The festival of Litha is a day that falls roughly around June 20th or the 21st. Also known as summer solstice, it marks the first day of summer and is longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day, when the sun is at its zenith, has long been celebrated by many cultures throughout history. Also known by other names, such as Midsummer and Alban Hefin, Litha is considered a time to find balance. The balance of the elements fire and water, which are both necessary for a bountiful harvest, and balance of work and pleasure in our daily lives.
For many modern-day Pagans, Litha is a day to celebrate outdoors with friends and family. Daylight festivities may include swimming, nature walks, picnics or barbecues, while night is a time for music, storytelling and the lighting of a bonfire. Depending upon one's spiritual tradition, Litha can also be a time for meditation, prayer, love spells and the creation of an indoor altar.
Litha is traditionally a time of harvesting herbs that have been planted in the spring. Some herbs most commonly associated with Litha include:
St. John's Wort
Sage
Mint
Lavender
Thyme
Hyssop
Rosemary
Mugwort
Anise
As with other Pagan festivals, there are also corresponding colors, animals and food associated with the festival of Litha. One or more of these can be incorporated into the celebrations and rituals that you take part in on this day.
Crystals and Stones
Lapis Lazuli
Tiger's Eye
Jade
Emerald
Diamond
Agate
Topaz
Totem Animals
Horse
Butterflies
Swallow
Wren
Toad
Colors
Orange
Yellow
Gold
Green
Blue
Traditional Foods
Honey Cakes
Early summer vegetables
Carrot Cake
Strawberries
Cheese dishes
Fresh bread
Fruit juice
Red Wine
These are merely guidelines for your Litha celebrations, but don't limit yourself. Use your intuition and imagination as you take part in the festive day of Litha.
Further Reading:
Celebrate Summer Solstice
Pagan Spirituality- What is a Sabbat?
