What is a toponym? There are so many different ways to use the English language, you won’t be surprised to know that toponyms are another iteration that can help to enrich our understanding of our unique home, culture, and location. We promise that you’ve used them before, and will eventually use them again! In this blog post, we explore what toponyms are, discuss normal use cases and mistakes, and give our list of toponyms that we’re sure you’ll want to visit!  

What is a toponym?  

Toponyms are words in the English language that indicate a regional area…by proper definition. The name is rooted in the Grecian “topos,” which translates to region. However, as toponyms grew with use, and new lands were discovered over the centuries, the meaning of the word has graduated to mean a name given to any general place or space. These can range in size, region, and overall location. Technically, Jupiter could be used as a toponym!  

Proper use and examples of toponyms  

Toponyms are considered to be proper nouns. For this reason, although you may argue that something is in a region relative to something else (i.e. the chair is located in the kitchen region of your house,) you could not use these as you would toponyms, applying the rules of capitalization that proper nouns bear.  

Instead, you could apply toponyms anywhere that you would a proper noun, and give it the name it deserves. New York is a toponym. Cape Cod, Massachusetts is a toponym. Jupiter is a toponym too, although we doubt you would visit!  

We use these seamlessly in our daily lives, and they help us to better understand and communicate important information about where we are and where others can be with us in order to facilitate connection and communication. They are also important because toponyms solidify our knowledge of home, or our sentiment toward certain places.  

For example, if you were to be married in Surfer’s Knoll by Ventura, California, these toponyms may hold a special place in your heart. Or, Disneyland may be a place you wish to visit with your family, so you may plan a trip there. These are examples of properly used toponyms.  

Top toponym travel list  

If you’re a seasoned traveler, you can enjoy an adventure abroad to these rare and exotic toponyms!  

Bagan, Burma  

View the breathtaking temples and go off of the beaten path in the exotic location of Burma. The red-clay cathedrals scrape the sky, providing you with an otherworldly experience that you won’t want to miss.  

Marble Cathedral, Chile  

This breathtaking cave system features teal, crystal clear waters and irrisistably tantalizing views. Bring your camera and your kayak and soak in teh sights with this amazing adventure!  

Spotted Lake, British Colombia, Canada  

This gorgeous scene is straight out of a fairytale book. The heat interacts with the water making it appear spotted, and you are surrounded by picturesque views. You won’t regret this unique travel destination!  

In the summer and winter seasons, humans around the world prepare for solstices. Solstice on earth occurs twice per year and denotes the longest and shortest days of winter and summer, respectively. Throughout history, different practitioners have honored the effects that solstice brings with it, and celebrate the astrological occurrence in different and unique ways. In this article, we discuss the history of the word solstice, as well as common occurrences associated with the solstice. 

What is the history of the word “solstice”?  

The etymology of the word “solstice” is European in nature, however, the practice of observing the solstice is nearly as old as time itself. The solstice has held great significance for astrologers, farmers, practitioners of magic, and humanity as a whole. Our oldest understanding of the word comes from a Latin root word of “solstitium” in the 13th century. The length of the day was conveyed in the term, as it represented the phrase “the sun stood still,” and iterations.  

According to EtymOnline, old Englishers quickly took this phrase and made it their own, using “sunstead” in its place. This was before the common term of “solstice” rose to popularity, and many etymolgists believe that “sunstead” was a colloquialism that indicated that the “sun stood in its stead.”  

What happens during solstice?  

Solstice is a unique time during the year, and is often honored due to its rarity and mystic, historical nature. There are several different occurrences and happenings that are commonly associated with the solstice, which have been reported by countless individuals around the world.  

The solstices both mark important hallmarks in our planet’s weather patterns – such as the earth’s days getting shorter after summer solstice, and longer after winter solstice. Each solstice brings with it a variety of experiences that are tied to humans’ physiological response to the weather shifts.  

What can I expect during summer solstice?  

Summer solstice is the longest day of the year. During summer solstice periods, and periods leading up to the solstice, you can expect to have heightened energy and more capability to be resilient and productive. Many choose to spend these extra daylight hours outside doing fun activities or tasks they wouldn’t otherwise be doing.  

This heightened energy applies to other areas as well, where people claim that they feel more passionate about their love life or more helpful and able to contribute in their platonic relationships. Solstice affects everyone differently, but you may notice similar feelings around this time.  

What can I expect during the winter solstice?  

Winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year – and also the point after which days begin to get longer. During this time, others may feel inclined to stay inside, rest, and recharge. You may feel the need to withdraw simply due to the cold and weather elements in your area, or due to the shortened daylight hours.  

While others may see this as difficult to get through, you can attempt to shift your mentality to embrace the natural changing of the season and to look forward to the brighter days ahead.