Welcome to this week’s edition of “Trending Topic Tuesday,” where we share our take on what’s going on in the world and what promotional products would appropriately (or inappropriately) market the subject matter.
If you’re among the millions of people who find yourself reciting the age-old mantra of wishing there were more hours in the day, then today is your lucky day. Students, employees, and procrastinators alike scrambling to complete last minute tasks on their to-do-list can rejoice in the extra hours of daylight granted by the June 21st Summer Solstice. Although many agree that the humidity and ninety-five degree weather have been well underway since early June, today marks the official first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
The word “solstice” is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) and refers to the moment in which the sun’s rays are positioned directly above the Tropic of Cancer. The sun continues to rise higher until it appears to come to a standstill in the sky, resulting in varied sunset times of approximately 11:42 p.m. in Alaska, for example, and 9:10 p.m. in Seattle, Washington.
For centuries, cultures throughout the world have regarded the Summer Solstice as a major celestial event and have employed various seasonal products to celebrate the annual occurrence in a number of unique ways. Ireland plays host to “Midsummer Carnivals,” which feature fairs, concerts and fireworks whereas Spain offers special foods and bonfires on the beach. Also, on this day, the Chinese honor Li, the Goddess of Light while the Swedish dance around a raised maypole covered entirely in flowers and greenery.
This year, 18,000 people gathered at Stonehenge in England to honor the Summer Solstice and watch the sunrise, while Google reminded Internet users around the world of the day’s significance with a Google Doodle created by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
How will you celebrate the Summer Solstice? Let us know in the comments section below.
Kim M.
Creative Writing Intern
