Summer Solstice Rituals
Nearly everything on earth depends on the bountiful light and warmth of the sun to live and grow, and humans are no exception. So when the warm weather begins to reach its peak and the cold starts to slip away, it is easy to see why there would be cause for celebration. The summer solstice is the day during which there is the most sunlight, and it has been an important day in cultures the world over. It has gone by different names, including "Midsummer", "St. John's Day", and "Litha". It was celebrated at Stonehenge and served as the inspiration for Shakespeare's famous play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Even the tradition of the "Honeymoon" comes from a summer solstice practice; the full moon in June was known as the honey moon, as that when when most of the honey was harvested in hives. As the God and Goddess formed their sexual union in May, many people got married in June, around the honey moon, as to not compete with them. Between festivals, bonfires, picnics, and prayers, it is clear that no matter what your cultural or religious background is, the summer solstice is as much of a time for celebration now as it was hundreds of years ago.
For the ancient Celts, summer solstice was known as "Alban Heruin", which translates to "Light of the Shore". It fell between the spring and fall equinox, and Druids (the priests of that culture) celebrated it as the day that the "Oak King" was most powerful. He was said to be crowned on the solstice, though he would soon loose his power to his rival, the "Holly King", who reigned supreme during the winter months. Alban Heruin was the longest day of the year, and was observed on June 21st. It was traditionally celebrated by the Celts in a forest or somewhere outside, with picnic feasts, games, and a large bonfire at the end of the day.
In ancient China, the summer solstice was a celebration of the earth, and the female "Yin" forces, which are "born" on the solstice and remain strong until the winter solstice, when "Yang" is born. They also honored their goddess, "Li" on the day, as she was the goddess of light. Ancient Chinese philosophers believed that the passing of the seasons also illustrated the orderliness of the natural cycle. They believed that there were many different things attributed to each season, including directions, colors, sounds, organs in the body, elements, and real or mythological creatures. Summer, for example, is associated with the direction south and the color red. The sound of laughing, the heart organ, the fire element, and the phoenix are all also related to the summer. There are many different ways that you can celebrate the solstice as the Chinese once did today as well. Stand facing the south and concentrate on the power of the summer; the heat, strength, and light attributed to it. Wear the color red, or balance out your fire element by going swimming or running through a sprinkler. However, the easiest thing you can do is simply laugh and have fun; laughter is the sound of the season, and is always good for your heart, which is the organ of the season.
The people of ancient Gaul, now modern day France, called Midsummer, "The Feast of Epona", in honor of their mare goddess. She represented fertility, sovereignty, and agriculture, and was portrayed as a woman riding a brilliant white mare. The white mare itself represents the fullness and beauty of life and birth, and feasting was an honored tradition during this time. Offerings to Epona often times included sacrificial animals, libations, and the dedication of cornerstones, inscriptions, and statues. People also offered up roses, nuts, and acorns to their goddess, and pictures of her were often painted on the sides of barns and stables to protect the horses and riders.
In ancient Rome, the summer solstice was celebrated as, "The Festival of Vestalia", which lasted from June 7th to June 15th. It honored the Roman goddess of the hearth and home, Vesta. During this time, married women were allowed to enter the shrine of Vesta and pray to her; during the rest of the year, only virgins were allowed inside. These virgins were known as "Vestal Virgins", and had all taken a solemn oath of chastity and service to their goddess. They served in the temple for thirty years, tending the sacred fire that burned inside and opening the doors to other women only during the festival. Traditional offerings included homemade bread and salt cakes, which were brought to the temple barefoot.
Scandinavia celebrated Midsummer by setting up a large tree in the middle of the town and decorating it; the tree was then ceremonially danced around. Women and young girls would also bathe in the local river during this time; a ritual which was said to bring rain for the crops. Houses were decorated inside and out with wreaths and flower garlands, and traditional foods included fresh potatoes with pickled herring or smoked fish from the nearby lake, the first strawberries of the season for desert, and some schnapps and beer to wash down the herring.
Some of the oldest remains of summer solstice festivals can be found throughout Europe. Stone structures that date back several millennia BCE have been found, many of which appear to have both religious and astrological purposes. The most famous of these structures is Stonehenge, built between 3000 and 1500 BCE on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. Its construction has led many to believe that it was used for religious purposes, including celebrating the summer solstice, as the main axis of the structure is aligned directly with the midsummer sunrise.
To the later pagans of Europe, Midsummer was known as, "The Night of Fire Festivals", due to the large amounts of bonfires used to celebrate. It was a time to celebrate love and perform love magic and divination, and pairs of lovers would jump over the fires for luck. It was believed that the higher the lovers jumped, the higher the crops would grow. Many believed that the power of the fire would banish evil spirits, and help young girls find their future husbands. It was also said that the energy of the fires would help to boost the sun's energy as well, helping it remain strong for the rest of the growing season, providing a more bountiful harvest. After much of Europe was converted from paganism to Christianity, the feast of St. John the Baptist was set up on June 24th. The fact that this Christian feast day fell very close to a pagan holiday was no coincidence; to make it easier for pagan's to convert to Christianity, the religion adopted many pagan traditions and holidays along the way. Another curious fact about this festival is that it is celebrated on St. John's alleged birthday; most other Christian saint's days are celebrated on the anniversary of their death.
Today, modern neo-pagans still celebrate the traditions that came before them on the summer solstice. Neo-paganism is basically a re-construction of many ancient Pagan beliefs and practices, with Wicca being the most common; it is based mainly on ancient Celtic beliefs. Wiccans recognize eight holidays throughout the year, one of which being the summer solstice, which is called "Litha". It is usually celebrated on the evening before the solstice, or at sunrise on the morning after. It is said that during this time, the Sun God is at the peak of his power, reigning supreme over the earth on this day. Many modern Wiccans and pagans spend the day outdoors, having picnics and bonfires with family and friends. Games are played, and thanks is given. No matter what you may believe or what your background may be, the summer solstice is about getting outside and enjoying the longest day of the year more than anything else. So call some friends over, grill up some hot dogs, and kick back; not only will you be having fun, but you'll be carrying on a tradition that's older than any of us could imagine!
