Most people started hearing about the term "Summer Solstice" when they were kids. In fact, there were movies released about it in 1981, 2003 and 2005 and, there were many legends associated to it.

If you are a fan of the popular children television show "Avatar: The Legend of Aang," human world and spirit world grow closer whenever this natural phenomenon takes place. According to the story, it becomes easy for people to enter the spiritual realm during solstice.

Like Us on Facebook

Summer solstice, what is it really and when does it occur? How and why is it important?

Here are five solstice facts that could answer those questions.

1. What and where did the name come from? 

Summer solstice means "sun stands still," originated from the Latin word "solstitium," according to The Independent.

This is known as the longest day of the year, when there are more day than night time. 

2. Why is this happening? 

During this time, the Earth's axis is most inclined towards the Bright Star. This is opposite to the Winter solstice, when the planet is tilted furthest away from the sun—giving us more night than day time.

3. When will it happen? 

Summer solstice takes place between June 20-22, depending on the shift of the calendar.  This year, it will happen on Sunday.

In London, the sun is expected to rise between 4:25-4:33 a.m. and it's anticipated to set at 9:21 p.m.

The sun will rise at 4:52 a.m. near Stonehenge in Salisbury, Mirror has learned. The sunset will take place at 9:26 p.m. 

4. What is the significance of this event? 

For most of the people, summer solstice marks the beginning of summer. In terms of ancient culture, it's a symbolic celebration of fertility, renewal of faith and harvest.

In Estonia, it is called as Jaanipäev. This event marks their change in farming season. 

Summer solstice, also known as Wianki, is the root of pagan religious event in Poland. In Russia and Ukraine, they call it as Kupala Night, which is when their people jump over the flames as a ritual to test their bravery and faith. 

5. How is it celebrated? 

Iceland calls it The Secret Solstice Midnight Sun Music Festival, a 3-day music festive that makes a good use of the extra daylight, as per the report of Huffington Post. 

To celebrate solstice in Austria, people light mountain fire. This is an Alpine tradition, dating back to the medieval times, when natives worship the earth through mystical flames.

Druids, pagans and revelers go to Stonehedge to witness the perfect alignment of the sun rising above the stone circle, which only happens during solstice.

Meanwhile, New Yorkers celebrate soltice by doing yoga at Times Square, which starts 7 a.m. and continues until before sunset. It has been named by the United Nations General Assembly as International Day of Yoga.

Finally, let's go to Croatia. Astroforest gather stargazing enthusiasts and amateur astronomers to Višnjan Observatory to have a unique and magical solstice celebration by sky gazing and listening to New age music, while enjoying a serve of local cuisine and classical wine.

TagsSummer solstice, Solstice Facts, Longest Day