Question

What did the summer and winter solstices indicate to ancient people?

Answer 1

Ancient people saw the summer and winter solstices as significant celestial events with cultural and agricultural implications. The summer solstice was celebrated as a time of abundance and warmth, while the winter solstice marked the shortest day and was observed as a time to endure the lack of sunlight and cold temperatures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ancient people interpreted the summer and winter solstices as important celestial events with significant cultural and agricultural implications. The summer solstice, which occurs around June 21 in the northern hemisphere, signified the longest day of the year and was celebrated as a time of abundance and gratitude for the warm weather. It helped agrarian societies determine when to sow their crops and anticipate seasonal rain. On the other hand, the winter solstice, around December 21, marked the shortest day of the year and was observed as a time to endure the lack of sunlight and cold temperatures. It was often associated with rituals to seek the return of light and heat.

Answer 2

The solstice of summer and winter indicated to the ancient people about the preparatory measures to be up taken for the longer nights (sun was going to come up for another half year) especially to come up.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the summer solstice until the winter solstice, nights get lengthier in duration and ancient people feared that it may someday overtake the whole of 24 hours of time. In accordance with that belief, they prepare for the hardship of winter to be faced and prayed to God against the fearful belief.

With the winter solstice coming over, they thanked God for the relief against their ghastly belief which has later turned up to be celebrated as the Christmas and birth of the deity.