The Summer Solstice

A Time for Rebirth & Renewal

The longest day of the year marks the beginning of summer, also known as the Summer Solstice (in 2021, the solstice falls on June 20th). From the Latin word solstitium, meaning “sun stands still,” the summer solstice occurs when the tilt of the earth is angled furthest away from the sun, positioning the northern hemisphere to receive the maximum amount of sunlight in a single day.  In many faith traditions, this midsummer moment is acknowledged and celebrated as a time of rebirth, renewal, and cleansing.

In pagan tradition, the midsummer celebration is known as Litha, and has been traditionally observed as a particularly potent time for engaging spiritual or magical forces, with the life-giving energies of the sun at its fullest. Over time, other faiths and practices established similar rituals to mark and honor the midpoint of the year. 

Whether or not you consider yourself spiritual, or follow a specific faith tradition, the summer solstice offers us a moment to pause and reflect on the first half of the year, acknowledge the turning of seasons, and celebrate the beginning of summer! We can draw inspiration from a variety of ancient midsummer traditions to honor the continual process of change, rebirth and renewal:

A communal bonfire fire is a great way to connect.

Light a fire to honor the light

Perhaps the most commonly practiced ritual during the midsummer season is the lighting of a bonfire. Pagans believed the fire kept evil spirits at bay, while Roman Catholics used candles and fires to honor the lives of ancestors and saints. In medieval and renaissance Florence, large processions would make their way through the streets followed by large fireworks. 

The element of fire is closely associated with the masculine energy of the sun, igniting our passions, fueling our energies, and offering protection for the darker days to come. Ancient pagans believed that jumping over a bonfire would give you luck and protection during the rest of the year. 

While we don’t recommend jumping over hot flames at home, gathering around a fire is a natural way to connect with others. There’s a deeply ingrained reason why barbeques and fireworks are so popular during this time of year! If you’re feeling more solitary, lighting a candle can be a more reflective way to connect to the energy of fire. Word of caution: whenever dealing with fire during the hot summer months, do so with care. Check any fire danger levels, campfire restrictions, or firework bans in your town or city. 

The Dry Farm Wines Family sits down to a family feast.

Feast, please! 

In the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, June 24 marks the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Whereas most festivals or saints' days mark the day of their death, the feast of St. John the Baptist celebrates the day of his birth. Traditional festivities date back for at least 5,500 years: In 13th century England, festivities included song, dance, feasting, and bonfires. In medieval Florence, large banquets were followed by fireworks. In Ireland, neighbors would gather round and roast potatoes over an open flame. 

With more light and longer days, midsummer evenings are an excellent time for gathering in community to share a meal, or a glass of wine. Invite a few friends over for a potluck, a picnic, or go all out and prepare a feast!

Dry Farm Wines family member Shawn embraces his inner flower child with a floral crown.

Let your inner flower child shine  

Herbs, flowers, and plants of all kinds are also closely tied to summer solstice traditions. Ancient European pagan traditions believed that many herbs reached their peak medicinal value on this day. Summer herbs such as St. John’s Wort (named, if fact, for St. John’s midsummer feast day), calendula, lavender, thyme, fennel, mugwort, sage, mint, elder, roses and more were harvested by the Druids to use as incense offerings their midsummer bonfires, or dried for future use as food or medicine. In particular, St, John’s wort (known for its antidepressant effects), was harvested on this day for “bringing sunshine to sorrow.” 

In Swedish tradition, it was customary to fashion wreaths and crowns from fresh flowers, such as dandelions and daisies. Young men and women were encouraged to place flowers underneath their pillow, which would summon dreams of their future husband or wife. 

Feeling adventurous? Plan an excursion to forage for wild herbs and flowers - being sure to do so ethically. Crafting more your thing? Try your hand at making a dandelion crown, or arranging a bouquet of your favorite summer blooms!

In the Temple of Vesta by Constantin Holscher, 1902

Tend to your hearth & home

In ancient Rome, the earthly days of June marked the festival of Vestalia, in honor of Vesta, the Roman goddess of life-force, virginity, and guardian of the home & hearth. The hearth flames were at the center of domestic life, the place where the family cooked, kept warm, and socialized. 

For the eight days of Vestalia, Roman women entered the temple of Vesta for worship & a ritual cleansing ceremony. Women would make offerings of flowers, sweet cakes, oil and wine to honor Vesta, and ask for her blessing over their domestic wellbeing.  On the last day of the festival, worshipers would ceremonially clean the temple, sweeping it from top to bottom and carrying away the debris away to the Tiber River. 

We can follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans, and tend to the cleanliness of our homes this June. Take an afternoon to do a deep clean, a light dusting, or a quick sweep, and take out the trash. Afterwards, reward yourself with a refreshing glass of natural wine. 

However you choose to celebrate - or not - the beginning of summer is a time for being outside, connecting with nature, and gathering with friends over food and drink. We wish you many warm blessings during this midsummer season!