Summer Solstice ~ Traditions and Celebrations

As the longest day of the year, the summer solstice is a time to celebrate the warmth and beauty of the season. If you’re looking for unique ways to honor the solstice, read on for seven creative ideas.

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Traditions and Celebrations
for Summer Solstice

1. Watch the sunrise or the sunset

June 21st is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Celebrate the light by making a point to watch the sunrise or the sunset (or both!).

2. Host a fire ceremony, have a bonfire, or simply light a candle

Consider honoring this day with some form of fire as a representation of the sun. If you live in the country like we do, this is a good time to gather all the tree branches and debris from spring storms and have a small bonfire (be sure to observe the laws in your area and if you are under a burn ban postpone this for another time). This would be a fun time to invite friends and neighbors. Food, drinks, music…make it a real celebration!

No bonfire? What about a small fire pit in your backyard? Use something like this for your fire ceremony:

Fire Pit

If an outdoor fire isn’t feasible, you can still observe your own fire celebration by lighting one or more candles indoors.

3. Connect with nature

Take a hike. Walk around a nearby park or just your own neighborhood. Visit a botanical garden. Go forest bathing. Sit in your own backyard and enjoy your own patch of nature.

4. Create an altar or prayer tree

Create and decorate an altar in honor of the season. Decorate with seasonal herbs, flowers, ribbons, candles, crystals…anything that reminds you of this time of year.

Or create a prayer tree…

The branches of a tree have been used as symbols for many things, including life, death, rebirth, and resurrection. A tree is also considered sacred by many cultures around the world because it provides sustenance and shelter for animals and humans alike. You can use a branch from any tree that has meaning for you or that has been important in your life; it could be an branch from your childhood home or a twig from your own backyard.

For this ritual, write down specific wishes on strips of paper (or pieces of bark) and attach them to the tree branch with string or ribbon before placing it in your garden or another outdoor area where it will be exposed to sunlight throughout the day.

5. Organize a picnic or barbecue

Let’s Go On a Picnic

6. Start an herb garden

This has been on my personal to-do list for years. I’d love something like this:

But instead of waiting until I can pull of something that ambitious, a row of potted herbs along the East side of our house would be a nice start. If you live in an apartment, choose a sunny window or balcony for a few small pots of your favorite herbs.

7. Do a goal review and update

We often make goals and resolutions on New Year’s Day but why not re-evaluate those goals and set some new intentions on or around the summer solstice?

Mid-Year Review

Whether you choose to watch the sunrise, host a fire ceremony, organize a picnic, or start an herb garden, celebrating the summer solstice is a beautiful way to connect with the natural world and embrace the magic of the season. I encourage you to try one or more of these ideas and enjoy this new season.

You may also enjoy…

Winter Solstice ~ Traditions and Celebrations

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