How to Make Pressed Flower Lanterns to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

The sun has reached its peak angle and is in its full, brilliant splendor throughout the long summer days before making its slow descent toward its lower arc during winter’s relative darkness. We have reached a turning point in the year. The summer solstice, coming from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “stitium” (still or stopped), is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. It is a day of celebration, with fires and flower lanterns being lit across the land to honor the strength of the sun. 

Fire has always been an important tradition in solstice celebrations around the world. In ancient times it was thought that lighting a fire on the summer solstice would boost the sun’s energy for the remainder of the growing season and give encouragement for a good harvest in the fall. In modern times, a fire is not always a practical way to celebrate. Instead, light a candle and place it into homemade pressed flower lanterns to light the way as we encourage the energy of the sun to brighten the rest of the year. 

Using Pressed Flowers in Your Summer Solstice Celebration

It is fitting to use flowers in a summer solstice celebration. After all, gardens are overflowing with colors as the summer months approach, with flowers stretching their colorful heads towards the sun for solar-infused energy. When picking flowers for this project, be mindful to only collect from plants that are plentiful. Leave enough for our pollinators! You should also search for flowers that are naturally flat and have single-layered petals so that you can easily attach them to your lantern once dried. Some of our favorites include pansies, violas, daisies, cosmos, and sweet alyssum.

In Closing,

Days will grow shorter, nights will grow longer, and still, the natural world is filled with vibrant and colorful life throughout the year. Over the centuries, the summer solstice has inspired many midsummer celebrations involving bonfires, singing, and dancing in celebration of the natural world. Connecting with the cycles of the planet and building your own traditions such as these pressed flower lanterns will help you mark the passage of time and celebrate with loved ones. However you choose to cherish the day, be sure to enjoy the longest day of the year to its fullest!  

For more ideas on celebrating the summer solstice, see:
Summer Solstice: Mark the Changing of Spring Into Summer With Intention