Summer is here and we do not want to come back in September having forgotten all our English skills!
That is why I recommend doing this webquest about the summer solstice!
Click on the different links to find out interesting facts and stories about the summer solstice:
Activity 1:
Read the article below:
What are the solstices?
In the northern hemisphere, 21 June is the longest day of the year. It is called the summer solstice and marks the beginning of summer. 21 June is the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere – there, it is the winter solstice and marks the beginning of winter. Since humans first began noticing the changes of the seasons and the movement of celestial objects, the solstices have been celebrated in many ways.
Answer the questions. You will find the answers both in the article above and at the weblink below.
- Why do we have seasons?
- What is the summer solstice?
- What is the winter solstice?
- What are the equinoxes?
- What and when is the autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere?
- What and when is the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere?
Activity 2: Summer solstice celebrations
A. Significance of the summer solstice
(Read the section ‘Significance of the summer solstice’.)
- Why was summer a joyous time in prehistoric times?
- What is another name for the first full moon of June? Why?
- Why wasn’t May a popular month for weddings?
- Where does the term ‘honeymoon’ come from?
B. Midsummer celebrations in ancient times
Complete this chart to help you summarize the ideas in this section. Tip: not all questions here have an answer.
C. Modern Pagan celebrations
- What does Litha mean?
- According to the Pagans, what happens at Midsummer?
- Besides celebrating growth, what else do the Pagans celebrate in this holiday?
- Where do Pagans celebrate the solstice in England?
D. Celebrations at Stonehenge
- What is Stonehenge?
- How many people celebrated at Stonehenge in 2017?
- How many people visit Stonehenge every year?
- Why would a visitor not be allowed to see Stonehenge?
- Was there more or less security in 2017? Why?
E. Celebrations in Denmark
- What is the midsummer celebration called?
- When does it take place?
- What’s the connection with bonfires?
- What’s the connection with witches?
F. Celebrations in Germany
- With what do some Germans celebrate the summer solstice?
- Describe customs related to:
G. Celebrations in California
- What was the theme of the parade in 2017?
- How many spectators attend the event?
- Why did the festival move from the sunken gardens?
- What happens for kids at the Alameda Park Festival?
- What is the annual competition and why does it happen?
