LONDON — As the winter solstice approaches, a diverse crowd of pagans, druids, hippies, and curious tourists is set to gather at Stonehenge in southern England to commemorate the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
On Saturday, thousands are expected to assemble at the ancient stone circle, eagerly awaiting the moment when sunlight breaks through the towering stones of this iconic prehistoric site. Although rain is anticipated, it likely won’t dampen the festive atmosphere filled with drumming, chanting, and joyful celebrations.
Amidst the ceremonial excitement, a thought often lingers in the minds of many: what was the true significance and purpose of Stonehenge? Over the years, the site has generated heated discussions, with a variety of intriguing theories, some far-fetched, if not extraterrestrial, being proposed regarding its origins and uses.
This year, attendees will have fresh insights to ponder. A paper published in a leading archaeology journal by researchers from University College London and Aberystwyth University presents a compelling idea that the Stonehenge site may have had a unifying role for ancient peoples.
The researchers point to a recent finding that the distinctive “altar stone,” located at the center of Stonehenge, is traced back to Scotland, some 128 kilometers (80 miles) away from the site. Its unexpected origins raise intriguing questions, especially since other stones at the site are known to come from various parts of Britain, including the bluestones from Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) distant.
This diverse array of stone sources makes Stonehenge stand out among over 900 stone circles across Britain. Professor Mike Parker Pearson, the lead author of the study, noted, “The fact that all of its stones originated from distant regions suggests that the stone circle may have had a political as well as a religious purpose.” He theorized that the monument could symbolize unity among the peoples of Britain, reflecting their connections to their ancestors and the cosmos.
Regardless of its original intention, Stonehenge continues to hold a significant place in British culture and history today. It remains a major attraction for tourists, even amidst the notorious traffic congestion on the nearby A303 highway, frequented by travelers heading to and from the southwest.
Constructed gradually over a period beginning 5,000 years ago on Salisbury Plain, the iconic stone circle was established during the late Neolithic period, around 2,500 B.C. English Heritage, an organization dedicated to the management of numerous historic sites, including Stonehenge, has explored several interpretations of its purpose. These range from theories suggesting it served as a coronation site for Danish royalty, a druidic temple, a healing cult center, or even an astronomical device for tracking solar events and eclipses.
In terms of symbolism and community, one might wonder if Stonehenge was, in its time, something akin to a Mount Rushmore, uniting people in celebration of their shared heritage.