Maeshowe: The UK’s Doorway to Another World

BBC ^ | 21st December 2023

[nickcarraway]

For thousands of years, our ancestors found solace in the winter solstice. Today, that belief is still reflected in the astonishing sight of the sun setting on Orkney's Maeshowe tomb.

Located 10 miles off Scotland's north-eastern coast, the Orkney islands are a treasure trove of history, from the famous Neolithic village Skara Brae to the hauntingly beautiful Ring of Brodgar – a spellbinding stone circle that was a site of ritual and ceremony. However, when I visited another of Orkney's famous prehistoric sites, the Maeshowe tomb, my first impression was of an unremarkable green mound surrounded by a ditch.

Despite its appearance, this 5,000-year-old burial cairn is actually a masterpiece of ancient design and engineering, and a testament to the skill of Orkney's prehistoric residents. That's because, for around three weeks either side of the winter solstice (which takes place on 21 or 22 December each year), visitors have the chance to see something truly magical occur here. During this time of year, the narrow passage into the tomb becomes more than just an entrance: it was deliberately designed to align with the setting of the midwinter sun. Just as the last rays start to disappear – which is at around 15:10 at this deepest, darkest time of midwinter – a shaft of light creeps down the passageway, slips across the floor of the tomb and illuminates the back wall like a golden, glowing doorway to another world.

[Disambiguator]

Anyone here planning to dance naked around a bonfire tonight?

I didn’t think so. It’s cold, and there would be considerable shrinkage.

[Does so]

That’s how they set their clocks: but ya gotta be quick!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks nickcarraway.