T.C.L.C - Unravelling the Summer Solstice
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Now, it's no secret I'm more of an autumn person, especially as someone who lives with PMLE, the sun and I don't always get on... But there's something beautifully special about the Summer Solstice. The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year, a moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This event has fascinated people for thousands of years, inspiring celebrations, rituals, and a deep connection to nature. People came together to honour this moment and still do today, which in such a divided world and dare I say country, this feels more important that ever. For many, including us here at Evans & Moose, the solstice holds a special place, blending ancient customs with modern values like slow and intentional living and agriculture.
The Summer Solstice occurs around June 21st each year in the Northern Hemisphere. It happens when the Earth's axial tilt is closest to the sun, resulting in the longest daylight hours. This astronomical event has been observed since prehistoric times, often linked to agricultural cycles and spiritual beliefs. As with some many folk traditions, the solstice had a big impact on farming and maybe that's why we feel it's important to mark it here on the farm.
In many ancient cultures, the solstice symbolized rebirth, fertility, and the power of the sun. People built monuments aligned with the sun’s position on this day, such as Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland.
Welsh legends around the Solstice often speak of the sun’s journey and its influence on the land’s fertility. The solstice was a time to thank the natural world and prepare for the harvest season ahead. I just love the deep respect these traditions show for nature’s rhythms, there's something really special about recognising something that brings so much vibrancy and life to the rock we live on. Tying this into farming, for us is even more special.
Wales celebrates the solstice with a mix of ancient customs and contemporary gatherings. Many people visit historic sites like Bryn Celli Ddu on the island we call home, Ynys Môn or Anglesey. Bryn Celli Ddu is a Neolithic burial chamber aligned with the rising sun during the solstice. Watching the sun rise through the chamber’s entrance connects visitors to the past and the cycles of nature. If you ask me, the world is in desperate need of some honest connection and this is a beautiful way of doing just that. Aim to watch either the sunrise or sunset of the solstice, or push the boat out a bit, watch both! Our country has a rich history like this, so chances are there will be some sort of ancient site near you wherever you are, if you want to embrace Solstice in this way, a little research and you'll find somewhere. If not, a local park, the beach, you can find that connection with nature anywhere, make a brew and watch the sunrise through an open window, it really can be a simple and as special as that.
Other traditions include:
Lighting bonfires: Fire symbolizes the sun’s power and warmth. Communities gather around bonfires to share stories, music, and food. Obviously, it should go without saying, be responsible with fires, we often see fires on the mountains or local woods where people have burnt fires or lit BBQ's irresponsibly... chances are at Summer Solstice, the ground is going to be a lot drier so be mindful of this.
Flower crowns and garlands: Wearing flowers celebrates the blooming season and the earth’s abundance plus it makes you feel like a whimsical fairy, win win!
Nature walks and meditation: Many use the solstice as a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with the environment, I know I bang on about it, but this is so important, we're become so disconnected with nature in our offices, workplaces or just because of a busy schedule. Make a nature date you can't miss!
Music and dance: Folk music and traditional dances bring people together, fostering a sense of community and joy. Dance... just take five minutes to dance. Wave your arms, sway your body, nod your head. When was the last time you just danced? For me, it was yesterday, in a beer garden in the sand dunes, in a howling gale with the dog and it was beautiful. 10 out of 10, would recommend.
These activities encourage people to pause and appreciate the natural world, a key aspect of slow, intentional, considered living.
Embracing Slow and Intentional Living Through the Solstice
The Summer Solstice offers a natural reminder to slow down and live with intention. In a fast-paced world, this day invites us to reconnect with the earth’s cycles and our own rhythms. Slow living means prioritizing quality over quantity, focusing on meaningful experiences rather than constant busyness. The solstice encourages:
Mindfulness: Paying attention to the present moment, such as watching the sunrise or feeling the warmth of the sun. This is a strange one, I feel that mindfulness is on the verge of having a bad reputation... It can sometimes become synonymous with the idea of being a bit 'away with the pixies' or 'airy fairy', and whilst I don't share those views, I can understand why some people have them, some people who preach mindfulness do seem to walk through life oblivious to the real world problems around them. So let's be clear, when we talk about mindfulness, for us, it's about being conscious and considered enough to make the choice to slow your pace, find a natural rhythm and work towards living in time with this rhythm.
Gratitude: Recognizing the gifts of nature and the changing seasons. Nature's cool, end of, we should be thankful we get to coexist with so many cool things thanks to Mother Nature.
Simplicity: Choosing activities that nourish the body and soul, like walking in nature or sharing a meal with loved ones. If you want to celebrate and mark Solstice with something extravagant, by all means, go for it! But equally it can be as simple as pressing some flowers, or sitting out watching the sunset under a blanket (the blanket is a non negotiable, we'd probably go as far as to say a hot drink, probably hot chocolate is also needed for this). For us, it will probably be a walk around our sheep and a chance to sit and watch the sunrise of the mountains.
Connection: Building relationships with community and environment.
In Wales, slow living aligns with the landscape and cultural values. The countryside, coastal paths, and ancient sites provide perfect settings for considered living practices. Celebrating the solstice here can deepen your appreciation for nature’s pace and cycles and go some way to finding a more sustainable rhythm of the day to day. Because let's face it, running your car constantly at 100mph would bugger it up, our body's and minds are no different.
The Summer Solstice remains a powerful symbol of light, growth, and renewal. Its history and traditions remind us of humanity’s long-standing relationship with the natural world, and potentially reminds us that for some, they are becoming too far removed for this. However you do, we urge you to mark the Solstice is some simple or lavish way, however you please. We would also recommend a walk in nature, maybe listening to our Summer Solstice Podcast episode (see what we did there... you can listen to it by clicking the button below). For now, all that's left to say is Heuldro'r Haf Hapus or Happy Summer Solstice!
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