Litha is a specific celebration important to Pagans and other celebrants for a variety of reasons. Most people enjoy Litha, typically called the Summer Solstice, by celebrating the longest day of the year, which falls on Friday, June 21. The sun is out for the most prolonged period, allowing people to enjoy as much daylight as possible.

However, the Pagans have a variety of rituals and symbolism attached to Litha that goes beyond a beautiful, long day in the sun. One reason modern Pagans celebrate Litha is that it represents the potency of life as brought forth by the sun. On this, the longest day of the year, the sun brings about life through plants and warmth that facilitates the comfort of creatures worldwide.

One of the most common rituals seen on Litha occurs when the sun is at its zenith in the midday sky, the time when it is most potent and visible. People celebrating Litha will take part in a variety of different rituals, including meditation and gatherings at noon to celebrate the power of the sun.

Of course, Pagans receive a great deal of attention for gathering at Stonehenge in England to celebrate the sunrise on Litha, a rite that has been occurring for centuries. The daytime rituals of Litha are not only celebrated by Pagans; they have a rich history with other groups such as Native Americans. Various tribes celebrate Litha in different ways, from dancing to special adornments worn in celebration.

Litha is not only seen as a time to celebrate the power of the sun; it is also a time to celebrate the balance between light and dark, and the importance of nature’s cycles in general. Some Pagans will take part in massive bonfire celebrations once the sun goes down. Not onlydoes this symbolize the power of life through the sun, but it also serves to keep the light in the darkness at a time when the days inevitably begin to shorten. Thus, the bonfires are a reminder of the need to keep warm and have abundant light in the darkest nights that will come in winter.

Blessed be,

Regina Hutchison