The summer solstice is when Earth’s axis tilts most directly toward the sun, making for the longest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway). This year, the summer solstice occurs this Saturday, June 21, at 6:51 a.m. (EST).
Legends and rituals from different cultures imbue the day with great significance and deep meaning, but suffice it to say they mostly revolve around light, fertility, abundance, love, romance, and good luck for the rest of the year. What other excuse do you need to celebrate?
Here are 21 quick and easy ways to enjoy the longest day of the year—the first day of my favorite season: summer!
1. Make a bonfire.
2. Light candles.
3. Go skinny-dipping.
4. Say hello to an oak tree.
5. Listen to Kenny Chesney sing “Summertime.” Preferably while driving.
6. Look for fireflies (I’ve even seen them in New York City!).
7. Make a wish.
8. Sit in the sun and soak up the D.
9. Dream of what happily ever after looks like for you.
10. Pick flowers…
11. Put them in your hair (if you have hair).
12. If you’re feeling ambitious, make a flower crown!
13. Kiss somebody or something, even if it’s just a dog.
14. Wear yellow, orange, or red.
15. Eat an organic peach!
16. Better yet, eat some organic cherries—they’re in season now!
17. Have some lemonade. Outside. In a rocking chair.
18. Be thankful for everything, especially love.
19. Decide to be happy. In fact, insist on it!
20. Take a picture of the sunlight to remind you of this beautiful day.
21. Shine! Shine your light and share it with everyone around you!
Happy summer solstice!
I’m going to the Botanic Gardens and sit by the Water Lily Pond! Nothing better!
Fireflies in NYC!!! NO WAY! Since when?! Well, something good is happening in that case!
Saturday, I’m going to make a large pitcher of iced coffee, baking a butter cake, splitting it in half, and stuffing it with the ripest, juiciest, sweetest, strawberries and fresh organic whip cream, topping it with more whip cream, berries and a little shake of powdered sugar, wait for the sun to go disappear from the deck and eat it in the evening, while I recline and look over the backyard.
The cherries are in season now. It looks like a banner, albeit short season for them. Buy them now and bake something, top them with something, top something with them, and don’t forget to buy as many as you can and freeze them for the fall and winter. Make that clafoutis aux cerises for Thanksgiving! Try to find those elusive SOUR cherries and have them for dessert, or freeze them and make a great sauce for game, chicken, veal, or pork in the fall! Yum!
Come join me Maria!
I proposed marriage 21 years ago on the Solstice and she said yes!
Todd, you made me smile!
We’re celebrating 20 years of marriage this summer.