Like many other cultures, the ancient Egyptians celebrated the "rebirth" of the sun at the winter solstice, as the sun began its annual return to more northern latitudes. The summer solstice was of even greater significance since it coincided with the annual flooding of the Nile, which deposited the fertile silt that made Egyptian agriculture possible. For this reason, the ancient Egyptian year began at the summer solstice.
Source(s):
http://www.ruyasonic.com/winter_solstice_festival.htm
http://www.farmersalmanac.com/astronomy/a/the-summer-solstice-facts-and-fol...

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