Here comes the sun
I really appreciate the warm rays of the sun as it shakes off the cold cloak of cold and darkness each morning. How grateful I felt when we finally got power back after several winter days without. A punchline to a cruel winter’s joke of freezing rain and snow. I also like the warmth of a good hug or a well-crafted meal.
Sun worship took on particular significance in ancient Egyptian religions. The summer solstice aligned with the rise of the river Nile. Ra, the deity of the sun, was considered creator of life and ruler of the sun, the sky and kings.
As a youth growing up in Michigan, our family were members of the Finnish Summer Camp Association. Every June we would celebrate Juhannus, the start of summer, and endless daylight. It started as a pagan celebration of the summer solstice. The name is derived from the Christian Saint John the Baptist, who would hold a feast day at this time of year.
Our Juhannus celebration had many events that included Family and friends gathering (warm hugs), Drinking, a variety of ethnic food choices (warm meals), music, and ending with a Kokko (a huge bonfire).
The focus was on the longest day of the year (in terms of daylight). I believe that we consciously (or unconsciously) understand our dependence on the sun for our very existence. To see things better, to grow food, and to keep us warm. If that giant star burned out, we would perish with it. My wife and her friends have gathered for Solstice for years to celebrate the sun.
One of the benefits of living in Colorado is the abundance of sunshine we get with around 300 sunny days per year. So, I am reminded of the gift of warmth often.
What are your thoughts, feelings, or traditions with regards to the sun?
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