June marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere, although here in SW Florida we’re accustomed to summer weather all year long.
In the United States Flag Day (June 14th) celebrates the adoption of the flag of the U.S. on that day in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. It is thirteen horizontal stripes alternating red and white with one white star for each state (50 stars as of 1960) arranged in horizontal rows (of alternating numbers of six and five stars per row as of 1960) on a blue field. Other names for our flag include: the Stars and Stripes; the Red, White, and Blue; Old Glory; and the Star-Spangled Banner U.S. flag.
Father’s Day, celebrated on the third Sunday in June (June 15th), honors fathers, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. It originated in the U.S. in the early 20th century and was inspired by Mother’s Day. While the first Father’s Day was celebrated in 1910, it took more than six decades for the day to become official. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson recognized Father’s Day; in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged states to observe the holiday; and in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson made the first presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.
Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States, and refers to June 19, 1865, the day Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. It became recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when the 117th U.S. Congress enacted it and President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
Many countries observe summer solstice celebrations between June 20 and 22. For example in Scandinavia, Midsummer festivals feature maypole dancing, floral wreaths, and bonfires. Sweden’s Midsommar tends to be particularly elaborate. Similar solstice celebrations also occur across Europe, including the UK’s gathering at Stonehenge.
Across Latin America, many countries celebrate Día de San Juan (St. John’s Day) on June 24th with water rituals and bonfires. In East Asia, Dragon Boat Festivals occur in China and neighboring countries, featuring boat races and rice dumplings.
So, as you see June’s holidays reflect themes of transition, abundance, and cultural identity and provide opportunities for communities to gather, reflect, and rejoice as they mark the changing seasons.
