Happy First Day of Summer

Happy First Day of Summer to you. This day is known by many as summer solstice and occurs each year between Jun 20th and June 23rd. In 2017 the day is today June 20th. Summer occurs each year when the earths axis tilts toward the sun from June to September. Warmer weather and longer days will be present during this time period as well. However, for those folks who live in the Southern Hemisphere or the other side of the world from North America will have colder weather and shorter days.  

Today, the first day of summer will be the longest day of the year. There will still be 24 hours in the day but the day will enjoy more sunlight longer than any other day of the year. On average 15 to 20 hours of sunlight will be enjoyed. Ones location will determine exactly how much sunshine will occur. 

Throughout time the first day of summer has been celebrated in many different ways:

The ancient Romans would celebrate a festival of Vestalia from June 7th to June 15th in order to prepare for summer. The festival honored Roman goddess of the hearth Vesta. All women not only virgins were allowed to enter the Vesta shrine during the time period of the festival. 

Traditions from ancient Sweden included setting a tree up and having villagers dance around the midsummer tree. A festival with a  banquet of food that included pickled herring and new potatoes would be enjoyed. Women and girls would give up their bathtubs and wash in the local river. The tradition was thought to bring rain for the crops. 

The Natchez a southern US native american tribe worshiped the sun. They believed their ruler came from it and every summer they hosted a fruit festival. The corn could not be harvested until the festival was over. 

No matter how you enjoy the summer time get out there and do something. Make some memories. What are your summer plans?? Ours have all ready began with a road trip and looking forward to so much more .