Associated Holidays

Samhain, Halloween

Country of Origin 

Britain (Constructed from 5000 BC - 2500 BC

Location

51.1789° N

1.8262° W

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Mysterious prehistoric stone structure built by unknown architects used for burial and other ritualistic worship practices that was possibly used in Samhain or similar festivals

Brief Bio

Stonehenge is an ancient prehistoric monument in England, built in stages over thousands of years, with construction starting around 5,000 years ago and the iconic stone circle erected around 2500 BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its massive sarsen stones and smaller bluestones, which were transported from Wales over 150 miles away. The purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, but its alignment with the sun on the solstices suggests it was used for astronomical or ritual purposes, possibly as a burial ground or temple.

Stonehenge served multiple, likely interconnected purposes, but without written records, its exact function is debated. It was likely a burial ground and ceremonial site for high-ranking individuals, potentially a place for spiritual rituals linked to the solstices and the dead, and may have been used as an astronomical calendar to track the seasons. Some theories also suggest it was a site for healing, a gathering place for communities, or a symbol of ancestral connection.