Get ready to bask in the warmth of the sun because summer solstice is here! June 21st, the longest day of the year will light up your world with energy, sunshine, and loads of brightness and summer fun. This is the perfect time to celebrate life and all the beauty that comes with it. So let's explore the history, significance, and the start of the summer solstice.
Summer Solstice a.k.a. Midsummer
Summer solstice, also known as 'midsummer', has been celebrated for thousands of years by different cultures around the world. The ancient Egyptians, for example, built the Great Pyramid of Giza so that it aligned with the sun on the summer solstice. The Druids in Britain and Ireland also celebrated this day, as did the ancient Greeks and Romans.
The summer solstice marks the beginning of the summer season and is associated with fertility, growth, and abundance. It is a time of joy and celebration, a time to honor the sun and all that it represents.
The Importance of the Summer Solstice
The summer solstice is important because it marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. This is a time when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and the days are long and bright while making every and any setting more colorful. There's genuine happiness running all around when summer starts.
Another reason why the summer solstice is also important is that it is a reminder to connect with nature and honor the cycles of the earth. It is a time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and to be grateful for all that it provides. Time to slow down, to reflect, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life
Why People Love Summer Solstice
People love summer solstice because it is a time of joy and celebration when temperatures start to ascend instead of months in the winter blues. It is a time to enjoy the warmth of the sun, and to connect with friends and family because that's what warm weather does, it creates an ambiance of union and fun activities outdoors all day.
The summer solstice is also a time of growth and abundance, both in nature and in our own lives. Many people like to set intentions for the future and celebrate all that we have accomplished so far during the first half of the year and what is to come in the second. It serves as a moment to look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
There are many ways to celebrate the summer solstice, from small, personal rituals to large community gatherings. Some ideas include watching the sunrise or sunset, taking a walk in nature, having a bonfire or BBQ with friends and family, creating a summer solstice altar with flowers, herbs, and other natural elements, participating in a community celebration, such as a parade or festival, taking a yoga or meditation class to connect with your inner self and the natural world, going to floral workshops to celebrate how bright and joyful flowers make summer, and reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the future (among many others, of course).
No matter how you choose to celebrate summer solstice, the most important thing is to take the time to connect with nature and feel the warmth of many people's favorite seasons of the year.
Typical Flowers and Their Meanings
The summer solstice is often associated with flowers, which are in full bloom during this time of year. Some of the typical flowers that are symbolic of summer solstice include sunflowers, roses, lavender, and chamomile.
Sunflowers are known for their bright yellow petals and are often seen as a symbol of the sun. They represent vitality, warmth, and positivity, making them a perfect choice for summer solstice celebrations.
Roses are another popular flower for summer solstice, known for their beauty and fragrance. They symbolize love, joy, and happiness, making them a fitting addition to any summer solstice celebration.
Lavender is a popular herb that is often used in summer solstice rituals. It is known for its calming properties and is associated with tranquility, peace, and spiritual renewal.
Chamomile is another herb that is commonly used in summer solstice celebrations. It is known for its soothing properties and is associated with relaxation, healing, and purification.
Overall, the flowers and herbs associated with the summer solstice represent growth, abundance, and the beauty of the natural world.
Yes, the longest day is one of the nicest days of the year and summer is more than ready to start the fun activities, being outdoors, hanging out with friends, buying your favorite flowers, and much more!
