From Stone Age astronomy to Viking law and Roman goddesses, cultures across time have honored the longest day of the year

The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, falls on June 20 this year in North America, and June 21 in Europe.

During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half of the earth is tilted toward the sun, creating the longest day and shortest night of the year. This solstice falls between June 20 and 22.