Sunshine on My Shoulders
Summer solstice is the day that marks the first day of summer. It happens around June 20 or 21 each year. On this day, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, so it is the day with the longest amount of daylight. After the summer solstice, the days slowly start to get shorter.
The summer solstice happens because of the way Earth tilts as it travels around the sun. During this time, the North Pole is tilted toward the sun. This allows sunlight to hit the Northern Hemisphere for more hours during the day.
That is why summer days are longer and warmer. Meanwhile, places in the Southern Hemisphere have shorter days and colder weather.
People around the world have celebrated the summer solstice for thousands of years. Some cultures had festivals, feasts, and special traditions to honor the sun and nature. Today, people celebrate by spending time outside, watching a sunrise or sunset, or learning about the Earth and space.
Summer Solstice
In Ireland, celebrations mix ancient traditions and modern activities. One of the most famous solstice traditions in Ireland is at Carrowkeel and Loughcrew, which are ancient stone monuments. Long ago, people built these places to line up with the sun on special days like the solstice.
At Loughcrew, the rising sun shines through a stone chamber and lights up carvings inside. Today, small groups gather early in the morning to watch the sunrise and honor Ireland’s ancient history.
In modern times, many people in Ireland celebrate the summer solstice by spending time outdoors. Because it is the longest day of the year, people enjoy late sunsets, evening walks, music, and festivals.
Some towns host small celebrations with dancing, storytelling, or traditional Irish music. Nature walks and coastal gatherings are also popular.
Wherever you live, summer solstice celebrations focus on nature, light, and history. Whether watching the sun rise at ancient sites or enjoying a long summer evening with friends, summer solstice reminds us how important the sun is for life on Earth.
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
- Kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. penne
- 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
- 2/3 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
- Fresh basil, for serving (optional)
Directions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken; season with 3/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and an instant-read thermometer registers 160°, 4 to 5 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, cook garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add water, cream, and 1/2 tsp. salt and bring to a simmer. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is reduced to a sauce that coats the pasta, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan and chicken and toss until cheese is melted and chicken is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in pesto; if sauce feels dry, add water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, until a creamy sauce forms. Season with more salt, if needed. Top with basil (if using).
Literature Corner
The First Last Day
By Dorian Cirrone
What if you could get a do-over—a chance to relive a day in your life over and over again until you got it right? Would you?
After finding a mysterious set of paints in her backpack, eleven-year-old Haleigh Adams paints a picture of her last day at the New Jersey shore. When she wakes up the next morning, Haleigh finds that her wish for an endless summer with her new friend Kevin has come true. At first, she’s thrilled, but Haliegh soon learns that staying in one place—and time—comes with a price.
As she and Kevin set out to find the source of the magic paints, Haleigh worries it might be too late. Will she be able to restart time? And if she does, will it be the biggest mistake of her life? For ages 8-12, 240 pages.
The Relatives Came
By Cynthia Rylant
In a rainbow-colored station wagon that smelled like a real car, the relatives came. When they arrived, they hugged and hugged from the kitchen to the front room. All summer they tended the garden and ate up all the strawberries and melons. They plucked banjos and strummed guitars. When they finally had to leave, they were sad, but not for long. They all knew they would be together next summer. For ages 2-6, 32 pages.
Lardie’s Laughs
Q: Q. How do you make an octopus laugh?
A. With ten-ticles!
Q. What did Mama Llama say to the baby llama as they prepared for a picnic?
A. Alpaca lunch!
Gab in Gaelic
It is sunny! = Ta se go brea! (pron: taw shay goh braw)
