As we leave behind the long, sunny, and vibrant days of summer, it is fascinating to explore the lesser-known facts and trivia about this season. From the effects of sun-kissed skin and the unique phenomenon of ‘brain freeze’ to the origins of the widely loved summer treat—ice cream, the mysteries of the bountiful summer season extend beyond the signature heat and blossoming nature. Not to mention, explorations into historic celebrations like the summer solstice and the captivating world of the Summer Olympics tie our contemporary lives with the intriguing threads of the past. As you indulge in memories of beach vacations, picnics, and sunny strolls, let’s dive into an exploration of trivia and facts, illuminating the summer season’s different shades.
Sun, Sand, and Healthy Skin
Summer Glow or Summer Woe?
Summer spells out images of sun-drenched beaches, sipping on colorful drinks, and the golden-bannered promise of a beach tan. The sun kisses our skin, rewards us with that much-coveted glow, and we couldn’t be happier. Who could argue that a sunbathing session does wonders for our Vitamin D levels and for our Instagram updates?
Yet, as surprising as it might sound, beneath the allure and charm of a sunny summer day lurks an obscure fact – the sun might not be your skin’s best friend after all. In particular, for those of us who are waging battles against the pesky, relentless enemy that is acne, the ultraviolet radiation from the sun could potentially be a formidable ally for our foe.
It’s easy to believe that a sun-soaked beach vacation has done your skin a favor. Breakouts seem to clear up, the sun dries out skin, and everything appears grand, as if acne has finally acknowledged defeat. Yet, you might not want to declare victory just yet. Drying out your skin by soaking up the sun might feel satisfying momentarily, but as is often the case, acne can emerge stronger, ready for another round.
How does it happen? When the sun dries out your skin, your body responds by producing more oil to compensate, the perfect setting for acne to thrive and flourish. That’s why dermatologists strongly advise against letting your guard down during summer. Stick to your trusted skincare routine. Don’t ditch it, just because it’s summer.
Your customary summer sunscreen should still find its prime place on your beach bag. A wide-brimmed hat could add a touch of high fashion to your beach look, while also offering a shield against the powerful rays of the sun. And drink plenty of water; staying hydrated on the inside is as crucial as it is on the outside.
So this summer, keep in mind that a beach tan is temporary, but skin damage could be far-reaching. Relish the sun and the sand, but remember, emancipation from your skincare routine is not one of summer’s gifts.
Ice Cream and Your Brain Freeze
A Chill on the Brain
There’s hardly anything that says ‘summer’ more than enjoying a dripping cone of your favorite ice cream flavor under the beaming sun. But, this delicious activity often comes with an unexpected side effect – the infamous ‘brain freeze.’
Also known as a sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, a brain freeze is not just a wacky term coined by kids. It’s a real short-term headache that we often experience after consuming cold treats at lightning speed. So how does this strange sensation work?
When you take a big bite of that frosty ice cream scoop and it comes in contact with the roof of your mouth, your body interprets the sudden temperature drop as a threat. This is where the brain steps in. As a preventative measure, to stop the cold from reaching the brain, it causes the blood vessels in your head to rapidly expand and contract. This swift change in blood flow is what creates that uncomfortable, sharp twinge we know as a brain freeze.
So the next time you’re greedily downing a double scoop of mint chocolate chip on a balmy day, remember to pace yourself. Eating slowly and allowing your mouth to warm the ice cream a little can help avoid this chilly headache. However, if the brain freeze does hit, try pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth. The warmth will help alleviate the pain quicker.
In a nutshell, brain freezes are a small price to pay for the delightful experience that is having ice cream in the summer. It may be a fleeting headache, but it’s a reminder of how our bodies work in miraculous and fascinating ways to protect us.
The Longest Day of the Year
Embracing the Sun’s Embrace
June 21st is more than just another day on the calendar–in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. As Earth goes about its annual rotation around the Sun, there comes a point when its north or south pole reaches its maximum tilt towards our star. This day, typically falling on June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, gifts us with the most daylight of any other day within the entire year.
The summer solstice is not only a day of maximal sunlight but also signifies an important shift in seasons–the official start of summer. The extra hours of sunlight not only provide additional time for outdoor fun but also impact the environment and various cultural practices. Patterns of animal behaviors, plant growth, and human sleeping schedules may all undergo noticeable changes during this period.
