June 21, 2018, marks the longest day of the year and first day of summer. Also known as the summer solstice, it is the time when the sun rises before 5 am and sets after 9 pm. This cosmic event happens when the Earth’s northern hemisphere is nearest to the sun, thus getting most daylight. Since daytime is longer, it can be the best time for school holidays, trips and other celebrations.
Summer Safety Precautions
So before we head out and enjoy under the sun, here are some summer safety tips we should remember:
- Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated is important during summer. The warm temperature makes us more prone to dehydration. So, if you are going to stay out for long periods of time, bring water or stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
- Use sunscreen – We know that sun exposure can be harmful to our skin. It does not only cause skin aging but it may also lead to skin cancer. This is the reason why we should always carry and apply sunscreen before going out on a summer day.
- Use eye protection – Using eye protection helps prevent eye damage caused by the rays of the sun. Choose eye protection that protects your eyes from UV rays. You can also use a hat that provides a bigger shade for additional protection.
- Practice food safety – According to USDA food poisoning peaks during summer. Bacteria that cause foodborne diseases thrive in a warm environment. To avoid this, we should always eat food that is cleanly prepared. If in doubt, discard.
Celebrating Summer
Summer is not just a simple celebration. It is also celebrated by different cultures throughout the world.
Aside from the summer solstice, there are other festivals, holidays, and rituals about fertility or religion that are celebrated. Jāņi has been celebrated in Latvia manifested by women wearing wreaths on their heads. People in Estonia celebrate St. John’s Day that marks the changing of the farming year.
The celebration in Ukraine and Russia is different in which people test their faith and bravery by jumping over the bonfires in a celebration called Kupala Night.
Google Doodle
Even Google doodle also joined the celebration of summer solstice last year. The image is depicted by a mouse in its burrow underground, while a bird starts pecking the ground above that makes the sun rays to shine in. But, to avoid the shimmering rays of the sun, the mouse wears a pair of sunglasses and continues to read.
Another Google doodle was created during the winter solstice that features the mouse that fell into a snowdrift while ice skating on a frozen lake.
As the summer season started in the Northern hemisphere, people will surely enjoy sunbathing and BBQs. It is important to always remember summer safety to enjoy the most of the season. But, summer is about to end on September 22, 2018.
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