July Notebook: Let's all go to the Seaside

The dog days of Summer are here

Hello,

A very happy July to you.

This was probably the month you dreamed of back in February, wasn’t it? When the cold, dark days seemed never ending. Back then July was like a light-filled mirage on the horizon; a golden time of sun, holidays, outdoor living and pure happiness.

Well, we’ve arrived! It’s here!

But, fickle creatures that we are, now that July is here I’m starting to hear mutters of discontent (OK, it’s me, I’m muttering). About how it’s a bit too hot, or even a bit too cold. And also how there’s a bit too much pollen (to be fair, there is a LOT of pollen about this year, right?). Well, frankly, it’s time to stop all that. I’m having a stern word with myself.

This is, after all, a month of very good things. Of summer holidays, long sunny days, fruit harvests, seaside trips and river-side picnics. The weather might be a bit unpredictable and hayfever might be high, but it’s still the month we’ll all dream about once more when Winter rolls around again, so let make the very most of it.

In this newsletter, we’ll be diving into all things watery and refreshing, celebrating a pleasingly niche pagan festival and beating the heat, Ancient-Roman style.

Who’s with me?

Photo by Elena Popova on Unsplash. I’d like to be here right now.

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Things to love about July

1. Early mornings

Mornings are pretty special in July. Dawn breaks at around 5am here which means the sun will be up well before I am, sprinkling the day with magic. First thing in the morning there’s a calmness to everything. The grass still has a little dew on it, the light is clear but not burning-bright yet, tempers are still un-frayed, and there’s a sense of a fresh new day just stretching ahead full of potential and possibility.

July mornings are the time to walk barefoot, get a little sun on your skin, check in on all the plants in the garden and allow yourself to remember that these days are the very best.

2 Ancient water festivals

Looking for a Summer festival that celebrates all things cool and watery? Step forward the Ancient Roman festival of Neptunalia. Not much is known about this festival (Wikipedia call it ‘obscure’) and surviving records simply state that it was a two day festival celebrated at the end of July, possibly around the 23rd, to honour Neptune the god of the seas.

As it was held at the peak of the hot summer weather, it seems logical to assume it could have been a ritual festival to ask Neptune to bless the land with water, to avoid drought and ensure the crops would survive.

Records show that people used to build huts of branches and foliage during the festival, presumably to protect them from the scorching summer heat, under which they could feast and celebrate and summon the gods of the waters. And when the sun shines this month, I know that's exactly what I’ll feel like doing. 

If you want to read more about this festival and get some ideas on how to celebrate it yourself, take a look at last year’s July Notebook post.

3. Trees

Trees are pretty fantastic all year round, I think we can agree on that. But in July they really come into their own. When the sun starts to build up some serious heat, the tree canopy responds with the thickest, lushest leaves, creating a pool of deep, refreshing shade underneath. I find myself planning any walking routes in the Summer around trees, scurrying from one patch of cool green shade to the next.

I suggest we all give our favourite local trees a hug of appreciation this month. And if the summer heat has revealed that there aren’t enough trees in your neighbourhood (there are never enough) can I suggest you plant one in the Autumn.

If we all filled our front gardens with trees instead of yet more parking spaces, imagine how lovely (and shady) our streets would be in the summer. Before someone tells you there’s no space for a tree, there’s always room for a tree. My front and back gardens are tiny and I’ve squeezed a silly number of trees into mine. There’s not much room for anything else mind you, but that’s ok, because as we’ve just agreed, trees are fantastic. Plant more.

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash. Cool, canopy goodness.

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Things to do in July

Feeling suitably July-ish yet? I hope so. Right, here’s your list of things to do, see and eat this month:

1. Take a (virtual) trip to the seaside

This is the month to be beside the sea. While I don’t have any coastal trips on the horizon this year (sigh), this is not going to stop me drifting there in my daydreams. And this month I invite you all along.

Let’s read coastal-themed books and magazines, watch coastal-inspired movies, browse seaside holiday homes and answer the call of the sea in any way we are able. Build an Ancient-Roman-style leaf bower and imagine the sound of seagulls overhead. We could even listen to sea shanties. Or is that a step too far?

2. Try Earthing

Is Earthing just a fancy way of saying ‘walking barefoot outdoors’? Yes it is. Is it still a good thing to do? Yes it is!

While I recommend walking barefoot in all weather, it’s definitely easier to do this in July than it is in November. Earthing can also be done horizontally, by laying down on the ground and resting your hands palm-down on the earth. Also known as sunbathing. But with added health benefits.

3. Eat or drink something citrusy

This is exactly the time of year to be embracing the cool refreshing zingy-ness of citrus fruit.

• Fresh lemonade with a spring of mint

• Cool orange slices on a hot day

• Zesty orange and lemon cakes

All entirely seasonally appropriate and delicious.

Here’s a recipe for Mary Berry’s Orange Layer Cake that’s perfect for this month.

Photo by Gaby Yerden on Unsplash. Not Mary Berry’s cake, but still pretty delicious looking.

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July Folklore

Much of the folklore attached to this month is concerned with predicting how long the summer weather will last before it breaks. 

Here are a couple of pieces for you to squirrel away, ready to impress, surprise or completely baffle someone at the appropriate moment.

1. Hope it doesn’t rain on St Swithun’s Day

According to folklore, if it rains on St Swithun’s Day (15th July) it will continue for the next 40 days.

Why? St Swithun was the Bishop of Winchester in the 800s and legend says that when he died he requested to be buried outside, “where his grave could easily be reached by both members of the parish and the rainfall from the heavens.” However, some time after his burial, his bones were moved inside the cathedral, at which point it started to rain and didn’t stop for 40 days. Said to be a sign of St Swithun’s displeasure. So if it rains on the 15th we’re in trouble.

2. Celebrate the ‘Dog Days’ of Summer

Ever heard the expression ‘dog days of summer’ and wondered what it meant? Wonder no more. It refers to the period of time from 3rd July - 11th August where Sirius, the Dog Star rises and sets with the Sun.

According to the Farmers Almanac, “Because the star is so bright at this time of the year, the Ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the Sun’s warmth, accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather. They referred to this time as diēs caniculārēs, or “dog days.””

So there you go. A rather unglamorous name for what is actually a very beautiful celestial event.

Photo by Raimond Klavins on Unsplash

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Ok, that’s all for now, I hope you enjoyed your July newsletter and I hope you have a wonderful month filled with relaxed living, refreshing dips and cooling rituals.

Now it’s over to you to share your July rituals and traditions in the Comments.

I’ll see you next month for an August edition of the Monthly Notebook. We’ll be diving into corn harvests, Lammas rituals and some delicious seasonal baking. I’ll add a sprinkling of weird and wonderful folklore for you too. Look forward to seeing you there. If you haven’t already Subscribed then just click below to make sure that post arrives safely in your inbox.

Vicky xx

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