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International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice

21 June, 2021

The word solstice is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). As seen from Earth, the Sun’s daily path appears to stand still at a northern or southern limit before reversing direction when the Sun reaches its most northerly or southerly day-arc relative to the equator. Two solstices occur annually. One is around 21st June and is referred to as the Winter Solstice (first day of winter; shortest day of the year) in the southern hemisphere and the Summer Solstice (first day of summer; longest day of the year) in the northern hemisphere. The other is 21st December – the Summer Solstice and the Winter Solstice respectively for the southern and northern hemispheres. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with seasons, harvests and livelihood, and are thus celebrated in various cultures. International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice is thus to acknowledge that these celebrations are an embodiment of the unity of the cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions, and play a role in strengthening the ties among peoples on the basis of mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good-neighbourliness.

 

Image: International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice