“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees…I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
The summer solstice (or equinox) in the northern hemisphere brings the longest day and shortest night of the entire year. It has been celebrated for millennia as a time of new beginnings, fertility, and fruitful harvests. With the solstice happening Thursday, this week we explore fascinating landmarks and celebrations that honor the summer equinox, across the United States and the world.
History behind summer solstice celebrations
The summer solstice at Stonehenge: England
The Festival of Saint Joan: Spain
Solstice marker at Puerco Pueblo: Arizona
Intihuatana, “hitching post of the sun”: Peru
Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt: Utah
Summer solstice fires: Austria
“Woodhenge:” Ohio
The Sun Dance: The Great Plains, United States
In Alabama: Midsummer Night’s Eve on the Journal
@ Alabama Chanin
Be on the lookout for some red, white, and blue collection updates coming later this week.
@ The School of Making
Join us for Third Tuesdays on June 19th at The Factory for a morning of making and fellowship.
@ The Factory Store + Café
Lunch + Saturday brunch menu here
We still have a few open seats for the Friends of The Cafe Dinner featuring chef Rebecca Wilcomb. Reserve yours here.