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Pagans, Hippies Celebrate Solstice at Stonehenge

Thousands gather to witness traditional ceremonies

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 21, 2011 8:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – More than 18,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate summer solstice, witnessing sunrise on the longest day of the year. The Telegraph’s article on the event is full of fun little tidbits: The revelers are described as “an eclectic mix of sun worshippers, hippies, and pagans,” and a Druid named Arthur Uther Pendragon conducted the traditional pagan ceremonies. Not surprisingly, about 20 people were arrested for minor drug infractions.

Revelers cheer as the sun finally breaks through the clouds more than a couple of hours after sunrise during the summer solstice at Stonehenge, near Salisbury in England, Tuesday, June 21, 2011.
Revelers cheer as the sun finally breaks through the clouds more than a couple of hours after sunrise during the summer solstice at Stonehenge, near Salisbury in England, Tuesday, June 21, 2011.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Thousands celebrate summer solstice.   (Telegraph)
Druids and others celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge.   (Telegraph)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
beckjr2000
Jun 21, 2011 6:07 PM CDT
This gathering probably represents 70 to 80% of all the "Climate Scientists" in Europe!
Clauddvon
Jun 21, 2011 11:35 AM CDT
What the hell does, "Not surprisingly, about 20 people were arrested for minor drug infractions", mean, Evann??  Any religion that isn't yours has to include drugs, sex, violence and Rock-and-roll??? Shame on you.
schmidtkoff
Jun 21, 2011 9:51 AM CDT
ah, not a time for celebrating i'm afraid. sigh. yes it's the longest day of the year but i'm mourning it. for this is when the sun is in it's decline, the days get shorter, growth of vegetation begins to slow to prepare for fall and ultimately winter. the time to actually celebrate is dec. 22, 2011, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. days begin their trek to longer days out of the dark of winter.

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