This year the summer solstice for those in the Northern Hemisphere is June 20.

Photo by: Susan Marg

Civilizations have spent the day in numerous ways for millennia.

Ancient Romans paid tribute to Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home.

Ancient Greeks honored Cronus, the god of agriculture.  It also marked the countdown to the opening of the Olympics.

The Vikings met to discuss legal matters and resolve disputes.

The Sioux had a ceremonial sun dance.  The Hopi tribe dressed as Kachinas, the dancing spirits of rain and fertility.

Druids revered the summer solstice as the wedding of heaven and earth.  Today tens of thousands gather at Stonehedge where a megalithic stone circle makes a perfect alignment with the rising sun.

Depending on your location the sun will shine or, depending on the weather, it won’t.  But don’t let that get you down. There’s plenty to do.

The Alzheimer’s Association is sponsoring a sunrise-to-sunset relay event to raise funds and honor those fighting the disease.  Walk, run, race, or climb – just do something.

Remember the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin, who first conceived of daylight saving time to make better use of the hours of the day: Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen.  Keep in the sunlight.

Or, sing along with the Fifth Dimension:  Let the sunshine in — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc8aH-qyf8E

© 2012 Susan Marg – All Rights Reserved