Summer Celebrations! The Importance of Traditions
Fireworks exploding above a body of water against a black and blue background.
June 20th was the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere! What is a solstice? Coming from the Latin words sol meaning Sun and sistere meaning to stand still, the solstice is when the angle between the light of the Sun and the plane of Earth’s equator looks as if it stands still (Farmers’ Almanac, n.d.). We can see this most directly at the Arctic Circle where we may have heard the term “Land of the Midnight Sun.”
Traditions
This time of year has held special significance across the world. Here are just a few examples of traditions (Farmers’ Almanac, n.d., Koyfman, 2023)
Ancient Egypt
Aligning with the rising of the Nile River, this time of year marked the beginning of the Egyptian New Year.
European
In many European countries they held/hold Midsummer celebrations at places like Stonehenge.
Sweden is a good example with their Midsommarstång. With pagan roots, Swedes come together to eat potatoes, herring, and other traditional foods. They make flower crowns and dance around a maypole.
Norway, Iceland, and Finland have similar traditions, but ones that are unique to their own country.
In Iceland there is a three straight day celebration in the form of the Secret Solstice Midnight Sun Music Festival.
In previous centuries, the Irish would cut hazel branches on the eve of the solstice and used to search for gold, water, and precious jewels.
In Spain they celebrate La Tomatina among other midsummer celebrations with bonfires and fireworks. La Tomatina occurs in Buñol where people throw tomatoes at each other.
Guatemala
Deriving from the Ancient Mayans, people celebrate with spiritual rituals at sunrise and sunset at Tikal (Mayan ruins). The rituals are dedicated to the Temple of the Moon and Grand Jaguar.
Japan
Held in early August in the Aomori Prefecture, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival hosts a parade of lantern floats that take a whole year to develop and build. Effigies are often on the floats that relate to pop culture characters, gods, and historical figures.
The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival also occurs with a lot of fireworks.
China
The Hungry Ghost Festival occurs during Ghost Month, the seventh month of the lunar calendar. At this time, ancestral spirits are free to leave hell and walk among the living. In order to appease them and reduce the chances of any harm, there are ceremonies that people participate in throughout the month.
There are many more traditions that are not shared here, but they are there. Why have traditions lasted so long, and why are they so important?
Importance of Traditions
One of the most important reasons traditions exist are to preserve culture and identity, build a sense of belonging, and provide a connection to the past. Think about the importance of traditions and what we learn from them. When we engage in traditions we learn about our culture, at-large or familial, which helps build that sense of belonging to those around us. Furthermore, we build a connection to the past linking us to our histories and ancestors. That is neat to think about - connection through time.
Another important aspect to consider is that of family and social connection where we strengthen relationships, build community, and even potentially provide a sense of stability and routine. Think about your favorite tradition or holiday celebration. Think about the memories and the times that you have spent with family, friends, etc. Bonds become strengthened and when looking from a community via traditions give us a chance to come together united. Additionally, think about how many holidays and traditions come around each year. That sense of stability helps create security and safety because of the brain’s love of predictability, among many other reasons.
While there are many more reasons that traditions are important, we will only talk about one more, values and character development (Graburn, 2000). Many cultures have traditions of oral story telling. Others have written versions like fairytales or fables, for example. No matter the delivery method they share guidance, wisdom, and lessons that are transmitted through the ages. Traditions accomplish something similar. Again, think of your favorite holiday or tradition. Are there themes or lessons that are carried through? Do these themes also help build character through generations by offering them the opportunity to find a sense of belonging or identity? Then think about the culture within which the tradition or holiday exists. Do these traditions reinforce values?
Remember the joy of tradition! Next time you have chance to engage in a tradition remember the importance of traditions and what they bring to our lives.
take action today moment:
Research other traditions from around the world. Take some time to research your own family traditions and consider what they mean to you. See what you learn and notice!
Learn More About Traditions:
Views on the importance of customs and traditions to national identity
The Importance of Traditions (YouTube Video)
References
Farmers’ Almanac. (n.d.). Summer Solstice 2025 and the first day of summer: Facts and folklore. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/summer-solstice-first-day-summer
Graburn, N. H. (2000). What is tradition?. Museum Anthropology, 24(2‐3), 6-11.
Koyfman, S. (2023, June 13). 8 festive summer traditions from around the world. https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/summer-celebrations