Litha, the Rituals of Midsommer

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.

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.