|
 |
|
|
| Summer Solstice |
|
 Stone Formations news, views, gallery and archive brought to you by Weird Wiltshire Introduction Latest News News Archive Stonehenge Stonehenge Project Stonehenge 360 Avebury Saviours Stones Village Solstice Wayland Smithy Long Barrow Woodhenge Gallery Summer Solstice Gallery 2002 Summer Solstice Gallery 2004 Postcards Wallpaper Links  |
THE summer solstice, on June 21st, is celebrated by people of many
beliefs.
On the longest day of the year people from across the country gather
peacefully at Avebury and Stonehenge to celebrate the coming of summer.
A record breaking 14,500 people gathered at Stonehenge in 2001 to see
the sun rise on the longest day of the year.
It was only the second time that people had been allowed inside the
ancient monument.Those present included Druids, New Age Travellers and ordinary observers who gathered around the stones at around 4am. They enjoyed the best sunrise for some years. 
On the summer solstice, the daytime hours are at a maximum in the
Northern hemisphere, and night time is at a minimum.
Many believe that Stonehenge and Avebury were constructed with some
religious astronomical purpose in mind and return here every year for
the solstice.Are the stones gigantic calendar and do they have some kind of ancient alignment with the rising of the sun? This notion is not a new one. From the time of William Stukeley in the 18th century onwards, people have postulated thoughts on their construction and use, but it is mainly in the 20th century that real scientific interest has brought a more serious and careful approach to the subject. 
Were Avebury and Stonehenge really aligned with the stars or are their
positions purely random?
And if these structures really did exist, what was their purpose? Tell
us what you think on our ForumSee our links page for sites relating to the Solstice. |
|
