Celebrating the Summer Solstice

The first day of summer, also known as the Summer Solstice or the estival solstice, marks the longest day of the year.  People all over the world celebrate it in different ways

CNN Stonehenge: Thousands set to celebrate summer solstice

This video will give you a little scientific explanation of what the Summer Solstice is:

My family loves celebrating the solstices and equinoxes. And why not? They are a time for fresh starts and show that time marches on.

The changing of the seasons not only represents our moving around the sun but also a spiritual or mindful change.

Start the day with yoga and meditation

Take the time to reconnect and bring back inner balance with yourself as you transition into a new season. Even just 5 minutes of meditation can help relax and clear the brain. 

Summer Blessings and Goals

What better time than the first day of Summer to do a smudging your house. We like to say a prayer while we do our smudging as well.

This is also a perfect opportunity to share what we are grateful for and share our goals for the future. I usually pass out a paper for each of them to write it down and then we go around and left them to share if they want to.

Share Summer Stories

Gather with others to create a circle or spiral.  Exchange songs, stories, and poems.

Try to research your culture's Summer myths and stories. Share stories of Summers past with your loved ones. Go to your local library and find some good stories about Autumn! 

Here are links to some great Summer stories:

HOW GLOOSCAP FOUND THE SUMMER

Indian Summer

Summer Fairies

Here are some books to look for at your local library:

Summer Days and Nights By Wong Herbert Yee

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

One hot summer day by Nina Crews

Summer Crafts

Create a Sun Wheel or mandala (a symbol of the circle of life and connectedness)

Make suncatchers

Make a sun wheel









For more craft ideas and tutorials on these crafts, head over to my Pinterest board: Summer Solstice

Have a Bonfire

Finish up the day with a Bonfire! This would actually be a great time to share your stories, myths, poems, whatever! Roast some marshmallows or make smores!

I hope this post gives you some ideas for celebrating the Summer Solstice and starting some new family traditions!