đź“… What's Happening Powell June 20th

June 20th

Author

Sandra Gebhardt
June 20, 2024

What's Happening Powell Newsletter

Trivia Questionâť“

In which country is the Summer Solstice celebrated with a traditional event called "Midsummer"?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Local Powell Events

Joke Of The Week

Why did the sun go to school on the Summer Solstice?

To get a little lighter!

Embracing the Light:

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice, occurring annually around June 21st, marks a special day in our calendars—it is the longest day and the shortest night of the year for those in the northern hemisphere. This astronomical event happens when the Earth’s pole reaches its maximum tilt toward the Sun, bathing us in extended daylight.

The summer solstice is not only a celestial phenomenon but also a day of rich cultural significance across the globe. In England, revelers gather at Stonehenge to witness the sunrise align perfectly with the ancient stones—a sight that connects modern audiences with the rituals of past civilizations. Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries celebrate Midsummer with lively festivities that include dancing around maypoles, lighting bonfires, and enjoying outdoor feasts that celebrate the bounty of the season.

The onset of summer also brings noticeable changes in our natural surroundings. Flowers like sunflowers and daisies bloom abundantly, wildlife becomes more active, and the growing season for fruits and vegetables reaches its peak, offering a plethora of fresh produce.

The extended daylight is a boon for our health as well. It is the perfect opportunity to soak in the sun and boost our vitamin D levels, which is essential for bone health and immune function. Health experts often suggest maximizing outdoor activities during this time, whether it's hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying a walk in the park.

For photography enthusiasts, the solstice presents unique opportunities to capture the golden hours that stretch longer than usual. Tips for capturing the perfect solstice shot include using the natural light to highlight landscapes and experimenting with shadows and silhouettes during the extended dusk.

As we embrace the longest day of the year, the summer solstice encourages us to reflect on the cyclical nature of seasons and the ancient rhythms that guide the natural world. It’s a day to celebrate light, life, and the turning of the Earth itself.

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Tips of the Week

Tips to enhance your experience of the summer solstice, whether you're planning to celebrate it or simply learn more about this unique day:


1. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Make the most of the longest day by watching the sunrise, sunset, or both. It's a wonderful way to connect with nature and experience the solstice fully.


2. Attend a Local Event: Check for local events celebrating the summer solstice, such as festivals, music events, or gatherings at landmarks like Stonehenge replicas, if accessible.


3. Practice Yoga: Many cultures see the summer solstice as a time of renewal and energy. Join a yoga class or practice sun salutations at dawn to embrace this energy.


4. Create a Solstice Feast: Cook a meal using seasonal fruits and vegetables. Traditional solstice foods include fresh leafy greens, dairy products, and seasonal fruits like strawberries and cherries.


5. Light a Bonfire: In many traditions, bonfires are lit on the summer solstice to celebrate the sun’s power. If it’s safe and legal, light a bonfire in the evening, or light candles to symbolize the sun.


6. Spend Time Outdoors: Use the extra hours of daylight to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, or picnicking, being outside is a great way to celebrate the day.


7. Reflect and Set Intentions: Use the solstice as a time to pause and reflect on the first half of the year and set intentions for the coming months. The solstice can be a powerful time for meditation and planning.

Interesting Facts

1. Ancient Alignment: At Stonehenge, the sunrise on the summer solstice aligns perfectly with the Heel Stone and the Slaughter Stone, which is believed to have been significant for ancient druids and pagans during their midsummer celebrations.


2. Worldwide Celebrations: The summer solstice is celebrated around the world with various cultural festivities. In Sweden and Finland, it's marked by the Midsummer festival, where people dance around the maypole and sing traditional songs.


3. A Polar Phenomenon: In the Arctic Circle, the summer solstice brings the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, where the sun remains visible at midnight, and in some areas, it never sets, resulting in 24 hours of daylight.


4. Cultural Impact: In ancient China, the summer solstice was associated with the earth, femininity, and the yin forces, contrasting the winter solstice associated with the heavens, masculinity, and yang forces.


5. Astrological Shifts: The summer solstice marks the beginning of the astrological sign Cancer. It's a time traditionally associated with intuition, emotion, and home life, reflecting the nurturing aspect of the season.


6. Historical Observations: The Ancient Egyptians built the Great Pyramids so that when viewed from the Sphinx, the sunset on the summer solstice sets precisely between two of the Pyramids.


7. Natural Reactions: In tropical regions near the equator, the summer solstice can trigger the spawning of corals, especially after a full moon. This mass spawning event is crucial for the survival of coral reefs.

Solstice Sunburst Salad

Ingredients:

- Mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 bell pepper (orange or yellow), sliced

- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)

- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

- 1 carrot, shredded

- Edible flowers (like marigolds or nasturtiums) for garnish

- Dressing:

  - 3 tablespoons olive oil

  - 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  - 1 teaspoon honey

  - Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper slices, corn, sunflower seeds, and shredded carrot.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

4. Garnish with edible flowers for a burst of color and a touch of solstice festivity.

5. Serve chilled as a fresh, vibrant addition to your solstice celebration.

Midsummer Fire Grilled Skewers

Ingredients:

- 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes

- 1 zucchini, sliced

- 1 red onion, cut into chunks

- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into chunks

- Marinade:

  - 1/4 cup olive oil

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  - 1 tablespoon honey

  - Juice of 1 lime

  - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  - Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

3. Thread the marinated chicken, zucchini slices, red onion chunks, and bell pepper onto skewers.

4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are charred.

6. Serve hot, perfect for a summer solstice barbecue.

đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question:

Sweden