Native American Culture and the Summer Solstice
Most cultures, which have existed for a long time, consider the summer solstice as an important occurrence. It is an important time of year. This is as true of Native Americans in general, as it is with most other cultures. It makes sense, too.
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. American Indians, long before settlers reached North America or South America, lived their lives on a cycle governed by the seasons of the year and the rising and setting of the sun. It makes a great deal of sense that the longest day of the year would be an important one.
For the American Indian, the dead of winter is the time of rest and hardship. Temperatures are low, the days are short, and it is hard to stay warm. Wild game, fruits, grains, and roots are hard to find, and stored food is relied on though limited in type and quantity. After winter solstice, though, the days began to get longer, gradually. Temperatures remained cold and usually got colder, but that solstice marked the change in the cycle; the time when the earth gave new hope for renewed life of the planet.
Not a great deal of time passed before life began to return to the land. Animals became more plentiful and plants began to grow once again. The Indian no longer had to rely solely on the dwindling supply of stored food. Food could begin to be supplemented with fresh meat and vegetables, most of which were eagerly sought.
Prayers and celebrations of thanks were given at this time for getting the tribe through the hardships of winter. The vernal equinox was the celebration of thanks for the passing of winter. After that time, the days would become longer than the nights.
Spring was a time when both plants and animals flourished and when each day seemed to give more promise than the last. The land turned green and energetic with life.
The summer solstice was a time of even greater celebration. Though the days would gradually grow shorter, it was also the time preceding the harvest and the time when wildlife was at its greatest. This celebration was also one of thanks, but rather than the thanks for the passing of winter, it was thanks for the coming bounties that would make it possible to make it through the coming cold time.
Among most tribes, dancing, merriment and feasts marked the celebration. Foods were plentiful and varied. Bellies were filled and the tribe rejoiced. Often, this was the time of bonding or marriage, and it was a time of play for children and adults alike. It was believed that the Great One looked down on the tribe and smiled.
Whether or not a person, Native American or otherwise, is religious or not, the summer solstice has always been a very special time. It is especially so for people who revered the land like the American Indian did, and does. If the winter solstice can be thought of as relating to the time of deepest sleep and death for the year, the summer solstice is the time of the strongest and most vibrant life.
Times have changed for the Native American. Yet for most tribes, the summer solstice is still a time of celebration and joy. The celebrations and the wonder continues just as strongly as in the past.
I am Cherokee and can't speak for all tribes. But certainly most felt that summer solstice was special.
