To understand what Litha is, you have to step into the heart of summer, when the sun stands still in the sky and the world is bursting with warmth, life, and color. Also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, Litha is a Pagan holiday celebrated around June 20th, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year.
What Is the Origin of Litha?
Litha’s deeper origins stretch back into ancient European solstice celebrations. From the stone alignments at Stonehenge to fire festivals in Scandinavia, cultures across the globe have long honored the sun’s zenith with ceremonies that celebrate fertility, growth, and the promise of a bountiful harvest. While today’s observances might look a little different, they echo this age-old reverence for the life-giving sun.
What Are the Beliefs and Traditions of Litha?
Litha is a day of deep spiritual significance for many Pagan and earth-based traditions. It’s a time of vibrant energy and perfect balance, when the earth is overflowing with life, yet the sun begins its slow retreat toward the darker half of the year.
Love and Union
This is considered an ideal time for handfasting ceremonies, joyful, sacred unions filled with symbolism and intention. Many also turn to love magic during this season, drawing on the sun’s powerful energy to bless relationships and attract harmony.
Bonfires
In many cultures, bonfires were thought to protect against mischievous spirits, which were said to roam freely as the light began to wane. These towering flames mirror the sun’s strength and serve as spiritual acts of devotion, believed to energize the waning sun and secure blessings for a fruitful harvest.
Sunrise
Many Litha celebrants rise early to witness the first light of dawn and offer thanks. Floral wreaths and garlands, crafted from the season’s abundant blooms, are another joyful way to mark the day. They are used for decorating homes, altars, and even worn as crowns in celebration.
Symbolism
Litha is also rich with symbolism and lore. One striking example is the ancient monument of Stonehenge in England, which aligns perfectly with the solstice sunrise. Each year, thousands gather to witness the sun rising through the stones, an awe-inspiring moment that connects modern-day solstice observers with ancient traditions.
The Green Man is another powerful symbol associated with Litha. This mysterious, leafy figure represents the spirit of nature, wild growth, and eternal renewal. His image appears in myths and carvings across many cultures, embodying the untamed power and fertility of summer.
What Is Litha to You?
At its core, Litha is a vibrant celebration of life, light, and love. Given its focus on these fundamental aspects, it naturally becomes a beautiful and auspicious time for significant life events. Whether you feel called to officiate a wedding or lead a handfasting ceremony, the spirit of Litha perfectly complements these expressions of commitment and joy.
The Universal Life Church welcomes people from all walks of life to explore spiritual milestones in their own way, and ULC makes it easy to get ordained and be part of someone’s most magical moment. This empowers you to bring your unique spirit to ceremonies and embrace the joyful energy of Litha.
