For many people Summer Solstice is viewed as the official first day of summer. In the Northern Hemisphere this day occurs roughly around June 21st and it marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. Since pre-historic times many cultures and spiritual beliefs have celebrated this day. For ancient cultures, the warm temperatures marked a time when crops had already been planted, many herbs were already being harvested and the bitter days of winter were just a memory.

Summer Solstice was and still is known by many names, including Litha, Midsummer and Alban Hefin, depending upon one‘s spiritual path. Many modern-day Pagans see it as a time when the God manifests as the Sun King and the Goddess as Mother Earth. Depending upon your personal beliefs, there are many ways in which to celebrate the time of Summer Solstice. Since it is traditionally a fire festival and a time when daylight hours are at their peak, the day’s celebrations typically focus on the power of the sun. Having an outdoor celebration, spiritual ritual or even a family picnic is an excellent idea, weather permitting of course. Here are some ideas for ways in which you, your family and friends can celebrate this day.

Midsummer Night Bonfire- If you or anyone you know has a fire pit, have an evening bonfire ritual to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Gather around the fire with family or friends and offer up prayers, songs or invocations that inspire protection and purification. Small handfuls or pinches of herbs can be tossed into the fire as you do this. Some traditional herbs and plants that are associated with Summer Solstice are heather, mint, rose, daisy and St. John’s Wort.

Create an Outdoor or Indoor Altar- Find an undisturbed place either outside or in your home to create an altar in honor of this day. Get family or friends involved in gathering and placing items on the altar. Some good ideas are bowls of summer fruit, flowers such as honeysuckle, roses or sunflowers, gold or yellow candles and bundles of heather. Use your imagination and have fun!

Have an Outdoor or Indoor Feast- What better way to celebrate this day than with a celebratory feast. Incorporate foods that are symbolic with this day such as honey cakes, summer fruit salad, seasonal vegetables and fresh baked bread.

Need some more ideas?

  • If you have a family pet or pets, have a pet blessing ceremony. This is a good time of year to bless animals so you may wish to have a family pet blessing ceremony to honor your beloved pets.
  • Encourage your children to create works of art that honor this day such as drawings of the sun, dragons or flowers. Let them display their works of art on a large bulletin board or in the windows of your home.
  • Let your own artistic side emerge and create with images that symbolizes this day for you. Gather together with friends or family and have a group art project. One easy idea is to buy a large roll of butcher paper, spread it out and let everyone create their own artwork on the paper with colored pencils, markers, gel pens and crayons.

Use your imagination to think of other ways in which you can celebrate this special day. Let the magic and of this day fill your heart with light and love...have fun!