Litha, the Rituals of Midsommer
82Some History of the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice was observed and celebrated by a wide-range of communities and culture around the world. Some of the names given to this day include Litha, Midsommer and Midsummer's Eve. One this day, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the most hours of daylight in one day, the opposite of the Winter Solstice, when the shortest hours of daylight in a day occur. Although in modern parlance, this date is considered the start of the summer season, on a Pagan/Wiccan calendar, summer spans three holidays, from Beltane to Lammas, hence this spot marks the "midsummer" point.
Harvesting of herbs and plants for medicinal use was often one of the activities that happened on this day, as it was believed the vitality of the plants and their energies would be at their most potent. This is also considered an auspicious day for weddings. June is still a very popular month for weddings. In J.R.R. Tolkein's last book of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Return of the King , Aragorn and Arwen wed on the summer solstice.
This is one of the nights of the year that Pagans and Wiccans consider the veil between the regular and spirit world to be thinner than usual, making contact with the ancients and faeries easier. Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is set on this night, and features two pair of star-crossed lovers. One set are humans, and the others are Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the Faeries.
Summer Solstice Links and Info
- Summer : Ancient Summer Solstice Celebrations
Druids, the priestly/professional/diplomatic corps in Celtic countries, celebrated Alban Heruin ("Light of the Shore"). It was midway between the spring Equinox (Alban Eiler; "Light of the Earth") and the fall Equinox (Alban Elfed; "Light of the Wate - A Summer Solstice Ritual by Yasmine Galenorn
- Summer Solstice Group Ritual
- Celebrating the Summer Solstice
Discusses the summer solstice and rituals and celebrations associated with it, including Midsummer and the Fremont Solstice Parade. - Summer solstice celebrations
Solstice celebrations of Christianity, Judaism, Neopaganism, etc. - Summer Solstice -- from Eric Weisstein's World of Astronomy
Marking The Longest Day of the Year
Rituals for the summer solstice can be as formal or informal as you desire. The main point is to honor the season in some way that is significant for you and your family.
Midsummer Bonfire - Keep the solar energy going late into the night with a festive bonfire.
Solstice Picnic - Feast with friends and family on the best that your garden and farmer's market can offer! Fresh fruits or local honey are great flavors to honor the sweet summer season.
Garden Tour - Visit a local arboretum or flower farm and take some time to enjoy the colorful bounty of the season. Be sure to bring home a bouquet of fresh flowers to brighten up your home.
Beach or Shore Clean-up - Get a group together and spend some time just picking up trash at your favorite beach, lake shore or pond. A little devoted effort is a great way to honor Mother Earth as she goes into her most productive season.
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
Litha Recipes
- Summer Solstice & Cherry Soup recipe
It really is a dessert and is really a great way to celebrate mid-summer. - Summer Solstice Dinner
Adapted from Bon Appétit, June 2002 - CUCUMBER SOUP WITH LEMONGRASS AND SPINACH
Recipes for the Pagan Holydays - Litha
Several recipes appropriate for the Litha turn in the Wheel of the Year.
The Summer Solstice
- Daily Five: Summer Solstice Art Exhibit Kicks Off Today - Patch.com
Daily Five: Summer Solstice Art Exhibit Kicks Off Today Patch.com The Fourth Annual Summer Solstice Art Exhibit kicks off with an opening reception at 7 pm today in Groton Public Library. Artwork... - 22 minutes ago
- Much ado this summer at Botanic Garden - Chicago Sun-Times
Much ado this summer at Botanic Garden Chicago Sun-Times Call (847) 835-5440; chicagobotanic.org Summer may officially start June 20 with the summer solstice, but at the Chicago Botanic Garden... - 12 hours ago
- Summer Solstice Collection - ModernSalon.com
Summer Solstice Collection ModernSalon.com When the sun reaches its absolute highest point in the sky, a solstice occurs. The summer solstice is also known as the longest day of the year for any... - 13 hours ago
Wishing You A Bountiful Summer Solstice!Loading...
Nice to read about Midsummer Eve, as I am from the North of Europe I celebrated midsummer since I was born. Nowadays most people just get drunk and party a lot, but the real midsummer are magical and are emphasized by the midnight sun or the light nights in the northern hemisphere. Just walk in the forest or in a groove or over the meadows, any bright night in June and you will perceive all the flowers and trees in a newly bloom and you can sense the presence of fairies, wights and all other magical creatures that live near the worldly released potential in nature. Wiccans and pagans, Oberon and good fellow well I know them all, but what is important is to do your own experience, use your own senses and passion mixed with the inspiring urge to be and live in the present near everything.
Take Care and Be as astonishing magnificent as you possible can be!












Lea Williams 11 months ago
I enjoyed this article. I am quite looking forward to celebrating Midsummer!