Summer Solstice and your health
This is great day to pay some gratitude back to our planet and enjoy every minute of sunlight! I’ve been off work today and have to say I’ve had so many great social encounters:
Hairdressers: Lots of smiles and care for me! And the first proper hair cut since last July!
Got my nails done- on the recommendation of the hair salon- and a lovely lady came over to me before leaving and reminded me where she got her very cool lime green and black glasses from, reemphasising with a hand on my shoulder that I must go there!
Lovely catch-up with a neighbour on my street.
Beautiful voice message from my lovely friend and fellow adventurer, Ali, from Canada, reminding me that this was Summer Solstice!
There’s still plenty of day light left so get out there, maybe light a fire and jump over it, visit a neighbour or find a field and lie down!
The word "solstice" comes from the Latin words "sol" (meaning "sun") and "sistere" (meaning "to stand still"). It refers to the two times in the year when the sun appears to stop its movement in the sky.
These events mark the longest and shortest days of the year:
Summer Solstice: Occurs around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and around December 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the day with the longest period of daylight.
Winter Solstice: Occurs around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and around June 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the day with the shortest period of daylight.
During the solstices, the tilt of Earth's axis is most inclined towards or away from the sun, causing the sun to reach its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon.
This summer solstice occurs once annually in each hemisphere:
Northern Hemisphere: The summer solstice occurs around June 21.
Southern Hemisphere: The summer solstice occurs around December 21.
During the summer solstice, several notable phenomena occur:
Longest Day: It has the longest daylight hours of the year.
Sun's Highest Elevation: The Sun appears at its highest point in the sky at noon.
Tilt of Earth's Axis: The Earth's North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, at about 23.5 degrees.
Cultural Significance: Many cultures around the world celebrate the summer solstice with festivals, rituals, and traditions. For example, it is celebrated as Midsummer in many European countries and as the Feast of St. John in Brazil.
The summer solstice marks the beginning of astronomical summer, although meteorologically, summer may begin on a different date.
Has summer solstice any health implications historically or culturally?
Yes, the summer solstice has had various health implications.
These implications often stem from the solstice's association with agricultural cycles, seasonal changes, and traditional practices. Here are some examples:
Historical Health Implications
Agricultural Cycles: Historically, the summer solstice marked a critical time in the agricultural calendar. Communities would use this period to celebrate and prepare for the upcoming harvest. Proper nutrition and health were directly tied to the success of the crops, so the solstice period was a time of great importance for ensuring food security.
Vitamin D Synthesis: With the longest days and most sunlight exposure, the summer solstice period is optimal for vitamin D synthesis in the human body. This was particularly important in historical times when dietary sources of vitamin D were limited.
Cultural Health Implications
Festivals and Physical Activity: Many cultures celebrate the summer solstice with outdoor festivals, dances, and physical activities. These celebrations promote physical health and social cohesion. For example:
Midsummer Celebrations in Scandinavia: Include dancing around the maypole, which is a physically active tradition.
Festa Junina in Brazil: Involves dancing, music, and traditional games.
Traditional Healing Practices: Some cultures associate the solstice with healing and wellness rituals. For example:
Bonfires and Purification: In many European traditions, solstice bonfires are believed to purify and protect against illness. Jumping over the fire is a common ritual meant to bring good health.
Herbal Remedies: In some traditions, herbs collected during the solstice are believed to be particularly potent. These herbs were often used in traditional medicine.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: The abundance of daylight during the summer solstice has positive effects on mental health. Increased sunlight exposure can boost mood and alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Community Bonding: Solstice celebrations foster a sense of community and belonging, which can have positive effects on mental health and well-being.
Modern Health Implications/reminders
In contemporary times, the solstice continues to be celebrated and can serve as a reminder of the importance of spending time outdoors, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining social connections, all of which are beneficial for overall health.