How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice marks the official beginning of summer, and it’s also the longest day of the year. This summer, it falls on Sunday, June 21. Throughout history, the Summer Solstice has been commemorated with many different events, rituals, and festivals. At Carolina Fibre, we think the solstice is a great opportunity to recognize the changing seasons and celebrate the start of summer. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite rituals. We hope they inspire you to start some new traditions of your own!
Host a bonfire. 
For millennia, fire has been a symbol of protection and comfort. Honor our ancestors and invite some friends over for a small bonfire in your backyard. Roast some marshmallows, set up a tent so you can camp out with the kids, and try to see how many constellations you can name once the sun goes down.
Perform 108 sun salutations. 
If you practice yoga, you’re probably familiar with sun salutations. (If not, you can see a tutorial here.) In yoga, 108 is a sacred number, and performing 108 sun salutations is a traditional way to welcome transitions, such as the changing of the seasons. Good news: you don’t have to do them all at once! You can break it up over the course of the day, returning to your practice again and again until you’re done.
Go to the beach. 
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach. If you live anywhere near the coast, pack up the bags, load up the car, and drive east until you hit the shore. Sun, sand, and water—what could be better? Stay as long as you can, preferably until sunset, preferably until sunset. Just remember that it might take a while—after all, this is the longest day of the year we’re celebrating!
Decorate your home with flowers. 
Pick a bouquet from your garden, buy potted herbs at the garden store, or create a flower garland and string it across your living room or patio. Summer is a season of growth and beauty, and bringing these symbols into your home is a great way to honor the season.
Host a Summer Solstice picnic or party. 
If you’ve got young kids, and afternoon picnic is a great way to get into the spirit of summer. If you’re entertaining an older crowd, a cocktail party featuring fruity spritzers and sangria is an elegant way to embrace the festivities. No matter what stage of life you’re in, sharing the day with your community is the perfect way to kick off a memorable summer.
While the Summer Solstice might seem like just another excuse for a party, it’s actually an important way to pause, slow down, and appreciate the earth and all the gifts it has to offer. Does your family celebrate the first day of summer? Will you try any of these new traditions? Let us know on Facebook, and have a great solstice!