The Summer Solstice - A Moment Of Great Import

Once upon a time there was a species awakening on a small blue planet, orbiting an average yellow star. They called themselves Humans, and as they slowly evolved, and became more aware of the world around them, they began to notice that the all important life-giving Sun that travelled east to west across the sky every day, also over the course of many days, gradually moved north in the sky. And as it moved north, the days grew longer, and warmer. Plants and animals became more abundant, and it was easier to procure food, and stay alive.

They also noticed that after a time, the Sun stopped moving north, and began to move south again, and the animals and plants would begin to diminish, and the struggle for survival gradually became harder and harder.

But there was a moment when the Sun seemed to stand still in the sky, before it headed south again, and these new Humans recognised this as a defining moment in their existence, and began to honour it. They called it the Solstice which literally meant the standing still of the Sun. They also called it Midsummer's Eve.

It was a time of magic, when spirits came out of hiding. Huge bonfires were lit to keep evil spirits at bay, while certain plants became endowed with miraculous healing properties - on that night only - and were quickly harvested.

It was a propitious time for lovers, and a time for unions, and marriage. It was a time of gaiety, and celebration. As the Sun stood still, the world stood still with it, and Humans marked the moment with ceremony and purpose.

Thousands of years went by, and Humans changed. The Sun still moved north, and stopped, before heading south again, but humans didn't seem to care any more. They had learned to build shelters that were so self contained, it didn't matter what the weather was doing. The movement of the Sun still affected the plants and animals, but humans didn't notice, because they now procured their food from inside buildings, where the Sun didn't shine. Harvesting healing plants in the magic moonlight of a Midsummer's Eve didn't interest them any more. They took pills instead. Lovers created their own moments, and got married when it was convenient. And as for marking the moment with celebrations, if it didn't involve a day off with pay, they weren't interested.

Yes, we've come a long way, baby... or have we?

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