For most of us, today is the first day of summer, but to a lot of people it is the Summer Solstice. The summer solstice is when the sun appears to be at it's greatest, so day is lognest. We also have a winter solstice, where there is the least amount of sun, but that is blog for another day.
In many ancient times, summer solstice was a time for celebration. Even today there are celebrations and rituals that still go on. Below are just a few examples, believe there are many more.
In Ancient China, the summer solstice ceremony celebrated the earth yin forces. It complemented the winter solstice which celebrated the yang forces.
In Ancient Gaul, the midsummer celebration was called Feast of Epona, goddess who personified fertility, sovereignty and agriculture. She was riding a mare.
Ancient Sweden, a misdummer tree was set up and decorated and each danced around it. Women and girls would customarily bathe in the local magic ritual, intended to bring rain for the crops.
So you see, it is not just the first day of summer, it is the summer solstice, a time for celebration. Be thankful today for something, the grass, the sky, the water, the sun they are all part of this universe as we are. Step out side, dance in the sun or the rain, celebrate summer, celebrate life.
4 comments:
We are celebrating the summer solstice by attending a concert of Gershwin music. :) Not intentionally maybe, but that's how we're spending it.
I love the art you found for the top of the post! Very cheery.
~S
That sounds great Shephard, I hope that you enjoy it.
We have been getting a lot of rain and nothing beats a walk in the summer rain, so that is what I did.
Hi Michelle,
It's so nice to have you back. You were missed. I kept checking your old site, hoping you'd start posting again. Technorati and your link to the Garden is what brought me here.
The first day of summer in my area was beautiful. Clear skies, mild temperatures and a gorgeous breeze in the late afternoon and evening. I celebrated with MoJo. We went out for Thai food, then spent a quiet evening just hanging out.
Your walk in the summer rain sounded lovely.
ciao bella~
CeeCi
Ceeci,
It is so nice to see you. I was still visiting everyone but not commenting as much.
After everything that has happened since October, I am still searching to find myself again. It is a slow process, but I know I am in here somewhere.
Michelle
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