Litha

[meridian_rose]

Magickal Graphics

Litha is also known as the Summer Solstice, Midsummer, Midsummer Night, Midsummer Night's Eve, Gathering Day, Sun Blessing, Gathering Day, Feill-Sheathain, St. John's Day

Usually around June 21 the Summer Solstice marks the time when the sun is at the highest point before beginning its slide into darkness. This year however it takes place on the 20 June, the earliest since 1896 (source)

"Etymology: Litha is a modern name for this holiday, possibly based on a Saxon word; Aerra Litha being Saxon for “before Litha”, or June and Aeftera Litha being Saxon for “after Litha”, Litha being the month of July. Its modern use was started by Wiccans but has been adopted by some other Pagan groups as well." (source)

This is probably my least favourite of the eight sabbats, since it marks a 'going away' of the light. On the other hand, some of the best weather of the year can be expected now – English weather peculiarities aside :P It is considered a 'lesser' sabbat, being primarily of astronomical significance.

In England, June 21st is, according to some traditions, "The Day of Cerridwen and Her Cauldron". In Ireland, this day is dedicated to the faery goddess Aine of Knockaine while in Northern Europe - June 21st is "The Day of the Green Man".

This is considered by some to be the start of Summer, and if you count only two seasons, with Summer starting at this solstice and Winter at the other, then it certainly makes sense. Wicca tradition in particular sees this as the Holly and Oak king battling for supremacy, with the Holly King being victorious – at Yule they will battle once more and the Oak King will win.

This day is also known as Midsummer, because, for the pagan community, Summer officially starts at Beltane (on May 1) and ends on Lughnassahd (August 1) with this day falling in between the two (source)

Mother Goddesses, the pregnant Goddess – symbol of the forthcoming harvests – and goddesses of love and beauty are also honoured. Sun gods and sun goddesses are celebrated at this time, as well as Father Gods. It is also a time of faeries :D

This is a time of great power, the peak of fertility rites and growth and magic, purification rites, divination, and rites for inspiration are especially powerful. It is said to be a good time to re-dedicate yourself to your chosen path and to gather herbs. It is a good time for handfastings and weddings. It's an appropriate time to bury or burn herbal sachets/amulets, especially of protection, and replace them with fresh ones. Litha is a time for healing and protection rituals, for clearing away non-useful energies, and establishing a stable base.

Litha celebrations might involve Morris dancing, singing, storytelling, pageantry and feasting, and a bonfire which could provide luck to those brave enough to jump over the flames. Other rituals/celebratory activities include visiting a holy well, have a cleansing bonfire, leave out milk/honey for the Fair Folk, and going early berry picking.

Foods and drinks especially suitable for celebrations include lemons, oranges peppers, strawberries, summer squashes, tomatoes, corn, honey, honey cakes, melted cheese dishes,fresh vegetables, summer fruits, summer squash, pumpernickel bread, ale, mead, fruit juice, carrot juice, red wine, lemon tea.

Trees, Flowers and Herbs: birch, white lilies, roses, St John's Wort and Mugwort, mistoletoe, vervain and basil to be gathered at this time to be used during the winter months.
Apple, cedar, elder, fir, hawthorne, heather, holly, ivy, lemon, laurel, mistletoe, maple, oak, pine, peach, palm, rowan
Carnation, daisy, elder blossoms, honeysuckle, iris, larkspur, lavender, lily, marigolds, nasturtiums, oak blossoms, orchid, peony, rose, saffron, sunflowers

Traditional colours of Litha: gold, yellow, red, blue, green, orange, white, tan.

Other correspondences:
The sun; sun wheel, sun dials, seashells; blades; daisy chains; stone circles, feathers, fire, candles, wands, yellow and green gemstones, especially emerald and jade amber, tiger's eye, frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, chamomile, bee, butterfly, caterpillars, sea creatures, wren, robin, horses and cattle, faeries, dragons, blades, percussion instruments

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The Southern Hemisphere

On the Wheel of the Year Litha lies directly across from Yule, the shortest day of the calendar year, when days begin to lengthen. Yule is probably my favourite holiday for this reason among others. Happy Yule to all those in the Southern Hemisphere :D

Comments

[brontefanatic.livejournal.com]

I love your seasonal posts, and they are so full of interesting historical and mythical information. But the summer solstice post still always makes me sad.

At Winter Solstice I can anticipate the days getting longer; Spring Equiniox, I can anticipate longer days and warmer weather to come; Fall Equinox - well, at least the weather's still nice.

But Summer Soltice - All I know is the days start getting shorter and the sun starts sinking in the sky.

I hate to see the days start getting shorter, and it's a reminder of all the things I meant to get done, but didn't.

I read a post today from a woman in Finland who stated that in their country, they get a 2-day holiday for Midsummer celebration - No work tomorrow or Friday. Why can't I live in a country like that?

I'm a real bundle of happiness and joy today, aren't I? Sorry.

[meridian_rose]

Don't be sorry. It can be a melancholy time for the very reasons you point out. I actually love Lammas more, because often the best of the summer weather occurs then, and it's a more celebratory 'bringing in the grain' time than a 'crap, where did half the year go already?!" feel.

I'm glad you get something out the posts :D

[hrhrionastar.livejournal.com]

I actually like the summer solstice, even though it's the beginning of the days getting shorter and also it's incredibly hot where I am today.

Huh, looked at that way I don't know why I'm enthusiastic ;)

I love these posts, by the way - it's always fascinating to read about the different traditions and legends associated with the holidays :D

[meridian_rose]

Yes, it's a bit of an odd time; maybe the weather is good, but there's a sense of 'this is the best and it's downhill from here' about it too.

Thank you :D I'm glad you enjoy reading and maybe learning something new!