Welcome Summer! Today is the Summer Solstice and what is consider as the official start of summer, and the longest day of the year here in the Northern hemisphere. I love observing these ancient cultural celebrations as it is a great way to slow down, recognize and give thanks to nature in our world.
The Summer Solstice is recognized and often celebrated in many cultures around the world, in both the past and the present. The Celts & Slavs celebrated the first day of summer with dancing & bonfires to help increase the sun’s energy. The Chinese marked the day by honoring Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light. Perhaps the most enduring modern ties with Summer Solstice were the Druids’ celebration of the day as the “wedding of Heaven and Earth”, which is why there are so many June weddings as we still believe them to be “lucky”.
For may of the ancients, though, the summer solstice wasn’t just an excuse to party or pray, it was essential to their well-being. Associated with agriculture, the summer solstice was a reminder that a turning point in the growing season had been reached and the bounty was almost ripe for the picking.
Wishing everyone a happy Summer Solstice.
Love and Gratitude