Minnesota has earned a reputation for its weather (often being referred to as the Norwegian Riviera). When summer comes, it’s reason to celebrate. Midsummer is upon us. Midsummer is also known as St John's Day, or Litha. It is the period of time centered upon the summer solstice, and more specifically the Northern European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice or take place on a day between June 19 and June 25. The exact dates vary between different cultures. The Christian Church designated June 24 as the feast day of the early Christian martyr St John the Baptist, and the observance of St John's Day begins the evening before, known as St John's Eve.
This past week, we observed our summer solstice on June 21st - Father's Day!
The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).
In temperate regions, we notice that the Sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming.
This summer solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year - my favorite time of year.
In Sweden, Midsummer is such an important festivity that there have been serious discussions to make the Midsummer's Eve into the National Day of Sweden, instead of June 6. It may also be referred to as St. Hans Day.
Last year, my husband and I were blessed to be able to spend Midsummer in Sweden with relatives on a delayed honeymoon trip. This year, we will be celebrating our anniversary in southern Minnesota.
It’s been said that when the temperature reaches 60 degrees in Florida, people turn on the heat. When it reaches 60 in Minnesota, we plant gardens. When it reaches 100 below zero, Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. Minnesotans get upset because their car won’t start. Seriously, Minnesota is quite beautiful in the summer. Scores of tourists from all over the world flock to our state to vacation during our brief summer season (93 days and 15.5 hours if calculated as the average time from the June solstice until the September equinox). No wonder we don’t have enough time to fit in a pontoon ride, camping and fishing. Add graduations, weddings and family functions to the schedule and 93 days goes by in a jiffy.
Whether you live in town or in the country, summer offers a plethora activities. I live in town now (Paynesville), but I’m a country girl at heart. My mom is spending her 66th summer at the farm north of Becker. I’m very sentimental and I love the fact that my son Alex and my brother Russell farm the land and and milk the cows that my dad did until he passed away 17 years ago. Another brother (Roger) and his wife Sandy farm and milk cows just across the pasture from my moms. They are two of three remaining dairy farmers in Sherburne County.
I think of the phrase: “Make hay while the sun shines”. As a farmer, that phrase rings true. My son is often cutting or baling hay until the sun goes down or later.
Summer was such a fun time growing up with school out. I loved being outside all day even if we were baling hay and doing other chores. Summer is a fun-filled time full of parades, festivals and swimming.
Becker’s Freedom Days parade was last Saturday and was marvelous. Spud Fest is currently going on (parade is 11am Saturday) with a variety of family activities.
Snake River Church hosts their annual Midsummer worship service today (Saturday) at 10am, followed by a potluck picnic and auction. Kragero one-room school holds its annual picnic Sunday, June 28 at noon. Both events are open to the public.
Besides church functions and summer parties, I manage to squeeze in some fun activities. Ten ladies and myself signed up for a painting class that was held earlier this week. It reminded me of school days when the instructor told the entire class that she knew which group was the one to watch. I can’t deny we were on the boisterous side. I looked over and there were Sherburne State Bank employees Merrin Plemel and Candice Wampach! “This is the second painting class Merrin and I have taken and we’ve enjoyed it so much we are talking about signing up for another one. I’ve never considered art until recently and have realized that I’m pretty good at it,” Candice told me. After the painting class, many of us enjoyed visiting outside, which is another small pleasure of summer Minnesotans cherish.
Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy God’s creation. The good news is we can do it without getting frostbite this time of year.
