It is the time of year when the sun’s rays are directly overhead at 23.5 degrees North of the equator providing the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and a signal that summer has begun. Gardens are blooming. School’s out. Turn on the sprinklers. Eat a popsicle.
Almost every agricultural society has identified the zenith of summer with some type of celebration. It is on June 21st or 22nd and marks the longest day of the year. In fact, the word “solstice” derives from the Latin solstitium, which means “sun stands still.” Since ancient times, the path of the sun was marked and recorded and many believe that early stone circles such as Stonehenge were created to give the rising sun prominence on the day of the solstice.
Those ancient solstice celebrations were often around fertility. In fact, the June moon was referred to as the Honey Moon and to this day, more weddings occur during June than any other month.
In modern times, some celebrations continue with the most popular being those of Scandinavia where darkness doesn’t occur. Another popular spot is Stonehenge itself and you can listen to a tale about this controversial festival in the Leveller’s Battle of the Beanfield. They sing of 1985 when an intolerant Margaret Thatcher sent out police with riot gear to stop festival goers.
Here in the desert, it’s hot. We won’t be celebrating with a bonfire. In fact, on this Father’s day, we’re going to do our best to stay cool. One great way to do that is with the cucumbers that arrived in our CSA this week. To celebrate both blessings and bounty, I leave you with this devotion from Saint Francis de Assisi and a lovely cool cucumber salad recipe.
Lord, we offer thanks and praise for the circle of our days.
Praise for radiant brother sun, who makes the hours around us run.
For sister moon, and for the stars, brilliant, precious, always ours.
Praise for brothers wind and air, serene or cloudy, foul or fair.
For sister water, clear and chaste, useful, humble, good to taste.
For fire, our brother, strong and bright, whose joy illuminates the night.
Praise for our sister, mother earth, who cares for each of us from birth.
For all her children, fierce and mild, for sister, brother, parent, child.
For creatures wild and creatures tame, for hunter, hunted, both the same.
For brother sleep, and sister death, who tend the borders of our breath.
For desert, orchard, rock and tree, for forest, meadow, mountain, sea.
For fruit and flower, plant and bush, for morning robin, evening thrush.
For all your gifts, of every kind, we offer praise with quiet mind.
Be with us, Lord, and guide our ways
Around the circle of our days.
Cucumber and Feta Salad
adapted from Simply Recipes
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cucumbers, thinly sliced. (you may want to peel them depending up on the bitterness of the skin)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch long segments
- 10 mint leaves, thinly sliced
- White vinegar
- Olive oil
- 1/4 pound feta cheese
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions:
Gently toss together the sliced cucumbers, red onion, mint leaves with a little bit of white vinegar and olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Right before serving, sprinkle on crumbled bits of feta cheese. Serve immediately. Vegan? Replace the feta with sliced radishes and black olives.
Agrigirl's Blog 
Auburn Meadow Farm
/ June 17, 2012Cucumbers are the garden treat I look forward to all winter long. Nothing better than a perfect one still warm from the garden…
I love thinking of days as a circle.. lovely.
Tammy
/ June 19, 2012I’ve also taken to throwing cold ones in the blender with ice and mint!
Auburn Meadow Farm
/ June 20, 2012That sounds really good – and what you can’t finish, you can smear on your face : D
kateshrewsday
/ June 17, 2012Sounds wonderful where you are, Tammy, a world away from our cold, wet island. But we have cucumbers so we can join you in spirit 🙂
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012Oh Kate, the grass is greener. It’s so hot here.
iDellah Ashlie (@BornEquipped)
/ June 17, 2012“Those ancient solstice celebrations were often around fertility. In fact, the June moon was referred to as the Honey Moon and to this day, more weddings occur during June than any other month.” Its funny you mention this here on your post because I was just musing about why June was so popular for weddings. Who needs Google with you around? 🙂
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012I also learned in researching this that it is the origin of the term honeymoon.
Sally Mom
/ June 17, 2012I absolutely love the poem, the message and the wonderful salad idea. Quioa tabouli tonight with a lot of cucumber and mint. Think I will throw in some feta!
