How to celebrate the Summer Solstice in the coziest way
A short history and a long-ish list of ideas
In order to know how to celebrate the summer solstice, perhaps we should start first with explaining what exactly it is. I did some research (space.com) and shall impart the following acquired knowledge:
The Summer Solstice occurs on Friday June 20th this year (at least for the Northern Hemisphere)
It is the longest day of the year and marks the official start of summer
The Summer Solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles is tilted towards the sun at its most extreme angle. This happens twice a year (Northern is June and Southern is December)
The amount of sunlight ranges anywhere from 12 to 24 hours that day depending on where you live!
Many cultures have celebrated the Summer Solstice, it’s something we’ve been doing for quite a while! Us humans have been observing the sun’s position in the sky for many many years. Stonehenge is one example of a monument built for such an occasion and many still gather there today to observe and celebrate the solstice! We also have Karnak (a massive temple) in Egypt and Chankillo (ancient sun observatory) in Peru where the solstice has been observed - to name a few. I believe you can even live-stream the solstice from Stonehenge.
Left: Karnak in Egypt Middle: Chankillo Observatory in Peru Right: Stonehenge in England
In the Taoist tradition, the Summer Solstice also marks the peak of Yang (masculine energy) which began in Spring as well as the incoming Yin (feminine energy) which takes over in Fall and Winter. Yang energy brings fire, heat, light, and expansion - this day representing the height of it all. You may feel yourself desiring some balance this day. You can do so by jumping in some cold water and ensuring you create some space for self-care and slowing down.
Yang/sun and yin/moon
So, what are some ways to celebrate the Solstice and bring that sun-giving yang energy into our lives? I have a few ideas!
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The first is to source out some local produce and cook a fresh summer-inspired meal. This could be a pasta dish with homegrown tomatoes or a fresh salad with local ingredients or a homemade mango sorbet with agave. Find what produce is available to you and make something delicious with your own two hands!
Left: Ina Garten's Summer Garden Pasta Center: A fresh fruit summer salad Right: Crisp mango sorbet
A Summer Solstice classic - make a flower crown! It’s rather simple - you just need some wire and flowers. You could go grab a branch if you want to get real ancient with it. Midsommar is a Swedish celebration with pagan roots that honors the the solstice and the season of fertility. Think flower crowns, maypole dancing, bonfires, laughing, and unadulterated joy.
Midsommar illustration
Make some sun water!! I have my own practice with moon water but this has now inspired me to collect sun water. It’s as simple as putting some water in a mason jar and setting it out in the sun to collect its energy. If you can do it on the actual Solstice, brilliant! People use it in different ways - you could drink it, bathe in it, cook with it, use it for ritual. However you see fit! I’ve also seen people creating sun catchers so if you’re crafty that would be a great way to celebrate.
A gorg suncatcher
Another option is meditating outside and under the sun if you can! Take advantage of the sunny weather while you can! I will actually be somewhere where it’s not 105 degrees so I plan to do this myself. I attended a sound bath the other day in the mountains and watched the sunset and that would have been a perfect way to observe. Where can you find some quiet yin time?
the majestic sound bath I attended
Finally, a simple and meaningful way to celebrate would be to watch a sunrise or a sunset. I hope to watch both on this upcoming solstice but will be grateful for whatever I am able to witness. If you can somehow incorporate celebrating the sun, perhaps that is all that is needed to observe the solstice this year.
Luckily, I will be by a river surrounded by trees and birds and flowers and running water and all of the things that make life worth living. Perhaps ending the night around a bonfire and stargazing. I am planning for and anticipating my cozy version of the Summer Solstice. I hope you all have a wonderful time spending it with those you love and cherish. Let me know what other ideas you have!
Cozily,
Chelsea 🌞