6.21.2007

Happy Solstice (When the Sun Stands Still)


Midsummer is an abundant time, especially on a farm where one is so acutely aware of the ebb and flow of daylight throughout the year, the cyclical nature of the seasons, and the rhythms and whims of the weather. For me, the solstice is always a special day.


I love etymology, and wikipedia has this to offer:

"A solstice occurs twice a year, whenever Earth's axis tilts the most toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to be farthest north or south at noon. The name is derived from Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstice, the Sun stands still in declination, that is, its movement north or south is minimal."


It's a great time to celebrate the bounty and fertility of the generous earth with a meal of fresh local fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, and the ripe offerings of the season, like berries, new corn, or local honey. (Just thinking of it is making me hungry!)


Is there a farmer's market in your area? This is a perfect time to make a visit. Buy or pick some fresh flowers for your home or workplace. Add some fresh herbs to your bouquet and meals. Mmm...the fragrances of summer.

No matter whether you live in a rural or an urban area, try to bring some of the outdoors in to celebrate the bounty of the season of light. And if you live in the southern hemisphere, we send light and love your way as well! Blessed Litha to all.

7 comments:

Mouse said...

What beautiful photos! I love the colors of those irises!
I'm celebrating the Solstice by cleaning out my closet. Actually it was completely unplanned but I guess I needed some extra help from the cosmos huh?

roxtarc said...

i LLOOOOOOVE peonies!!!! (that IS what that white flower is right?) haha

we planted one... i'm hopin it doesnt die & the impatients i planted made a comeback after they were eaten... (probably by effin turkeys) hahah

have a wonderful wk/end & solstice!

Puss-in-Boots said...

What a lovely post to celebrate the Summer Solstice...we're at the opposite end of the scale, and our days will start slowly getting longer.

Love and light to you, too.

Alison said...

Happy Solstice! My younger son celebrated at Stonehenge this year.
xx

Anonymous said...

Happy Summer to all.

I have been working in my garden since May. All my flowers, bushes and scrubs are smiling.

Hope you all have a wonderful, fulfilled day.

RheLynn said...

Beautiful post about the solstice and all the pretty plants!

Chris said...

Belated happy solstice to you! Lovely pictures.