Celebrating Litha: A Midsummer's Pagan Festival

Origins and History

The ancient festival of Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, has been celebrated for millennia. WEB Christian chronicles from the Fourth Century CE document the rolling of flaming solar wheels, a tradition later associated with the Summer Solstice.

Pagan Observances

Litha holds significance for many pagans, witches, and Wiccans as a minor sabbat. It represents the longest day of the year when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Pagans view Litha as one of four Celtic fire festivals, honoring the power of the Sun and the blessings of summer.

Symbolism and Traditions

The Summer Solstice is seen as a time of abundant growth, fertility, and the union of the Goddess and God. It is celebrated with rituals, gatherings, and bonfires. The burning of a Yule log symbolizes the Sun's journey, while bonfires represent purification and warding off evil spirits.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Litha is still widely observed by pagans around the world. Celebrations vary from simple rituals to elaborate festivals featuring music, dance, and storytelling. Many pagans honor the Sun's power by observing solar ceremonies or creating Sun-shaped altars.

Pagan Beliefs and Practices

For some pagans, the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess, the divine forces that create and sustain life on Earth. This union is believed to bring blessings of fertility, abundance, and joy. It is a time for coming together, honoring the ancestors, and celebrating the bounty of nature.