Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere

The summer solstice typically occurs on June 21 in the northern hemisphere and December 22 in the southern hemisphere. Though in some years it also happens a day earlier, on June 20 and December 21.

It happens twice in a year, during summer and winter. On a solstice the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator. 

The solstice is a Pagan celebration day and believers gather at spiritually significant sites, such as Stonehenge.

Traditionally, this period of the year fell between the planting and harvesting of crops, leaving a space for pleasure and relaxation in the lives of those living off the land, so June became the traditional month for weddings.

 

A floral doodle called the First Day of Summer by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami marks the summer solstice on the Google home page.

While the Google doodle marks the summer solstice with a First Day of the Summer doodle, the summer solstice from an astronomical view marks the middle of the summer season and the summer solstice is also referred to as 'midsummer.'