What is the summer solstice? What to know and how to celebrate in Michigan

Summer is right around the corner as the longest day of the year approaches to mark its start.

The sun will rise in Detroit at 5:56 a.m. June 21 and set at 9:12 p.m., making the duration of the solstice 15 hours, 16 minutes and 57 seconds long.

The summer solstice, when the North Pole tips more toward the sun than any other day, has been long recognized and often celebrated in many parts of the world. In many traditions, it’s a time of community celebration where people stay up late to enjoy the long evening twilight and admire the sun's power.

Throughout history, the Celts celebrated with bonfires that would add to the sun's energy, Christians placed the feast of St John the Baptist toward the end of June and in China, there is the festival of Li, the Chinese Goddess of light.

Like other religious groups, Pagans are in awe of the incredible strength of the sun and the divine powers that create life. For some Pagans the summer solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits.

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This is a time to celebrate growth and life, but for pagans, who see balance in the world and are deeply aware of the ongoing shifting of the seasons, it is also time to acknowledge that the sun will now begin to decline once more toward winter.

The summer solstice is often paired with Midsummer Day since the celebrations are around the same time. Midsummer, however, mainly marks the midpoint of the growing season and consists of larger celebrations that include dancing and other festivities.

When celebrating midsummer, pagans draw on diverse traditions. In England, thousands of Pagans and non-pagans go to places of ancient religious sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury to see the sun rising on the first morning of summer.

Apart from just the large events at major site, many more pagans hold small ceremonies in open spaces, everywhere from gardens to woodlands.

To most Americans now though, these occurrences hold little importance. However, some still keep the fun alive with special start of summer events.

If you are ready to mark the solstice, there are lots of great ways to celebrate in Michigan:

Host a backyard bonfire

Outdoor fires have been a hallmark of summer solstice celebrations for centuries, signifying a celebration of light, chasing away darkness.

Invite family and friends over to kick off summer together with a small party, s'mores and grilled food. Set up camping chairs, hammocks or spread blankets on the grass and bring out lawn games like cornhole, badminton and croquet for a night that's easy to create for your personal taste.

Go camping at a local state park

An old-fashioned campout is a great way to mark the start of summer, whether you do it right in your backyard or at a nearby private campground.

Most state parks have campground sites and all offer different spots to hike and swim too. KOA, or Kampgrounds of America, also has many Michigan locations close to the lake with cabins to rent and fun activities offered for all ages such as mini golf, bike riding and more.

Take PTO and have a 'Sólarfri'

In Icelandic, the word sólarfrí directly translates to “sun vacation,” a term that is used to describe unexpected time off to enjoy a sunny, warm day - an important concept in a country that is plunged into darkness for most of winter.

In celebration of the Summer Solstice, Reyka Vodka is bringing the Icelandic concept of sólarfrí stateside by encouraging overworked Americans to actually use their paid time off and enjoy a proper Summer Solstice Sólarfrí.

To motivate Americans to get outside on the longest day of the year, Reyka is offering a $100 sólarfrí adventure fund to U.S. workers who commit to taking PTO for Summer Solstice, in addition to a grand prize of two round-trip tickets to Iceland.

U.S. workers can enter by commenting on Reyka Vodka’s Instagram post from June 13 - 20 with a commitment to taking a Summer Solstice Sólarfrí. On June 21, Reyka will send $100 via CashApp to 50 randomly selected entrants to help them enjoy their day off in the great outdoors.

Following the close of the contest, Reyka will award one entrant with two round-trip tickets to Iceland.

Entrants must be 21 years of age or older to participate.

Summer Solstice Festival, Elberta

The Elberta Summer Solstice Festival is returning from 4-11:30 p.m. June 17.

The annual summer tradition will include local music, a beer garden, games for kids, food trucks and more. The music will begin at 5 p.m. with a line-up including Elizabeth Landry, Blake Elliott, Barefoot, Bill Frary and the Frequency and Soul Patch.

Attendees are recommended to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the seating area, but no outside coolers or beverages. Alcoholic beverages, water and iced tea will be available for purchase.

Tickets can be bought at the gate for $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13-18, and free for children under 13.

Kids' Litha Party, Troy

Litha is a pagan holiday that celebrates the beginning of summer and occurs on the summer solstice. Children can honor the holiday at Robinwood Park in Troy from 2-3 p.m. June 18. The event will offer crafts and other outdoor activities. Families can get tickets for a donation amount of their choice.

Kona Grill's special event, Troy

This classic American grill, located in Troy, offers fresh seafood, steak and chops, sushi and cocktails. The restaurant is inviting Michigan residents to celebrate the solstice with a special event 7 p.m. June 21.

The tasting experience will include Happy Hour & Brunch Bites, Mix n’ Match KonaMosa & Margarita Heaven Bar, and the official introduction of a new Fire Dragon Roll – Kona’s flaming sushi roll.

If you're interested in attending, RSVP by emailing KonaGrill@icrinc.com no later than June 17.

Family-friendly day at Heritage Park

From 6:30- 8:30 p.m. June 21, Heritage Park in Farmington Hills is hosting an event full of family-friendly activities from hayrides, roasting marshmallows and arts and crafts.

Families with kids of all ages will also be able to explore the nature center and learn more about what makes the Summer Solstice special.

The event costs $8 per person with a hayride, $5 a person without a hayride, and an additional $1 for s'mores kits.

Litha, Summer Solstice Ritual, Davison

Meet and greet fellow pagans at First Metaphysical Church in the Davison, Flint, and surrounding areas.

Pagan Roundtable North is an open meeting to discuss pagan related topics and network with local pagans. The June 24 meeting will be a celebration of Litha, the summer solstice.

All attendees are required to bring a dish to share after the ritual.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Summer solstice in Michigan: What to know, events to attend