Happy Summer Solstice!

Solstice is derived from the Latin words sol (Sun) and sistere (to stand still). The Summer sun stands still.

Every nomadic, agrarian, and advanced civilization has had strong ties to the cosmos. The celestial horizon has been one of the most unifying constants of humanity for ages.

I want to share two of my most favorite pre historical civilizations with you as they relate to the Solstice. 

The first is, 

The Serpent Mound

The Serpent Mound is a gigantic celestial calendar and effigy built upon the rim of a large meteor hole. 

Its open mouth faces nearly perfectly the setting sun on the Summer Solstice, and the coils in the serpent align spectacularly well with the Winter Solstice and Equinoxes.

There are all kinds of other speculations and mysteries surrounding The Great Serpent Mound, as well as dating that continues to inch backwards in time. 

It’s currently believed to have been built around 300 BC!

Not to mention it’s right down the road in Ohio, it’s an amazing astrological artifact from prehistory in our neck of the woods.

Second up is,

Woodhenge from the Cahokia Civilization

The lost Mississippian civilization of Cahokia. It’s really amazing for a number of reasons, but here’s a few:

-Massive earthen megalithic structures reminiscent of Mayan temples, Egypt’s pyramids, and England’s Stonehenge. Yet located right here on the American East coast.

-Woodhenge is a large circular arrangement of wooden poles erected eerily similar to Stonehenge. It’s believed to be a calendar as several points are lined up in perfect alignment with natural land features, the solstice, equinoxes, and possible lunar phases.

– They’re also associated with the Eastern Agricultural Complex. This is a complex of domesticated plants that predates the typical “Corn/Maize, Beans, and Squash” that originated in Mesoamerica. 

The Eastern Agricultural Complex is a locus of plant domestication originating independently from other regions in the world. 

Again, it’s practically right down the road, ecologically speaking!

Now is an excellent time to explore our ancient past while celebrating our movement into summer. Time for dinner and discovery and we’re here to help you out.

We’ll have plenty of 3-5lb smoked shoulders available for $25 each. 

Perfect for a slow roast in the oven or smoker. They make an easy and delicious meal. Links are provided below to begin your history movie night adventure. 

Happy Solstice!