The Festivities around the Sun, Light and Fire
The summer solstice has been celebrated in a variety of ways all over the world for centuries. Some traditions date as far back as before Christianity – from Viking feasts and Norse mythology to Druid rituals. This year the longest day of the year falls on June 21 in the top half of the planet. This is when the Earth is inclined at its sharpest angle. The farther North you go, the longer the day is. In some places the Sun doesn’t set for days and even weeks.
The Guardian (UK) announcing the marvelous sight at Salisbury Plain, as Stonehenge attendees flock to celebrate an ancient tradition: The Summer Solstice. It re opened after two years of postponed activities due to the long two years of COVID 19 restrictions.
In Spain and Portugal, the celebration of the Bonfires of Saint John (Catalan: Fogueres de Sant Joan, Spanish: Hogueras de San Juan, Galician: Fogueiras de San Xoán, Asturian: Fogueres de San Xuán, Portuguese: Fogueiras de São João) are a traditional and popular festival celebrated around the world during Midsummer, which takes place on the evening of 23 June, St. John’s Eve. It is customary in many cities and towns in Spain; the largest one takes place in Alicante, where it is the most important festival in the city. The biggest celebration in Portugal is held in Oporto, where it is known as the Festa de São João do Porto. In South America (former Iberian colonies), the biggest celebration takes place in the northeastern states of Brazil, where it is known as Festa Junina.
The bonfires are particularly popular in many Catalan-speaking areas like the Valencian Community and Catalonia, and for this reason some Catalan nationalists regard 24 June as the Catalan nation day.
Druid Chris Park: ‘It’s so lovely to be back and feel part of this amazing landscape again.’ Photograph: Sam Frost/The Guardian, abot StoneHeadge
Photo credit @The Charlatan, Carleton Independent Newspaper, CA
In·dig·e·nous: originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
Occurring on June 21, 2022, for the 26th anniversary since its inception Canadians will be celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day that celebrates and recognizes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures. It is observed on the 21 of June to recognize the summer solstice, the day of maximum daylight, and its importance to Indigenous Peoples. We have been unable to attend celebrations for the past 2 years, but now that they are happening again, we want to share with you some ways in which you and your organization can celebrate Indigenous culture together and in person across Canada!
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:16 KJV
“O you who have faith! Remember God with frequent remembrance and glorify Him morning and evening. It is He who blesses you, and so do His angels, that He may bring you out from darkness into light, and He is most merciful to the faithful” (Quran 33:41-43)
“All the lights in the world
Cannot match the light of a single pore of the Buddha—
This is how inconceivable the Buddha’s light is…” 13
It is indeed a time to “re turn” to the sun, allowing all those reflections we completed during the winter season to flourish, to blossom and to return to the earth.
As we all acknowledge a change, a shift and a flow of God everlasting presence, may we move forward and begin to saw new seeds of hope love and light towards and for humanity.
Peace
from Missoula Montana, at the heart of the Bitterroot Valley.
QHHT Silicon VALLEY 