Welcome the Summer Solstice: A Season of Light, Renewal, and Celebration

On Friday, June 20, 2025, the sun will linger longer in the sky than on any other day of the year—ushering in the official start of summer with the arrival of the summer solstice.

Often called “the longest day,” the summer solstice isn’t just a figure of speech. In cities like Chicago, daylight will stretch more than 15 hours. And in Alaska, the sun only dips below the horizon for a couple of hours before twilight gives way to sunrise once again. It’s nature’s way of opening the door wide to summer.

The word solstice comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), and that’s just what the sun seems to do. In the days leading up to the solstice, the noonday sun climbs higher and higher in the sky. Then, on the solstice itself, it appears to pause, rising almost exactly as it did the day before.

Ancient cultures noticed this quiet moment in the sky and gave it deep meaning. To many, it was a time of light, fire, celebration, and reflection. From Stonehenge in England to sun festivals in Scandinavia, people have marked this day with rituals of renewal and hope. The summer solstice was seen as the perfect time to embrace love and growth—perhaps one reason June weddings remain so popular.

The season’s full moon also holds significance. On June 11, just days before the solstice, this year’s full moon—called the Strawberry Moon in North America—lit up the night sky. In Europe, it’s sometimes called the Honey Moon, which is linked to the traditional honey-based drink offered at weddings and symbolizes sweetness and new beginnings.

Whether you’re watching the sunset with friends, starting a summer garden, or just taking a moment to feel the sun’s warmth on your face, the summer solstice invites you to pause and savor the brightness of the season. It’s a time to reflect on how far the year has come and to welcome the adventures and growth still ahead.

So, as the longest day arrives, take a moment to soak in the sunlight—and celebrate the start of summer.