Solstice means “sun standing still” in Latin, a reference to the fact that the sun appears to linger at its highest point in the sky for the year at midday on the summer solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice (aka summer solstice) occurs when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. It marks the start of summer in the northern half of the globe. This year, the June solstice occurs on Sunday, June 20. Here are some fun facts about the Summer Solstice and festive ideas for celebrating it!
SOLSTICE FUN FACTS
The Solstice does not bring the earliest sunrise. Although the day of the solstice has the most daylight hours of the year, the earliest sunrises of the year occur before the summer solstice. The exact timing will depend in part on your latitude: In the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, it occurs about a week earlier than the June solstice. The latest sunsets of the year will occur several days after the solstice, again depending on latitude.
The sun sets more slowly at the solstice. It actually takes longer to set below the horizon! This is related to the angle of the setting sun. The farther the sun sets from due west along the horizon, the shallower the angle of the setting sun. For the best spots to enjoy those long romantic summertime sunsets over the water visit The Good Life Destin blog!
CELEBRATING THE SOLSTICE
Nothing says summer like the great outdoors. This includes being on the beach, a boat, having a picnic in the park, or relaxing right in your own backyard. Other fun ideas?
Go strawberry picking!
Indulging in some strawberries and cream is the perfect way to celebrate the June solstice since June’s full Moon is also known as the Strawberry Moon. It typically coincided with the ripening of strawberries in what is now the northeastern and midwestern United States. Look up pick-your-own-strawberry farms in your area!
Have a solstice evening bonfire!
Many northern people also celebrate a solstice holiday known as Midsummer’s Day on June 24, which is one of the four ancient quarter days of the year. The eve prior is called Midsummer’s Eve, marking the shortest night of the year. A common way to celebrate is to have a bonfire party! In the Austrian state of Tyrol, torches and bonfires are lit up on mountainsides, which is a stunningly beautiful sight.
Summer Sayings & Quotes
“Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.” –Langston Hughes
"Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer." –Sam Cooke
“It's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!” –Kenny Chesney
“We know summer is the height of being alive.” –Gary Shteyngart
