Welcoming Summer with The Solstice
By Natasha Kubis
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ummer is that dreamy time of year when the grandeur of nature’s beauty is in its most robust and verdant phase. The summer solstice, occurring around June 20th, is when the northern hemisphere gets to celebrate the longest day of the year, when earth’s axis is at its maximum tilt, and the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. For most of us this marks the beginning of long, sun kissed days, fragrant, fresh cut grass, dew-steeped flowers, fireflies, and warm, breezy nights. Many cultures around the world 6
thesofiamagazine.com | June 2020
have held solstice rituals for thousands of years to celebrate the renewal of light, the potential for a good harvest, and the abundance of life itself. I would say those are important reasons to celebrate! Here is some inspiration from summer solstice celebrations from around the world. The Swedish celebrate the connection between the solstice and fertility by collecting summer flowers and herbs on the eve of the solstice, especially those believed to have potent medicinal properties to enhance fertility. These bunch-
es are hung in doorways or left in water overnight, to wash with the following morning. In Norway and Sweden, it is believed that placing flowers under the pillow of a maiden will make her dream of her future love. Show yourself some love this solstice by sipping on some tea blends with soothing aromas, and properties that support women’s health. I love red raspberry, chamomile, lavender, chasteberry, and rose. You can buy the herbs and flowers in bulk, and create your own tea bags to steep in hot water. You can
