This year on 20th June we will be celebrating the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It has been revered for millennia across cultures. Early civilisations viewed it as a pivotal moment, honouring the sun's power for a fruitful harvest. Bonfires, symbolising the sun's strength, were lit to ward off evil.
From Stonehenge precisely aligned with the solstice sunrise to Peru's Inti Raymi festival thanking the sun god for the harvest, traditions around the world acknowledge the sun's life-giving force.
Many European cultures believed herbs like St. John's Wort, gathered during peak sunlight, held protective properties. Special foods were also prepared, highlighting the connection between humanity and nature's cycles. Elderflower fritters in Scandinavia and indigenous dishes shared during North American gatherings exemplify this connection.
With Christianity's rise, summer solstice celebrations often intertwined with the feast of Saint John the Baptist. Bonfires continued, sometimes accompanied by baptisms and fertility rituals.
Midsummer's Day, is celebrated near the solstice, a vibrant European folk festival. This joyous occasion celebrates the long daylight hours and summer's beauty. Bonfires blaze through the night, symbolising light's triumph over darkness. People weave flower crowns for good luck and warding off evil spirits, and dance around a maypole adorned with ribbons and flowers. Midsummer's Day is a time for community, expressing gratitude for nature's bounty, and celebrating life under the long summer sun.
Ideas for celebrating the Summer Solstice
Your Guide to Wellness
Just as the summer solstice signifies a period of growth, Taylor Made Therapy is here to support your journey of self-discovery and emotional wellbeing. We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches to help you blossom and reach your full potential.
Visit the Newton Abbot Wellbeing Show!
Join us at the Newton Abbot Wellbeing Show on Saturday, June 1st! This exciting event offers a chance to explore various wellness practices and connect with like-minded individuals.
Come Dowse with Me
Jane is thrilled to be hosting two special dowsing sessions at the Wellbeing show. 30-Minute Tasters (morning and afternoon) In this interactive session, you'll get a brief introduction to dowsing, a technique using pendulums or rods to tap into your intuition and receive answers.
Expand Your Horizons
In July we are running two workshops. Embark on a journey of self-discovery, more details below!
Deepen Your Wellbeing Journey
At Taylor Made Therapy, we believe in the profound impact of nature on our wellbeing. We offer unique Nature Connection Therapy Sessions held outdoors in the stunning South Devon landscape. These sessions allow you to
The Future of Wellness
We are excited to announce our online courses that are currently being developed. These comprehensive programs will provide you with the tools and knowledge to enhance your wellbeing from the comfort of your home. Once these go live on our website we will update you here and on our social media pages.
Let the summer sun guide you toward a brighter future, wishing you a joyful and meaningful summer solstice.
Jane xx
