Stonehenge Welcomes Summer Solstice with a Joyous Gathering
LONDON (AP)—As dawn broke on the longest day of the year, a vibrant crowd gathered at Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric monument in southern England, to celebrate the summer solstice. Cheers erupted as the sun peeked over the northeast horizon, illuminating the ancient site—a rare occasion when visitors could walk among the stones, typically off-limits.
Approximately 25,000 people, including druids, pagans, locals, and tourists, gathered at the World Heritage Site, marking summer’s arrival amidst an amber heat-health alert across the U.K., with temperatures soaring to over 33°C (91°F). English Heritage reported that more than 400,000 additional viewers participated via livestream.
Richard Dewdney, head of operations at Stonehenge, described the event as “a joyous and peaceful occasion” characterized by a beautiful sunrise, highlighting the site’s enduring ability to connect and enchant visitors.
Stonehenge, constructed in stages over 5,000 years ago on Salisbury Plain, remains shrouded in mystery regarding its purpose. While theories about the monument’s meaning vary—ranging from a coronation site for kings, a druid temple, or a healing center—many believe it was an astronomical observatory aligned with the sun’s movements, particularly during solstices.
Notably, some of the bluestones at the site originated from the Preseli Hills in Wales, nearly 150 miles away, and the altar stone has been traced back to northern Scotland, 460 miles distant. This remarkable journey of construction adds to the intrigue surrounding the ancient structure.
As the sun set on this year’s solstice celebration, attendees not only welcomed summer but also honored a timeless connection to history and the cosmos.
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