Today is the Summer Solstice, the first day of summer and the longest day of sunlight – over fourteen hours!
The word ‘solstice’ is a latin combination of the word for sun ‘sol’ and to stand still ‘stice’. As the sun rises higher and higher in the sky, it appears to just stand still.
The ancients honored this day with a lot of dancing and bonfires and the Druids celebrated it as a wedding of heaven and earth. This may have been the forerunner of lucky June weddings.
Many believe that the construction of Stonehenge may have been to harness the energy from this event. Celebrations are still held there on this day.
Also called, Midsummer, its rituals bewitched Shakespeare and many other authors over the years. It was the time for fertility and growth and tree planting is still common among some cultures.
However you choose to celebrate today, by planting, dancing, or partying by bonfire, get outside and enjoy this extra long day of summer!
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Writingfeemail's Blog 
I remember one year when I was in high school my parents hosted a big summer solstice party in our brand new, big back yard. As one “ritual,” everyone stood in a circle around the campfire with a piece of firewood in hand. One by one, we went around the circle and everyone tossed in their stick and said something they were going to change about their lives. It was lots of fun, and a fun day to celebrate!
What a fun memory and an excellent idea for celebrating.