Celebrate Summer Solstice

Sunday, June 20th, 2021 at 11:31pm marks the Summer Solstice here in our Northern Hemisphere.

It is the first day of summer and the longest day of the year; and there are the most hours of sunlight. 

The term “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), meaning the sun is standing still.  On solstice, the sun does appear to pause in the sky when it reaches its northernmost point.

Planetary science explains when the summer solstice happens, the North Pole is tilted about 23.4° toward the Sun, resulting in the longest period of time receiving the sun’s light and warmth.  This phenomenon is most noticeable at the Arctic Circle where the Sun hugs the horizon for a continuous 24 hours.

Cultural anthropology explains, the summer solstice has long been celebrated by cultures around the world.  Many celebrations were and are focused on the earth and the sun; and the fertility of land and people.  On the North American continent, many Native American tribes have long observed the Summer Solstice with a Sundance; and continue to with many rituals.  In ancient Greece, it was the celebration of Cronos, the god of agriculture.  European cultures today hold what are known as Midsummer celebrations, including gatherings at sunrise of the solstice at Stonehenge in England. 

Summer Solstice is about our relationship with nature.  The nature around us and the nature within us.  It is a new season that is all about the beauty and light that our world has to offer; and about the beauty and light that we have to offer. Summer Solstice ushers in new light and nature's bounty, and it is an important time to celebrate everything our planet has given us, celebrate ourselves and each other. 

Sources:

-https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/why-we-celebrate-the-summer-solstice/ 

-https://earthsky.org/?p=2319

-https://www.farmersalmanac.com/summer-solstice-first-day-summer

-https://www.bustle.com/p/9-summer-solstice-2018-spiritual-meanings-that-every-zodiac-sign-should-know-9514018 

-https://www.elitedaily.com/p/the-spiritual-meaning-of-the-summer-solstice-will-make-you-forget-about-all-your-worries-9316263

-https://patch.com/us/across-america/summer-solstice-2019-5-things-know 

-https://www.medicaldaily.com/summer-solstice-native-americans-and-tradition-renewal-247028 

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