Beginning of the summer season, until what date lasts in summer?

This year, the summer solstice took place on June 21. This astronomical event corresponds to the longest day of the yearthat is to say that the duration of sunshine is maximum that day. Indeed, night falls later than other days. The summer solstice marks especially season change : the countries of the northern hemisphere go from spring to summer. But, how to explain such an astrological phenomenon? Here is all the information to know about the summer solstice.

What is the date of the summer solstice in 2025?

This year, the summer solstice will take place on Saturday June 21, 2025. The summer season will then officially start on that date until September 22, 2025. In addition, the date of the summer solstice does not always fall on June 21. Indeed, the summer solstice can also take place on June 19, 20 or 22. It depends on the evolution of the rotation of the earth, but also on the introduction of the Georgian calendar in 1582. This new calendar established the bissextile year every 4 years, to try to reduce the gap between a calendar year which lasts 365 days and the revolution of the earth around the sun which generally lasts in total 365 days, 5 hours and 48 minutes.

What is the summer solstice?

The summer solstice is an astronomical event which is observed beyond the earth once a year. At that time, the northern hemisphere, in other words the northern half of the earth, is the most oriented towards the sun. As a result, the southern hemisphere is far from the sun. On the days that follow, the sun remains visible longer in the sky, which makes the much longer summer days.

What is the meaning of the summer solstice?

In France as in the whole northern hemisphere, The summer solstice corresponds to the longest day of the year. The sun is at its greatest height in the sky of the year, early in the morning until late in the evening.

What does the summer solstice feast correspond to?

Some countries in the northern hemisphere celebrate the change of season by organizing a Summer Solstice Day. It is also a tradition that dates back several years. Originally, in the Celtic calendar, it was a pagan party, named Lithawhich was dedicated to the power of the sun, an essential element according to beliefs to all forms of life. Even today, in France, a few days before the summer solstice, there is the Saint-Jean festival who celebrates summer and harvests. In the Pyrenees and in certain regions of Spain, we also find the summer solstice festivals which traditionally take place on the night of June 23 to 24.

What are the rituals of the summer solstice?

Several rituals surrounded the summer solstice party. When Litha partyinterior and exterior rituals were respected, like a greeting in the sun in the morning, a walk in the great outdoors to reconnect to the elements, a joy fire to celebrate the element of fire and light. In France, Solstice fire festivals have some similarities with the pagan festival, since after dark, The inhabitants take hold of torches to light pyres from the top of the mountains. During these parties, municipal meals, songs and dances are also organized. The general idea is to regenerate social ties and strengthen feelings of identity for some. For adolescents, this moment would symbolize the transition to adulthood.