Did you know today is the autumn equinox? The equinox is particularly special at La Hougue Bie as the entrance to the tomb under the mound was set up perfectly so that the rising sun penetrates not just front, but all the way into the back of the passage. The 6000 year-old burial site at La Hougue Bie is one of the best preserved remnants of the Neolithic period in Western Europe. Archaeologists can make educated guesses about what went on there, but much is shrouded in mystery. Despite being best known as a burial we now know that this was just one, albeit important, aspect of what went on. Olga Finch, Curator of Archaeology, says “It was almost like a cross between a modern-day church and a community hall. We know there were rituals associated with seasonal activities because the Neolithic people were the first farmers.” The cycles of nature were crucial to the survival of the indigenous population. The discovery of the equinox alignment brought home how important this time of year was to the farming community. The Equinox alignment happens twice a year. La Hougue Bie’s entrance points directly east, which enables a beam of sunlight to travel up the passageway to illuminate the chamber deep in the mound. You can visit La Hougue Bie to experience entering the tomb yourself. The site is open until Sunday 2 November this year and is free to visit for Jersey Heritage Members.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:35:23 +0000
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