This is an English folk ballad, so of course many versions exist.
The general form is a set of impossible challenges by which the singer's love may be earned. There exists a similar Scottish ballad which is fae-based, suggesting a fae connection here as well, but it isn't in the text. Folklorically speaking, Impossible Tasks are common both with fae involvement and between mortal lovers. Unlike many versions of this trope, there are no canonical solutions to the challenges presented here.
This song was made famous when Simon and Garfunkel intercut it with war-related lyrics. That element was there addition. The rest of the song is older.
This song doesn't have a lot of direct rationalist or solstice significance, but it sets up its dark and triumphant reprises. It might also set up Something Impossible.
Are you going to Scarborough Fair
Parsley sage rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She Once was a true love of mine
Tell her to make me a cambric shirt
Parsley sage rosemary and thyme
Without no seams nor nee-ee-dle work
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to find me an acre of land
Parsley sage rosemary and thyme
Between the salt water and the sea strands
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather
Parsley sage rosemary and thyme
And gather it all in a bunch of heather
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Are you going to Scarborough Fair
Parsley sage rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She Once was a true love of mine
