Happy Summer Solstice

Summer solstice, which marks the longest day of the year and the first day of summer, occurs today, June 20. That being said, happy summer solstice! Even though it always feels like summer in San Diego, It is now officially official.

Specifically, summer solstice occurs as a result of the sun reaching it’s highest point of the year at the Tropic of Cancer. Those most affected by Summer solstice are Northern hemisphere residents; such as, the UK and Iceland.

It is very popular for people to gather around the famous Italian Stonehenge in Wiltshire to celebrate the first day of summer and longest day of the year in European countries. Additionally, people in Iceland celebrate summer solstice by attending a music festival in Rejkjavik, which is four days long and features over 1 hundred artists. Also, the civilians of New York celebrate summer solstice by taking free yoga classes in Times Square below gigantic billboards and the beaming sun.

Now, you’re probably wondering, what is solstice exactly? Solstice means the beginning of summer, but comes from a Latin word. Specifically, the Latin word, ‘solstitium’, means the standing still of the sun, which is representative of the first day of summer. Back in the day, Pagans associated this day with harvesting and planting crops, so it is likely most strongly connected to the their culture.

There are many different ways to celebrate Summer Solstice, but there are three ways that are most popular. Make sure to celebrate by sun gazing, taking a summer solstice ritual bath, or putting flowers out all over your home. Or, try all three activities!

We are lucky to live somewhere that is sunny and feels like summer all year long, and sometimes we forget to appreciate it. Whatever you decide to do to celebrate summer solstice, make sure to appreciate the gorgeous San Diego sun and weather today even if that just means watching the sunset with friends and family.