The summer solstice isn’t just about the science behind Earth’s axial tilt. It’s a day with rich cultural significance, both historically and presently. Many ancient cultures built monuments to acknowledge this day and used it to structure their calendars. Today, people worldwide celebrate with festivals, relaxation, and rituals, making the most of the sunlight and welcoming the summer season.
Not to be missed is the impact it has on our physical and mental health. The additional sunlight can boost mood and Vitamin D levels, blessing us with a great excuse to get outside and soak up the rays in moderation, of course– don’t forget the sunscreen!
So then, come June 21st, remember, you’re not just living another ordinary day. You’re experiencing the longest stretch of daylight of the year, marking the beginning of summer, a day with a profound effect on all life and celebrated universally. Even as the sun finally sets on the longest day, remember the unique journey our Earth takes around the Sun, bringing seasons’ shift and providing varied experiences of days and nights.
Summer Olympic Trivia
Channeling the Roots of the Games
Just as you start marking your calendars for the summer Olympics, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this world-renowned event. As you might already be aware, the modern Olympics owe their existence to their ancient counterpart— the Olympic Games of yesteryears in Greece. These were traditionally held during the summer month of Elaphebolion, which aligns with July and August in our current calendar.
The ancient Greeks used the Olympic Games to honor Zeus, the King of Gods in Greek mythology. These sports festivals took place every four years, a period known as an “Olympiad”, and the people of the time would come together from every corner of the Greek world to watch and participate.
In replicating this tradition, the founders of the modern Olympic Games ceremonially granted the summer season the honor of hosting the Olympics. The modern Olympics, first held in 1896 in Athens, Greece, have since become a symbol of peace, unity, and sportsmanship.
Celebrating Global Sportsmanship
Although the Winter Olympics were later introduced, the Summer Olympics have remained consistently more popular. The glare of the snow might bring with it thrilling winter sports, yet, it’s the summer games that truly ignite the global spirit of sportsmanship.
Watched and enjoyed every four years by billions of people globally, the Summer Olympics is a spectacle that engulfs the world in its warmth. And it’s not just about the athletic competitions. It’s also about the shared pride in our countries, the suspenseful anticipation of who will clinch the gold, and the simultaneous rejoices and heartbreaks that become talking points across households, offices, and public squares for weeks.
So when you’re cheering for your favorite athletes this summer, remember, you’re not just engaging in a event—you’re participating in a defining human ritual that dates back thousands of years. And there’s something extraordinarily powerful about that.
Melting Myths – Ice Cream’s Early Recipe
A Scoop of History
As summer rolls around the corner, the first thing that most of us add to our grocery lists is a tub or two of creamy, savory, and refreshing ice cream. Ice cream has become synonymous with summer—what’s a scorching day without a cone or a cup of this delectable dessert, right? But have you ever wondered about the origins of this heatwave lifesaver?
Ice cream has a rich and ancient history that can be traced back thousands of years. We may associate it with western cuisine today, but did you know that the concept of ice cream actually originated in the East? The earliest accounts of a frozen dairy treat date back to 200 BC in China where a mixture of milk and rice was frozen to create a simple, cooling dessert.
However, while China might have been the birthplace of the frozen treat, ice cream as we know it today—with its added sweetness and indulgent texture—owes a lot of its transformation to Europe. It was the Italians and the French who took this refreshing dessert to the next level by incorporating milk, cream, and sweeteners into the recipe. This birthed the ice cream we all crave today: creamy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious.
So, next time you dive into a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor during these hot summer days, remember its humble beginnings. A dessert with roots in China given a decadent makeover in Europe, proving that a cold treat truly knows no cultural boundaries.
As the season of sunsets and ice cream cones unfurls each year, it brings along an array of fascinating facets. Whether it’s understanding why our skin behaves in a certain way under the scorching sun, demystifying ‘brain freeze,’ reflecting on the significance of the longest day of the year—the summer solstice, or appreciating the popular Summer Olympics, we deepen our connection with this radiant season. And of course, every scoop of delicious ice cream carries a little bit of history, taking us back to its roots in ancient China, further enriching our summer experiences. So as these facts come to light, our quintessential summer experiences—whether under a palm tree, or in front of a TV cheering for our team—take on a vibrant new perspective, making each moment all the more rewarding.
