Summer solstice revels around the world (PHOTOS)

The summer solstice is the official beginning of summer for those who reside in the Northern Hemisphere, and for some, the day is a reason to celebrate.

The solstice occurs when the Earth’s northern pole is tilted towards the sun. After the solstice time, which varies depending on location, the sun heads southwards again.

Before Christianity swept northern Europe, people celebrated the coming of summer because it was believed to be the time of year when magic was at its most powerful, According to the Religioustolerance.org. Some also believed that plants native to the season held special healing powers.

The celebration of the summer solstice is referred to colloquially as midsummer. In Europe, midsummer is celebrated from June 21 to the 24. During midsummer celebrations, bonfires are lit to protect from evil spirits which are believed to roam freely as the sun heads south. Thousands gathered today at Stonehenge to celebrate the arrival of summer, according to NPR.