Thanks for a lovely time on your blog, Tammy!
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012You’re welcome Sally.
Debbie
/ June 17, 2012What a lovely post, Tammy! And I want to try the cucumber salad . . it sounds better than mine by far! 🙂
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012Let me know if you do try it.
Valaincort
/ June 17, 2012Love the recipe, but love the prayer even more! Thanks, Tammy. 🙂
(Christopher from CCOC)
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012What a treat to have you visit. Thanks Christopher.
Estrella Azul
/ June 17, 2012Oh my – I absolutely love cucumber and onions and feta cheese! I just never thought to add mint leaves into the mix, but thank you so much for the idea! This sounds lovely!
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012Let me know when you try it Estrella.
Estrella Azul
/ June 18, 2012I’m buying some feta cheese this week, so, will do 🙂
Danielle Luko
/ June 17, 2012I would have never thought to put mint leaves with cucumbers. Sounds awesome. I can hardly wait to get some of all of the ingredients and go for it.. and I was just at the store today. Oh well!
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012It also makes for an amazing smoothie; cucumbers, mint, maybe a little stevia and ice.
nursemyra
/ June 20, 2012What is stevia?
Jen
/ June 17, 2012We’re going to celebrate summer solstice next weekend at an overnight/sleepaway garlic braiding party at our CSA. I’m very excited about it.
The cucumber salad with mint sounds great!
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012An overnight garlic braiding party at your CSA? What a kick!
cindyricksgers
/ June 17, 2012What nice thoughts on the solstice! This is my favorite time of the year. I love the prayer, and the salad sounds wonderful. Thank you!
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012I like it more in other parts of the world. It’s very hot here.
Lisa H
/ June 17, 2012With the summer heat, cucumbers provide such a cooling effect. Your recipe sounds yummy and we will certainly try it! We also like cucumbers in water, too. I have plucked two Armenian cucumbers (which actually are a melon and not a cucumber!) and mix it with sesame oil, miso and red pepper flakes.
Beautiful poem.
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012I didn’t know that Armenian cucumbers are melons.
Carol Ann Hoel
/ June 17, 2012Very interesting information, Tammy. Thank you for sharing. The cucumber salad recipe sounds delicious. I like simple recipes, and cucumbers are refreshing. Blessings to you…
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012Blessings to you to Carol.
Mands
/ June 18, 2012I love your article Tammy, it’s wonderful. Of course we are celebrating the Winter Solstice and the shortest day and longest night… however, next week the days start to get longer and we are only a few weeks away from Spring… Yeaaaaah! Enjoy your summer, and thanks for sharing… I love cucumber, and will definitely try the salad, thanks.
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012Yes, I thought of you as I was writing this headed off to winter now.
Mands
/ June 18, 2012Yes… our cold winter of 22°C/72°F *Grin* I Love Living here…. Tammy you would love it, everything grows.
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012I bet I would.
authorjaneward
/ June 18, 2012The temps may reach 95 here by Wednesday or Thursday. It’s so cool right now that I’m finding that hard to believe! If so, this salad will be on the dinner table.
Tammy
/ June 18, 2012It’s a high heat advisory day here.
Tesney Ap
/ June 18, 2012It’s raining here but you makes me have a mood for Summer Solstice celebration 🙂 The salad recipe sounds simple and fabulous 🙂
Tammy
/ June 19, 2012But it is summer, no?
dayphoto
/ June 18, 2012I love summer! And all the fruits and vegetables and cool things to do, even the work. And I rejoice in the Solstice, I rejoice at the Winter Solstice. I don’t rejoice at the long nights only the long days!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Tammy
/ June 19, 2012It’s a wonderful annual marker for us.
Lauren
/ June 18, 2012I know what I’m doing with my cucumbers this week!!
