Vocabulary
solstice /'sol stis/- the 2 times of the year when the sun
is at its greatest distance from the earth's equator
equator /'ee kway dr/- the imaginary (not real) line the
divides earth into 2 parts hemisphere /'hem is feer/- hemi means to divide into two,
sphere means a round object like the earth. Hemisphere means one half
of the circle. The northern hemisphere means above the equator or
(middle) of the earth. June 21st (or 22nd) is the summer solstice for the northern hemisphere*. Solstice in Latin means "sun standing still." On that day it seems like the sun is standing still because there is more daylight than on any other day. It is the first day of summer and a special day for many groups of people.
Many ancient cultures had ceremonies on solstice. They celebrated light and fire. Many people also thought it was a time for love and growth. Nowadays many places around the world have parades or parties.
The great English writer, William Shakespeare, said** whatever you dream on this night will come to pass. Have great dreams on June 21! And if you are in the northern hemisphere, enjoy the longest day of the year.
** in his play A Midsummer's Night Dream
Check Your Understanding
True or False. Check your answers below.1. Solstice means that it looks like the sun doesn't move.
True
False
2. Summer solstice is on July 21.
True
False
3. Many ancient people celebrated summer solstice with fire.
True
False
4. Nowadays no one celebrates solstice.
True
False
5. Shakespeare said whatever you dream about on June 21 will happen.
True
False
