Every year, when the Summer Solstice arrives, I’m reminded of the evenings I spent as a child, watching the sky stay light long into the evening. My family would head outside, lighting a small bonfire in the backyard, celebrating the sun’s longest journey across the sky. It felt magical, like the day was stretching itself just for us. But little did I know that our simple backyard gathering was part of a much larger tradition—one that spans thousands of years and cultures around the world.
From the ancient stones of Stonehenge to the Midsummer feasts of Sweden, the Summer Solstice has inspired rituals, myths, and celebrations. How well do you know the fascinating stories and traditions tied to the year’s longest day?
Dive into these 70 trivia questions and explore the global history, customs, and science surrounding the radiant Summer Solstice!
1. What is the Summer Solstice known for?
The longest day and shortest night of the year
2. On what date does the Summer Solstice usually occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
Around June 21
3. What phenomenon causes the Summer Solstice?
The Earth’s tilt towards the Sun
4. What ancient site in England is famous for Summer Solstice celebrations?
Stonehenge
5. In which hemisphere does the Summer Solstice occur in December?
Southern Hemisphere
6. What is the traditional flower associated with the Summer Solstice?
Sunflower
7. Which country celebrates the Summer Solstice with a festival called Midsommar?
Sweden
8. How long has Stonehenge been used to mark the solstices?
Over 4,000 years
9. In Greek mythology, which god is associated with the Sun and Summer Solstice?
Apollo
10. What is another name for the Summer Solstice in many cultures?
Midsummer
11. In what country is the Summer Solstice known as “Juhannus”?
Finland
12. What natural element is traditionally celebrated during the Summer Solstice?
Fire
13. Which ancient civilization built Newgrange, aligned with the solstices?
The Celts
14. What is the astronomical term for the Sun being directly over the Tropic of Cancer?
Summer Solstice
15. Which herb is traditionally harvested on the Summer Solstice?
St. John’s Wort
16. In which country is the Summer Solstice celebrated with midnight bonfires?
Norway
17. What ancient Egyptian structure is aligned with the Summer Solstice sunrise?
The Great Sphinx
18. How many hours of sunlight can be expected at the North Pole on the Summer Solstice?
24 hours
19. What fruit is commonly associated with Summer Solstice feasts?
Strawberries
20. Which Roman festival celebrates the Summer Solstice with flower wreaths?
Vestalia
21. In which country is the Summer Solstice celebrated with floating flower wreaths?
Latvia
22. Which ancient civilization celebrated the Summer Solstice as a key event in their calendar?
The Mayans
23. In which U.S. state is the Summer Solstice celebrated with the “Midnight Sun Game”?
Alaska
24. What symbol is often used in artwork to represent the Summer Solstice?
The Sun
25. Which Celtic festival aligns closely with the Summer Solstice?
Litha
26. How do people in Japan traditionally celebrate the Summer Solstice?
With water purification ceremonies
27. What happens to the days after the Summer Solstice?
They gradually become shorter
28. What is the name of the festival celebrating the Summer Solstice in Spain?
Festival of San Juan
29. Which constellation is associated with the Summer Solstice?
Cancer
30. Which bird is often associated with Summer Solstice celebrations in Native American traditions?
Eagle
31. Which ancient Greek philosopher suggested the Sun was a fiery ball during the Summer Solstice?
Anaxagoras
32. Which season begins with the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?
Summer
33. In what ancient civilization was the Sun god Ra celebrated during the Summer Solstice?
Ancient Egypt
34. Which Native American tribe holds a Sundance to celebrate the solstice?
The Lakota tribe
35. What drink is traditionally enjoyed at Midsummer celebrations in Sweden?