Crops are planted, insects have fertilized them, green fruits are emerging, growth is apparent and, in the months ahead, they will thrive until it is time for harvest. Today, at 5:26 a.m., the Earth was tilted at a 23.5-degree angle. This translates to the longest day and shortest night of the year: Summer Solstice.

Some think of it as the start of summer, but actually on the Celtic calendar that was May 1, Beltane. This is midsummer and, in terms of daylight, it's all downhill until Dec. 21, midwinter at Winter Solstice.

It is by this predictable rhythm that the seasons of life for plants and animals, including humankind, are regulated. Like the tides, light ebbs and flows in a dance directing biology and botany. Most of us live compliant with artificial systems designed to accommodate commerce.

The Industrial Revolution made it more efficient to organize shifts of workers at predictable clock times. Compound this imposition with the subtleties of individual biorhythms, particularly pre-menopausal women's, and you generate people out of touch with what nature teaches every other animal. Rest, hole up and conserve energy in winter; breed, expand and gather power in summer.

Now, at midsummer, we are stimulated by light to extend our waking hours. Not having rested thoroughly and renewed our minds and bodies in the dark days, we may experience sleep deprivation at the very time we try to take advantage of daylight.

Solstice is derived from two Latin words: "sol" meaning sun and "sistere" to cause to stand still. That was some fine observing for those without optical devices and means of measurements.

The ancient Celts felt the festival celebrated the Oak King, and held raucous fire dances. June was considered the proper time to rob the bees of their honey and it was the favored time for weddings. The idea being it was better to bring forth babies in spring. Newlyweds were fed honey to encourage love and fertility. The word "honeymoon" relates to the full moon of June. The past touches us yet.

In Ancient China, the solstice celebrated the feminine "yin" forces. Winter solstice complimented with masculine "yang" power.

Ancient Germanic, Slav and continental Celts built huge bonfires, over which the young bucks competed by leaping across. The notion being that the crops would grow as high as the strongest young man could jump. There is no record of what they thought would happen if one barbequed himself.

Ancient Sweden celebrated with midsummer trees, set up in every enclave. Whatever the temperature, women and girls bathed in local rivers. The idea was that this act would bring rain for the crops.

Christian countries, after the conversion of Europe, set the feast day of John the Baptist for June 24, just as Christmas was set a few days after winter solstice to avoid the appearance of paganism. Scholars tell us those are ceremonial, not actual dates for the nativities.

The Essenes were one of several Jewish groups in Palestine in the First Century B.C. There is mounting evidence that they worshiped the sun, which was at its height on Solstice.

Native Americans such as the Natchez in the South, held a "first fruits" ceremony in honor of the sun, which they, too, are said to have worshiped. The Hopi tribe dressed as Kachinas, which were the dancing spirits of rain and fertility. The Big Horn Medicine Wheel, west of Sheridan, Wyo., was a construction related to the angle of the sun.

Modern nature-related religions and spirituality have adapted ancient methods of acknowledging the power and essential nature of sunlight to life on Earth.

Whatever we do to attune ourselves to the patterns of nature, it is in our best interest to support the reality that we are creatures of light as well as darkness, both metaphorically and literally. Tonight, stand outside and recognize this the shortest darkness of the year. Participate.

"Art, History and Culture in the Marys River Watershed," a wonderfully enjoyable event for Saturday, June 24, will be held at Tyee Winery to, in part, support ecologically wise projects. Check out details at these Web sites - Marys Marys River Watershed Council (www.mrwc.net) or Tyee Wine Cellars (www.tyeewine.com).

Peg Elliott Mayo is an author and mentor. She invites comment at 456-2282 or pegmayo@rivervoices.com. She also has a Web page: www.rivervoices.com and blog: http://http.pegelliottmayo.blogspot.com.