Fun Fact Friday: Summer Solstice

June 15, 2012 10:46 am CT

Next Thursday might be just an ordinary day for some, but for others, it’s a grand celebration. June 21 marks the first day of summer.

Most Midwesterners rejoice in the extra daylight and warmer weather of the summer months. What better way to ring in the season than with a little extra sun time? Below are a few fun facts about the summer solstice:

• “Solstice” is derived from the Latin words “sol,” meaning sun, and “sister,” meaning to stand still.
• The sun and earth will align just right next Thursday, resulting in the longest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere.
• For those living “down under,” June 21 will serve as the shortest day of the year!
• Many cultures have celebrated the summer solstice for thousands of years; in the U.S., we tend to see an influx in weddings around this time.

So put on your sunscreen, grab your sunglasses and soak up the extra rays next Thursday! We know we’ll be celebrating the warm weather to come!