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Have a Happy Summer Solstice!

Submitted by Ken Watts on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 15:40

Today is the summer solstice, if you live in the northern hemisphere—the longest day of the year.

Like the winter solstice, it's a time when people traditionally decorate with greenery.

And, like the winter solstice, it forms the center of a season of traditional celebrations which, due to variations of calendar and custom, may not actually occur on this day.

One of these is "Midsummer", which is celebrated in many places with dancing (sometimes around a maypole—majstång or midsommarstång) and with bonfires and fireworks.

In some northern countries the custom is to weave twigs and flowers into one's hair.

It's a time to celebrate light and the coming of summer in our yearly journey around the sun.

It's another holiday that deserves the attention of all humans, since it emphasizes our common ties to this planet, hurtling through space.

So sit outside tonight, and admire the light.

If the mood strikes, put on some music—dance a midsummer's night dance.

And remember that we're all in this together.