Tammy
/ June 19, 2012Let me know how you like it!
dailyfrosting
/ June 19, 2012So nice to meet you, Tammy and thanks for stopping by my blog today! I was checking out YOUR blog and am enjoying it quite a bit. We seem to have many similar thoughts and interests 🙂 Where are you that it’s perfect Gazpacho weather? Looks like Southwest somewhere?
Tammy
/ June 19, 2012Thanks Daily. It’s great to have you here. I’m in AZ where it is 107 at 7:47 pm.
dailyfrosting
/ June 22, 2012We went to Arizona for our Spring break…Scottsdale and Sedona. It was fabulous. The kids were blown away by the beauty of it all. My little one just asked the other day “if it’s this hot here, what is it in Arizona??” 🙂
Tammy
/ June 22, 2012So so so hot!
Inger Wilkerson
/ June 19, 2012We enjoyed bonfires all around a bay last Saturday night when a nearby community (of Scandinavian heritage) did their annual Fyr Bal celebration. Your photo is beautiful–so cool and fresh, a perfect foil for summer!
Tammy
/ June 19, 2012Thanks. I usually just post a photo but I blurred the edges and added a few effects.
nursemyra
/ June 20, 2012I like cucumber sandwiches. And baby cukes – they are so sweet.
Tammy
/ June 22, 2012Me too.
shrinkingthecamel
/ June 20, 2012The cucumber somehow is the fresh crispy essence of summer solstice… good choice for this post! I love that St Francis poem, and the idea of the “circle of days.” It is good to celebrate a long sun. I wish Christians had more appreciation of celebrating these miracles of nature, the magnificence of God’s glorious sun hanging in the sky all these hours. In any case, I know that you and I will be celebrating! 🙂
Tammy
/ June 22, 2012Cucumbers are the essence of summer. I agree about the celebrating of these moments – maybe I’ll start a movement? 🙂
Sophie
/ June 21, 2012what a great & tasty salad! I love the combo fo cucumbers & feta!!
I also love that song of the Levellers!
Tammy
/ June 22, 2012Oh good.Thanks Sophie. I wondered if I should have posted the song but at least you and I liked it.
Ollin Morales (@OllinMorales)
/ June 21, 2012Hey Tammy: quick question. Do you happen to know of a good or great vegetarian sandwich recipe? Something that can also be filling? The problem with the ones I’ve made before is that they left me still hungry aftewards. Thanks Tammy!
Tandy
/ June 21, 2012yesterday I think we rejoiced in knowing that from today, the nights will slowly start to get shorter and the days longer 🙂
Tammy
/ June 22, 2012Yes, knew it would be opposite for you.
Kath (My Funny Little Life)
/ June 22, 2012Loved this post. Thank you so much for it! It always fills me with awe when I think of the beautiful rituals and celebrations which have emerged from culture. It’s a shame that we don’t have a solstice tradition in Germany, but a friend of mine who is from Sweden will celebrate tonight.
Tammy
/ June 22, 2012Yes, it’s a pity that more don’t honor the earth at these various times.
fivereflections
/ June 24, 2012I love celebrating both winter and summer solstice!
I wish I could send you a real ocean breeze in this comment…
David in Maine USA
Tammy
/ June 24, 2012I’d take it. It is so hot right now.
nrhatch
/ June 24, 2012Wonderful tribute to the “turning of the wheel” and the circle of life.
Tammy
/ June 24, 2012It is a circle and I thought the prayer fit the solstice perfectly.
Tokeloshe
/ June 29, 2012Great photo!
We drove the a small town on our recent vacation and saw some weirdly dressed teenagers, then we saw a sign for a party, we had forgotten that it was summer solstice 😉
Tammy
/ June 30, 2012How great that they were celebrating it.
Rukmini Roy
/ June 30, 2012Yum! I absolutely love Feta. Anything with it and Ricotta. Btw, although there are so such festivals to celebrate summer on this part of the world, we do celebrate spring 🙂 In our language, its called poila Boishakh.
Tammy
/ June 30, 2012Does the prayer apply to you also? I thought it was written from a very spiritual yet non-discipline place?
Tammy
/ June 23, 2012Thanks for the shout out!