Here comes summer!

After three days of 30 degrees plus weather there is no doubt in my mind that summer is here at last.

Solstice is a combination of two Latin words,  meaning “sun” + “to stand still.” As the days become longer, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky.

This results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. We  celebrate in June, but the people`down under have their longest summer day in December.

In ancient time, the Celts and the Slavs celebrated the first day of summer with dancing and bonfires to help increase the sun’s energy. The Chinese marked the day by honoring Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light.  The Druids celebrated the wedding of Heaven and Earth, making June a lucky time for a wedding.

Pagans called the Midsummer moon the “Honey Moon” for the mead made from fermented honey that was part of wedding ceremonies performed at the Summer Solstice.

Ancient Pagans celebrated Midsummer with bonfires, when couples would leap through the flames, believing their crops would grow as high as the couples were able to jump.

So whether you plan to drink fermented honey, while dancing naked on your front lawn around a bonfire or just sit on your back deck enjoying the weather, have a great first day of summer.