Today, June 21th, begins the summer solstice at the precise moment of 5:14 a.m. EDT. It is said to be the longest day of the year, but it’s important to understand, that just like every other day of the year there are still only 24 hours on the solstice. Due to the earth tilting on its axis, closer to the sun, in the northern hemisphere the sun is visible for more hours, therefore making it lighter for more hours, and that makes the day appear longer.
The summer solstice has long been celebrated by different cultures around the world:
In Ancient Egypt, their New Year began at this crucial point in the year. The summer solstice coincided with the rising of the Nile River, its flood levels analyzed to predict the promise of abundant harvests for that year.
This is the time of year that the Hopi peoples celebrate Niman to say goodbye to the cooler winter and spring seasons, and welcome in the warmer weather. It is a 16 day festival, complete with shared meals and ceremonial dances amongst gathered family members. This is the time of corn planting, and gardens are brimming with crops for the celebrations.
Many European cultures hold what are called 'Midsummer celebrations' at the solstice, which includes gatherings at Stonehenge and the lighting of bonfires on hilltops, as with the rituals in Norway for Sunna.
In centuries past, the Irish would cut hazel branches on solstice eve to be used in searching for gold, water, and precious jewels.
There is a long list of specific ways that cultures, groups and beliefs systems are in place to celebrate this day and the gods, goddesses, or just the science of the additional light available for this special 24 hours. There are far too many for me to mention, but either way, it is a day for which I wanted to recognize as a special point in the year. Light is everything and gives life to plants, warmth and goodness to our souls and hearts. It inspires art and happiness and its simple existence is what we appreciate today.
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