For those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice represents the beginning of summer — and the year’s longest day. On June 21, residents and staff members at AlmaVia of San Rafael ushered in the summer season with a Summer Solstice Celebration.
Residents made and wore do-it-yourself flower crowns to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love. They also enjoyed live music by guitarist Pete Olson along with fresh, summer hors d’oeuvres created by the culinary department.
Mother-daughter duos participated in making the flower crowns and were excited to wear their festive flowers for the event.
The Significance of the Solstice
After the summer solstice each year, the days gradually become shorter as the sun rises later and sets earlier. The solstice officially occurs when the sun reaches its highest point and is visible above the Tropic of Cancer.
The solstice has been celebrated throughout the world since ancient times, including English travelers watching the sunrise at Stonehenge and the Swedish celebrating Midsummer on June 24 to mark the event.
