SUMMER SOLSTICE Meaning and
Definition
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Summer solstice, also known as June solstice, is an astronomical phenomenon occurring when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined towards the sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year. It marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The term "solstice" is derived from Latin, meaning "sun stands still," corresponding to the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, seemingly pausing before reversing its direction.
During the summer solstice, the sun appears directly overhead at noon along the Tropic of Cancer, which is the northernmost point that receives direct sunlight. This event brings about the maximum amount of daylight hours and the shortest period of darkness for the respective hemisphere. Countries in the Northern Hemisphere experience extended daylight, while those in the Southern Hemisphere encounter shortened days.
Various cultures and civilizations have celebrated the summer solstice throughout history. It holds significance in many traditions as a time of renewal, fertility, and abundance. Festivals, such as the ancient Celtic festival of Litha and the modern-day celebration of Midsummer's Eve, honor the solstice by engaging in rituals, dances, bonfires, and feasts to mark the sun's zenith and pay homage to nature's rhythms.
The summer solstice serves as a celestial reminder of the Earth's annual journey around the sun. As a pivotal moment in the solar year, it symbolizes the balance between light and darkness, and the cyclical nature of our planet's relationship with the sun.
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With reference to the northern hemisphere, that period of the year when the sun attains his greatest northern point, about 22d June.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SUMMER SOLSTICE
- aummer solstice
- zummer solstice
- xummer solstice
- dummer solstice
- eummer solstice
- wummer solstice
- symmer solstice
- shmmer solstice
- sjmmer solstice
- simmer solstice
- s8mmer solstice
- s7mmer solstice
- sunmer solstice
- sukmer solstice
- sujmer solstice
- sumner solstice
- sumker solstice
- sumjer solstice
- summwr solstice
- summersolstice
Etymology of SUMMER SOLSTICE
The word solstice originates from the Latin solstitium, which combines sol (meaning sun) and stitium (meaning stoppage or stillness). The term refers to the momentary pause or stillness in the sun's apparent movement across the sky, which occurs when it reaches its highest or lowest point. The word summer derived from the Old English word sumor, which in turn traces its roots back to the Proto-Germanic word sumur.
Similar spelling words for SUMMER SOLSTICE
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