Secrets of the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
Explore the mysteries of Stonehenge and make your own mini-Stonehenge craft with our summer solstice craft.
The History of Stonehenge
The history of Stonehenge begins 5,000 years ago in the late Neolithic period in what is now known as Britain. Scientists believe the monument was built in five stages over 100s of years. Located on Salisbury Plain, it began as a simple circular ditch and bank. Around 2,500 BC the stones were added in various stages.
The construction of Stonehenge required skill and a massive effort to meticulously place the stones. Most of the stones came from a local quarry about 15 to 20 miles away from the site. But a few special stones, known as the bluestones, were brought to the site from almost 150 miles away! Intricate engineering and resourcefulness would have been required to move the stones. Scientists suspect the ancient people used sleds, and ropes and possibly even rolled the slabs on logs to move them to the site.
Why was Stonehenge Built?
The exact reason is lost to time as the people who built this magnificent project left us no written record. Theories for its purpose include an ancient burial ground of kings and priests, a ritual center or that it was some kind of celestial calendar.
The Celestial Connection
Let’s explore the celestial mysteries surrounding the monument. During the summer and winter solstices, something magical happens at the site.
Solstices happen two times a year and mark the days that have the longest and shortest amount of sunlight. At the summer solstice, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and results in a day with the most hours of daylight. Conversely, during the winter solstice, the sun reaches its lowest point, leading to the day with the fewest hours of daylight. (Check out our winter solstice Kachina craft.)
Stonehenge is designed so that during the summer solstice, the sun rises over the Heel Stone (a standing stone located outside the main circle). This allows the sun’s rays to shine through the monument’s entrance, illuminating the interior and creating a breathtaking spectacle. This alignment suggests that Stonehenge played a key role in celebrations for the summer solstice. Ancient civilizations placed great importance on the planting (or agricultural calendar) season. A good harvest was the difference between life and death for our ancient ancestors. So knowing the sun’s movements was critical.
Beyond the summer solstice, Stonehenge’s connection extends to other astronomical events. The circular design and stone alignment suggests a sophisticated level of understanding of the sky. Some researchers suggest that it was an astronomical observatory, used to track the movement of the moon, and stars and understand the changing seasons.
Whatever Stonehenge was used for, it shows our ancient forebearers had a deep connection to the cosmos and lived their lives with the rhythms of nature.
Now that you know all about Stonehenge, let’s get crafting!
Supplies:
- Lots of Wine Corks (Try to get the ones still made of cork not plastic)
- Large piece of Card Board
- Gray Spray Paint
- Green Paint
- A Knife
- A Glue Gun
Directions:
Step 1: Cut the wine corks into long rectangles, This means you will need to shave off two sides of the cork. It is best to have an adult do this! Real cork is easier to cut than the newer plastic corks. Don’t throw out the extra bits. You can use these for some of the fallen stones or the “blue stones”.
Step 2: Spray paint the corks. You will need to spray paint one side, let it dry, and then flip the corks and paint the other side.
Step 3: Paint your large piece of card board green and let dry.
Step 3: Get a good picture of Stonehenge and start studying. This is a good time to talk with kids about how the henge was made and why. When the corks and board are dry, use the picture to lay out the stones. I highly recommend laying out the stones before you glue. You will want to make sure your stone spacing is correct so you do not end up with gaps that look funny.
Step 4: Using the hot glue gun, glue the stones in place. I recommend an adult do this part unless the student is older can be trusted with the hot glue.
Step 5: Enjoy your henge!