and her festival is one of joy, abundance, and play. Called Alban Hefin by the Celts, Midsummer was Christianised as St. John’s Day.
Druids believed that snakes come together on the Solstice night to create the glain, or ‘Druid’s egg’, said to confer great magickal powers to its possessor.
Many of the ancient stone monoliths are aligned to the Summer Solstice.
Several Native American tribes mark Summer Solstice with seasonal rites and rituals, such as the Sundance, performed by the Sioux tribe. The Natchez honor the sun, from whom they believe they are descended, with the festival of first fruits. No one is allowed to touch the first ears of corn until after the ceremony. The Hopi also celebrate the Solstice, with masked dancers in colorful costumes representing the kachinas, spirits of rain and fertility.
Midsummer’s Eve represented the apex of the God’s life. Variously called the Oak King, Jack-in-the-Green, or Pan with the lower torso, cloven hooves, and horns of a satyr, he was the archetypal Wild Man of the wood, and the King of the fairies. Following their King on a romp through the countryside made this night second only to Halloween in its importance to the Wee Folk, who especially enjoyed playing tricks on a fine summer’s night.
On this longest day of the year, picnicking, swimming, and water play are customary, as are bonfires and fireworks lit after sundown to provide light to the revellers and to ward off mischievous Fairy folk. Cakes are shared, in which one piece contains a bean or other marker; the one who gets it is considered ‘dedicated’ and required to jump the flames three times.
Throughout Europe lovers clasp hands or toss flowers to each other across the bonfire, or leap through it together before disappearing into the woods and fields to make love under the stars. This celebration is specifically in honor of the great Earth Mother who nourishes us with her bounty from her ever-flowing cauldron, but we may also honor the Sun Father at this time. Litha is a festival for families, marriage partners, and children. The rituals commonly celebrate the marriages of the gods, so this is the best time for marriages, and also a time for future visions and Fairy favors.
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