Recognizing the value of the culture of different peoples, striving to preserve the cultural diversity and traditions of the peoples of the world, the UN General Assembly on June 20, 2019 adopted a resolution (A/RES/73/300), according to which a holiday was established, celebrated annually on June 21. It is called International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice.
By establishing the holiday, the UN sought to emphasize the importance of this calendar event in the culture of many indigenous peoples, its connection with their way of life, traditions and beliefs.
Being an astronomical phenomenon in itself, the solstice represents the highest and lowest position of the sun relative to the celestial equator. This Summer Solstice Day is often called the « longest day of the year». In the culture of different peoples, it played a big role along with the winter solstice, and the traditions of its celebration among different peoples were very rich.
Symbolizing the fertility of the land, traditional food production systems, connection with the cultural traditions of the agricultural system of indigenous peoples from around the world, this memorable date is aimed at cultural cohesion and unity based on identity, defining the common elements of the cultures of different peoples. Achieving harmony based on the preservation of cultural diversity, according to members of the UN General Assembly, best serves the goals of sustainable development of the world community.
The memorable date recognizes the celebration of Solstice Day in its various forms, taking into account the cultural specifics of different peoples, without driving the celebration into rigid monotonous forms. The UN General Assembly recalled by the establishment of this memorable date the principles laid down in the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the need to implement the principles of international cooperation not only in politics and economics, but also in the cultural and social spheres.
The UN calls on governments around the world not to interfere with the celebration of Solstice Day by small and indigenous peoples, allowing them, within the framework of generally accepted rules of law, to perform ritual actions. Raising awareness of indigenous peoples' traditions and cultures, explaining Solstice Day rituals, is also welcomed by the United Nations.