A guide to celebrating the summer solstice
written by: Miriam Mestre Lauzardo
The sun journeys to the most northern point in the sky every year. This year in South Florida, that voyage reaches its pinnacle at 10:57 AM on June 21st. This momentous occasion is known as the summer solstice. It marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is the official start of summer. The word “solstice” is derived from the Latin words “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium” meaning still. The sun appears to stand still for about three days during the solstice due to the Earth’s tilt.
The summer solstice is steeped in traditions and celebrations across the globe. According to History.com, “Humans may have observed the summer solstice as early as the Stone Age. Cultures around the world still celebrate the day with feasts, bonfires, picnics, and songs1.’’ These festivities are also referred to as Midsummer celebrations. The Midsummer Festival in Sweden is filled with food and drink, friends and family, floral crowns to celebrate beauty and fertility, and dancing around a maypole2
One of the most famous celebrations occurs at Stonehenge, where thousands of people gather to watch the sunrise. “On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the ancient entrance to the Stone Circle, and rays of sunlight are channeled into the center of the monument3.” Iceland has a three-day music festival, Secret Solstice, that boasts “a rave inside a glacier cave and intimate performances in a 5,000-year-old lava tunnel4.” Spain celebrates with bonfires and fireworks, and the Pyrenees villages have fiery celebrations, including carrying flaming homemade torches, “fallas” down the mountainside, drawing shapes in the air with fire, dancing, or lighting a large bonfire in the village square.
Although Miami doesn’t have a set tradition, “magic was thought to be strongest during the summer solstice”1, and what better place to honor this heavenly body that bestows life-supporting light and heat than the magic city? If you have the good fortune of being in the sunshine state on this auspicious day, seize this opportunity to celebrate the official start of summer.
Ways to celebrate the summer solstice
• For the early bird or night owl - Wake up early, grab a cafecito, and watch the sunrise, or dance till the sun comes up. Then, walk barefoot in the morning grass to ground yourself.
• Gratitude exercise - Go outside and let the sun shine on your face (don’t tell your dermatologist). Think of 3 things you are grateful for on this day, three things that light up your life, and three ways you light up the lives of others. This activity can be fun to do with children.
• Heat things up – Build a small fire using appropriate safety measures and in a designated area, like a firepit. Write down what you want to leave behind prior to entering this new season, toss it into the flames, and watch it burn away. For those looking for something a little more social, fire up the BBQ and invite friends and family over to kick off summer. Take advantage of the long daylight hours to soak up all that fun and sun.
Ways to honor yourself throughout this season of abundance
• Yoga/Movement – Start your day with an easy, energizing sun salutation.
• Quick Meditation – Gently close your eyes, bringing your attention to your breath. Inhale, imagine breathing in a beautiful ray of sunlight. Feel the warmth and light spreading through your body, filling you with sunshine. Exhale radiating warmth and joy. Repeat for a few cycles of breath.
• Summer Affirmations – I shine bright like the sun. I am fearless in the pursuit of that which sets my soul on fire. radiate joy and abundance.
• Chakra - Manipura (aka third chakra or solar plexus chakra). This chakra is associated with the element of fire. Located in your upper abdomen between your navel and your sternum. It is where your power and self-confidence manifest and is deeply tied to your identity. It is that fire in your belly. Activate this chakra by focusing on this area and using any of the options listed above. If using the meditation, picture the ray of sun igniting this area.
Whatever way you choose to ring in this new season, celebrate the light in your life.
Comments