The Season that Connects Us All

From ancient civilizations to modern day, summer has transformed from just a season to emotions: a symbol of freedom, joy, and connection. Whether an adolescent is released from school for a number of months, or an adult wants relief from their job, summer has a special meaning for all of us; not just the sun becoming more prevalent than ever.

For the billions of kids around the world, summer brings a plethora of exclusive joys only available during the season. The outdoor pool, a once-neglected feature of cities around the world, becomes a platform for some of the most infamous summer activities. Once icy and hostile, water becomes a magnet for swimmers everywhere. From pool noodles to flippers, pools are more than just water; they are a hub for people to connect. Water balloon fights and water gun battles are other fun activities kids adore. Staying cool while pretending to be a soldier is what makes these games so enjoyable. During the summer, kids also love earning money, and there’s no better way to make a few quick bucks than through a lemonade stand. This billion-dollar industry adds a bit of hustle to a child’s summer and helps prepare them for the real world in a harmless way. Summer not only brings free time; it gives kids the chance to explore joys that only the season can bring.

Summer vacations allow people to go places they would have never had time for otherwise, no matter the distance. One can visit the magnificent ancient wonders of the world, the biggest cities, or the homes of their loved ones. A break from the busy bustle of life can allow one to reflect and rejuvenate; even the most fatigued. Summer also brings the unique opportunity of a more relaxed work day. During the 2020 global pandemic, many workers transitioned to remote work and discovered the unexpected benefits of working from home. Today, summers offer a more relaxed work day, and some even get to utilize an online work day.

Celebrations of summer have evolved over thousands of years, with mentions dating back over 4,000 years. In Ancient Egypt, Egyptians worshiped the summer to lessen the severity of droughts. In Norse mythology, summer was often portrayed as an entity that battled winter for supremacy; a never-ending struggle. In medieval times, summer was seen as warmth and joy. Today, summer in different parts of the world can mean very different things. In India, the season brings scorching heat and regular temperatures of 100 degrees. The severe weather causes thousands of deaths, heat strokes, and economic ruin. However, in Finland, summer is greeted with open arms. The surge in heat brings pleasant and mild temperatures, allowing many to enjoy outdoor activities that others may take for granted.

Summer is also home to many famous traditions. In the United States, the Fourth of July is celebrated as the American Independence Day. The crackle of fireworks cuts through the night, and triumphant crowds parade through streets, bringing the infectious energy of celebration. The air is filled with the sounds of bands and the smells of barbecue. In Spain, numerous traditions fill the summer calendar. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona draws millions of tourists to honor the feast day of San Fermín. The tradition includes brave and adventurous people trying to outrun bulls in a race; doing their best to avoid being trampled in the process.experience summer from December through February. While people in the northern hemisphere are celebrating the colder days, Australians enjoy the holiday season with warmer temperatures. Instead of hot cocoa and snowflakes, the Christmas season in Australia can be celebrated outdoors on beaches or with pool parties.

But beyond the ways people celebrate or work through summer, the season itself transforms the natural world in ways just as astounding. Summer is just one phase of the natural cycles that earth cycles through. Pollinators like bees and butterflies thrive throughout the summer months, bringing the necessary pollen that fuels natural ecosystems. Stunning hydrangeas and marigolds bloom and vibrantly dot gardens, windows, and pots. Sea turtles start to lay their eggs on beaches, giving birth to the next generation, and skies fill with monarch butterflies, one of the largest migrations in the world. Every year, tens of millions of butterflies fly thousands of miles from Canada all the way to Mexico.

Summer is more than just a season; it's an experience that connects others and transforms nature. Although it is celebrated in different times with different traditions around the world, it carries a universal feeling of joy, rest, and life that unites us all.