The summer solstice is this weekend, marking the longest, brightest day of the year. For many, it also signals the start of summer holidays and fun times in the glorious weather of days to come. For others, the solstice is a time of reflection and intention setting, an opportunity to celebrate abundance and the nurturing power of the sun, just as it appears at its highest point in the sky.
Officially, the summer solstice, as it’s called in the northern hemisphere, will commence on Sunday, June 21 at 9:39 a.m. PDT. On that day, sunrise will occur at 5:08 a.m. and sunrise at 9:23 p.m., as the sun’s zenith will be at the farthest point from the equator. In the southern hemisphere, our neighbours will be celebrating their shortest day of the year, or winter solstice.
The solstice sparks many a lively summer party and celebration across cultures and over multiple generations. Feasting, dancing, making music, swimming and offering gratitude for summer’s blessings and for community are traditional solstice festivities.
On the beautiful Sunshine Coast, naturally the sun is worth celebrating! Here are a few ways to mark the summer solstice this weekend. Why not get up early or stay up late and try something different to stimulate your body, mind or soul?
Enjoy the early morning solstice sunrise at Bonniebrook Beach, Roberts Creek breakwater or Sargeant Bay Provincial Park. Or simply rise early to brew and sip a cup of tea or coffee at sunrise on your own deck or in your back yard. The sun will break precisely according to your location amongst the beautiful sea, ocean, trees and landscape. Make a wish upon the magical first beam of sun stream.
Celebrate unity and the power of 108 sun salutations with the glorious Sunshine Coast yoga community, during International Yoga Day, on Sunday, June 21, 10 to 11 a.m. at Mission Point Park in Davis Bay. The event is free and open to everyone, sponsored by Lole Women and local yoga studios, Blissful Yoga, Yoga by the Sea and Myoga. New to yoga? No worries! Mats and guidance will be provided. Or maybe a free-flow personal yoga practice or meditation is your choice to salute the sun.
Grab Dad, pack a picnic and find a local park to hang out in, or head to a favourite eatery for a summer-worthy brunch for a solstice Father’s Day. You are the sunshine of his life! So, let him know how much he means to you, too.
Host a summer solstice celebration. It doesn’t have to be fancy! A few friends and neighbours, a safe outdoor fire pit or a room that is candlelit will fit the bill nicely for a warm place to gather. Ask guests to bring a sun- or summer-inspired poem or song to share. Raise a glass and salute the sun! Hint: an ice cold hard or soft cider or honey mead is a traditional solstice sipper.
Catch the sunset at Davis Bay. This beach and seawall are particularly breathtaking during summer. Walk along the path and gardens, enjoy the pier and say “hello” and “so long” to summer’s longest evening.
