There is a day in June celebrating yellow, appropriately named Yellow Day. In the psychology of color, yellow is linked to joy, and “the happiest day of the year” was started by psychologist Cliff Arnall to balance Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year, which occurs on the third Monday of January. (Stock up on wine and roses for Jan. 18, 2027.)
Arnall designated Yellow Day to be June 20, falling just before summer solstice. The longer days and warm sunshine enable more outdoor activity, which leads to better moods.
The first yellows in May and June are dandelions and coltsfoot, representing the transition from spring to summer. For children and those who still believe in magic, it’s said that if you blow all the seeds off a dandelion puffball at once your wish will be granted as your hopes and dreams are sent into the universe.
Embracing whimsy is one secret to staying young at heart, refreshing summer strawberry lemonade is another:
- 4 1/2 cups water (variation: use sparkling water for one cup)
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 (10 ounce) package of frozen strawberries, partially thawed
Puree the strawberries in a blender, all or half of them if you want some strawberry chunks.
Combine in a pitcher and add fresh lemon slices and/or fresh mint as garnish.