Summer Solstice 2022

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Summer Solstice 2022 has arrived! I woke early Tuesday morning at 5:00am, put on a pot of coffee and watched the clock. The June solstice arrived at 5:13 a.m., when the sun reached the Tropic of Cancer, which runs through The Bahamas and Cuba, marking the summer solstice, the first day of the calendar summer, giving us the longest day of 2022. Summer is here at last!

Many cultures, both ancient and modern, celebrate the sunlight with rituals and holidays. The term solstice comes from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "stitium" (still or stopped). It is used to describe the exact moment when the poles are titled at their maximum toward or away from the sun.    

The summer solstice has been observed by humans since as early as the Stone Age and was a significant holiday for many ancient cultures. In the past, summer solstice traditions included spreading ashes from bonfires across one's garden to bring a bountiful harvest, to wearing protective garlands of herbs and flowers to ward off evil spirits, according to History.com. The significance of the summer solstice to ancient cultures had many aspects, including calendaring, crop planting and agriculture, moving their camp or housing location for nomadic peoples, and annual cultural ceremonies.

Ancient Romans celebrated the arrival of the summer with a religious festival in honor of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. Women would enter temples named for the goddess to leave offerings with the hopes of receiving good blessings for their families. 

In Ancient Greece, the summer solstice sometimes marked the new year and became a time to hold a festival for Cronus, the god of agriculture. Even slaves were allowed to break social codes and participate in the festivities.

The alignment of Ancient archaeological structures such as the Great Pyramids of Kufu and Khafre on Egypt’s Giza plateau suggests Ancient Egypt observed the summer solstice as well. That's because if you're standing directly in front of the Sphinx, the sun sets precisely between the two pyramids on the summer solstice.

Many Native American tribes performed solstice rituals. The Sioux took part in a "ceremonial sun dance around a tree while wearing symbolic colors." Researchers believe that Wyoming's Bighorn Medicine Wheel, an arrangement of stones that has been found to align with the rising sun at the summer solstice, was the site of the tribe's annual dance. Remaining tribes still take part in solstice rituals.

Whatever way you choose the celebrate the solstice, I hope it brings joy in your heart and peace in your soul. It is the time of year that many of us look forward to spending long hours on the beach, in the park, in the daylight, and in the dark. Welcome Summer 2022! It's good to see you!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and beyond, spending time with loved ones, making new memories together, is good for our overall well-being. 

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I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles geared to the 60 and beyond population. Topics include human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and events in and around Bay Shore. I also write about restaurants and stores I've been to in the area. You can also watch my first Monday-of-the-month vlog, “60 and Beyond with Skylark" on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, that features my articles from SLTN. Please subscribe to my free STLN newsletter that gets delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support SLTN, you can make a recurring monthly donation ($5 Friend or $15 Advocate) or a one-time donation of any amount. It's up to you, and it's easy to do on my feed. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.