kesäpäivänseisausta

Kesäpäivänseisaus, also known as the summer solstice, marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It typically occurs around June 20th or 21st. On this day, the Earth's North Pole is tilted most directly towards the Sun, resulting in the Sun reaching its highest point in the sky at noon.

Historically, many cultures have celebrated the summer solstice with festivals and rituals. These celebrations often revolve around themes of light, fertility, and the abundance of nature. In Finland, where the term "kesäpäivänseisaus" is used, the solstice coincides with the peak of the "yö" or "white nights," periods where daylight lasts for nearly 24 hours, particularly in the northern parts of the country. This phenomenon creates a unique atmosphere and influences traditional midsummer celebrations.

The astronomical event of the summer solstice signifies the beginning of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere, lasting until the autumnal equinox. It is a moment of peak solar illumination and a turning point in the year's cycle, after which the days begin to gradually shorten. The precise timing of the solstice varies slightly each year due to the Earth's orbit and the Gregorian calendar.