Summer Solstice: Celebrations in the Fields

Cisterna, Latina, Italy 

“The symbolism of the solstices should attract our attention since it does not coincide with the character of the seasons in which they occur. In fact, it is the Winter solstice which inaugurates the ascendant phase of the annual cycle, while the Summer solstice inaugurates its descendant phase.” (Chevalier) 

The Graeco-Roman god, Janus represents the gates of the solstices. Janua coeli, the Winter solstice, is the ‘door of the gods’, representing the ascent and increasing power of the sun. Janua inferni, the Summer solstice, is the ‘door of men’ representing the descent and decreasing power of the sun.                   

The Classical Janus (zengardner) and a modern version of the two-headed god

(habercigunluk) 

The Summer solstice became a symbol for Christ as can be observed in particular in Romanesque art. 

Christos Pancorator, Jesus associated with the creating power of the sun (camel176) 

Celebrations at Summer solstice expressed the human joy at the sun’s power and gifts and also the hope that the sun would maintain its beneficial effects for a bountiful harvest.  

All night revelry and huge bonfires celebrated the sun’s zenith and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In pagan times these festivals would be encouragement for the sun to continue its beneficial radiance.  

As we merrily go through this summer door, we also take the godly gift of light into our own being, to carry on in ‘light consciousness’ until the winter door once more appears. 

Michelle Jennings

Sources:

Chevalier, J. & Alain Gheerbrant. The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols. Penguin Books. London. 1996.

Cooper, J.C. An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols. Thames and  Hudson. London. 1978.