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Summer Solstice

Happy Summer! On the first (official) day of summer, here's a look at some of the traditions relating to this special day in the ancient world.

First of all, the term solstice is derived from the Latin solstitium, meaning "sun stands still." This word was widely used in the late Roman republic, and it derives from the combination of two other Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (stop or stand still). On this day (typically June 21), the sun is at its highest point in the sky and the day is the longest in the northern hemisphere.  The sun’s rays hit the earth more directly than at any other time, giving it enough light and warmth to help plants grow most efficiently through photosynthesis. Animals also eat uninhibitedly during the longer days, allowing them to grow fat for the winter. In fact, Native Americans apparently called the summer solstice, “the moon of making fat” for this reason. 

Position of the sun on summer solstice

Not only is summer solstice considered important for general health and well-being, it also has significance in ancient medicine. Many ancient cultures traditionally harvested herbs on summer solstice because the herbs were believed to have their greatest medicinal value on this day. Classic summer herbs like St. John’s Wort, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, thyme, mint, and roses were (and still are) harvested on the summer solstice and dried for later use. St. John's Wort in particular, has a special connection with the summer solstice. It blooms right around the solstice, and the unopened buds are high in hypericin and hyperforin, which are powerful antidepressants; therefore, harvesting them on the summer solstice is considered extra beneficial.

St. John's Wort

In ancient China, the summer solstice was associated with “yin,” the feminine force, and the yin qualities were celebrated on that day. It is also associated with fire, which is common to Ayurvedic medicine. Categorized as a pitta season, which is represented by fire and water, summer rituals include cooling the body during the hot summer months, particularly with yoga and breathing exercises. Summer solstice is now widely celebrated as International Yoga Day for this reason.

Surya namaskar (sun salutation) in yoga 


Sources:

https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/articles/inspiration/herbs-summer-solstice/

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