Thousands gathered at Stonehenge in Wiltshire in the early hours of Sunday morning to mark the winter solstice, the year’s shortest day. The crowds watched for the sunrise, mirroring celebrations held six months prior for the summer solstice.
A Timeless Gathering
The winter solstice, typically occurring on December 20, 21, or 22, is when the sun reaches its lowest arc in the sky. At Stonehenge, the sun can be seen through the south-eastern arches of the structure, which is intentionally aligned with the sunrise. The length of daylight varied across Britain, ranging from just over eight hours in Land’s End, Cornwall, to approximately five and a half hours in Shetland, Scotland, with most areas experiencing around seven hours of sunlight.
People traveled from around the globe to converge on Salisbury Plain for the event. Win Scutt, a curator at English Heritage who oversees events at Stonehenge, described a “fantastic atmosphere” with attendees including pagans, druids, and people from many walks of life. Scutt noted the site’s enduring appeal, stating, “There’s something about Stonehenge that appeals to people in so many different ways and it’s lovely to share that.”
For some, the experience was a long-held dream. Bradley O’Neill, who journeyed from Australia, shared that witnessing the solstice at Stonehenge was “on his bucket list.” He described feeling a sense of connection to the site’s “old mysteries” and a feeling of being “special.”
The solstice also held particular significance for Golnar Pooya, a Persian Zoroastrian. Her faith, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, has celebrated the solstice for over 2,500 years. Pooya, who usually celebrates with family in America, described the tradition as a celebration of “the darkness…over,” marked by staying up all night, sharing pomegranates symbolizing rebirth, and reading poetry.
As the days begin to lengthen, Stonehenge is likely to remain a focal point for those seeking to observe and celebrate the return of the light. It is possible that future gatherings will continue to draw people from across the globe, maintaining the tradition of marking this ancient astronomical event. Continued interest in the site could lead to further research into its original purpose and the beliefs of those who constructed it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, typically occurring on December 20, 21, or 22, when the sun reaches its lowest arc in the sky.
Why is Stonehenge significant during the solstice?
Stonehenge is aligned with the sunrise during the winter solstice, allowing the sun to be seen through its arches, and has been a gathering place for celebrations for centuries.
Who attended the solstice celebration at Stonehenge?
Thousands of people gathered, including pagans, druids, and individuals from various cultures and countries, including Australia and America.
What does it mean to you to connect with ancient traditions and astronomical events?
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