Summer Solstice

We’ve been experiencing heat and drought here in central Virginia, even though tomorrow, June 21st, is the official start of summer. John and I have Celtic and Italian ancestry with both cultures celebrating June 21st - Summer Solstice and St. John’s Eve. This longest day of the year is traditionally celebrated with the elements of fire, water and earth. The celts typically celebrate with bonfires. And in the northern regions of Italy - particularly the cities of Turin, Genoa and Florence where John the Baptist is patron saint, it is celebrated with water and flowers. On the eve of St. John’s day (June 22nd) we gather flowers and fragrant herbs - 10 different varieties is average - and place them in a bowl of water to be left outside overnight. It is believed that St. John blesses the water with the morning dew. This floral water is known as Aqua di San Giovanni which is said to have healing properties. I suspect this has a lot to do with the herbs and flowers chosen. Traditionally this includes St. John’s Wort that sadly doesn’t bloom here at the right time. Other good lavender, chamomile, rosemary, rose petals, mint, sage, thyme, honeysuckle and elderberry - so long as you don’t have allergies to any of them. Next morning, strain the flowers out, and use the water in a bath or as a face rinse. If it is really a hot day, chill and add to a spray bottle for a little cooling spritz.

Traditionally, herbalists gather medicinal herbs at the Summer solstice as plants are said to be at their highest level of potency on this longest day of the year.

Even without the blessings of St. John, or medicinal herbs, a nice floral face rinse is a lovely way to start a hot summer day.