Humans have an infatuation with sunsets. We celebrate when the sun sets late (Summer solstice), and when it sets early (Winter solstice). We create gods like Helios and Sunna who drive chariots of the sun past the Earth’s end. We flock to the nearest ocean cliff or open field to watch the sun disappear. And we create Facebook groups to find other people who want to do the same. We plan events to coincide with the moment the sky turns pink and orange, and pause during those events to watch the last rays of the sun vanish. (If you live here in SB, the Santa Barbara Zoo is having a “Sunset Sips” event on July 20th, complete with giraffe feedings, train rides, and music.) A #sunset search yields over 136 million recent posts on Instagram, and entire websites are dedicated to the phenomenon.
And why not? Sunsets provide a moment of reflection and peace. That’s something to be celebrated, especially in July.
July boasts the best days for sunset watching. The sun patiently waits for us to finish work and eat before setting, ensuring optimum enjoyment. The weather plays along too, staying comfortably warm until far after the sun is gone. As a bonus, delegates from the 13 colonies decided to adopt the Declaration of Independence in July, gifting us with the perfect day to take a holiday with the sun.
If you’re looking for some sundown accompaniment, these 10 songs are some of the best. Enjoy!
Walterwarm – Under The Sea
Crystal Fighters – At Home
Of Monsters And Men – Sloom
Cults – Rave On
Beirut – Postcards From Italy
The Features – I Should Have Known Better
Blithe Field – Bible School
Ella Grace – Wild Roads
Rilo Kiley – With Arms Outstretched
Phony Ppl – Why iii Love The Moon
Because the moon’s pretty cool too.
Happy July! I hope it’s filled with rosy sunsets and lovely moons.
