kesäpäivänseisaus

Kesäpäivänseisaus is the Finnish term for the summer solstice. This astronomical event marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It typically occurs around June 20th or 21st. During the summer solstice, the North Pole is tilted most directly towards the sun. This results in the sun reaching its highest point in the sky for the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and consequently, the longest period of daylight.

In Finland, kesäpäivänseisaus is a significant cultural event. The prolonged daylight, especially in the northern parts of the country where the sun may not set at all (the "midnight sun"), is deeply ingrained in Finnish traditions and celebrations. The period around the solstice is often associated with Midsummer (Juhannus), one of the most important holidays in Finland. Midsummer celebrations traditionally involve gathering with family and friends, bonfires, saunas, and enjoying the outdoors and the bright summer nights. The abundance of light is seen as a time of renewal and celebration of summer's peak.