Usually when someone complains that it has been a long day, it was a day that felt long.
But on June 20, it's more than a figure of speech.
It really is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. It is the day of the summer solstice.
In Chicago, for example, there are more than 15 hours of daylight. In Alaska, the sun drops down to the horizon for about two hours before it chases away the twilight to start the day again.
Legend says it's the day when the sun stands still. That's actually what the word solstice means. It comes from the Latin words sol meaning sun and sistere, meaning to cause to stand still.
As the solstice approaches, you can see the noonday sun rise higher and higher in the sky each day. On the day of the solstice, however, it rises an imperceptible amount compared to the day before and it seems to stop.
Mystics throughout the centuries believed the solstice was a time of light and fire. Many cultures saw it as a time to reflect upon the growth of the season. It has often been seen as a time for renewal and for love. No wonder people want to get married in June.
The full moon near the solstice also has been considered special. That moon, this year on June 11, is called the Strawberry Moon or, in Europe, Honey Moon. It got its name from the fermented honey drink offered at marriage ceremonies.
The summer solstice is a time to welcome summer and all that it has to offer for the entire season.