Litha: Celebrating the Summer Solstice with Warmth, Wonder, and Connection

Jen Sequel
6 days ago
3 min read

A person raises arms toward the sunset, celebrating Litha and the Summer Solstice. Warm orange sky, text: "Litha, Celebrating the Summer Solstice, jensequel.com."

When the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and daylight stretches into the evening hours, we find ourselves at the heart of summer: Litha. Also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, Litha is a celebration that has ancient roots and modern relevance. Whether you're deeply spiritual, casually curious, or simply love a good seasonal celebration, Litha offers something for everyone.

Let’s look into what Litha is, where it comes from, and how people celebrate it today—with plenty of room for personal interpretation and inclusivity.

What Is Litha?

Woman in gray top holding dog by sunlit window, looking outside. Warm light creates a serene mood inside an apartment.

Litha marks the longest day of the year, typically falling between June 20–23 in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s one of the eight festivals on the Wheel of the Year, a modern pagan calendar that includes solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days.

The word Litha is believed to come from Anglo-Saxon tradition (though historical records are fuzzy), but the celebration of the summer solstice has been observed in many cultures throughout history—from the Druids of the British Isles to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.

At its core, Litha is about light, life, and abundance. It’s a time to honor the sun, which gives us warmth, energy, and growth. It’s also a time to appreciate the fullness of life, both in nature and within ourselves.

Why Celebrate Litha?

We live in a fast-paced world where seasonal rhythms often get overlooked. Litha invites us to slow down and notice the world around us—the blooming gardens, the buzzing bees, the joy of sunshine on our skin. It’s a moment to connect with nature and reflect on our own "inner fire” - what lights us up, inspires us, and helps us grow.

In many traditions, Litha is also viewed as a turning point. After the solstice, days begin to slowly shorten. So, while it’s a time of joy and outward energy, there’s also a quiet undercurrent of change—reminding us to savor the now and prepare for what comes next.

Common Themes and Symbols

Litha celebrations often incorporate elements of:

Fire and the Sun – Bonfires, candles, and sun imagery are common.
Fertility and Growth – Both literal (gardens, crops) and symbolic (creative energy, personal goals).
Nature Spirits and Magic – Folklore holds that the veil between worlds is thin at Midsummer, making it a time of heightened spiritual energy.
Herbs and Flowers – St. John’s Wort, lavender, chamomile, and roses are traditional.
Oak King and Holly King – In some Wiccan traditions, the Oak King (ruler of the waxing year) battles the Holly King (ruler of the waning year) at Litha, symbolizing the seasonal shift.

How to Celebrate Litha (Your Way)

Litha doesn't come with a rulebook. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner of earth-based spirituality or just enjoy honoring the changing seasons, there are many ways to mark the occasion:

1. Sunrise or Sunset Ritual

Watch the sunrise to welcome the light, or the sunset to honor the cycle. Say a few words of gratitude or set an intention for the rest of the year.

2. Make a Bonfire or Light Candles

Gather with friends or family (safely!) around a fire or simply light a candle with intention. Fire represents transformation and vitality.

3. Create a Flower Crown or Sun Wheel

Use herbs, flowers, or natural items to create something beautiful. This can be meditative, and a lovely nod to the traditional crafts of the season.

4. Cook with the Season

Celebrate the summer harvest with fresh fruits, grilled veggies, lemonade, honey-based desserts, and seasonal herbs. Share a meal outdoors if possible.

5. Spend Time in Nature

Whether it’s hiking, gardening, or lounging under a tree, reconnecting with the Earth is at the heart of this holiday.

6. Reflect or Journal

Ask yourself: What’s blooming in my life right now? What am I grateful for? What seeds did I plant earlier in the year that are now bearing fruit?

Is Litha Religious?

Not necessarily. While Litha is part of many pagan, Wiccan, and earth-based spiritual traditions, anyone can celebrate the solstice. You don’t need to belong to a particular path to enjoy the turning of the seasons, reflect on your growth, or feel awe at the sun’s power.

The goal isn’t conversion or exclusion—it’s connection. With yourself, with nature, and with a sense of something bigger.

Empty train station platform at sunset, with tracks leading into the sun. Signage visible, creating a serene and calm atmosphere.

In a world that often demands our attention 24/7, Litha is an invitation to pause. To celebrate what’s good and growing. To stand in the sun—literally or metaphorically—and shine.

Whether you mark Litha with a bonfire, a picnic, a moment of silence, or just an extra-long walk in the evening light, you’re participating in something ancient, meaningful, and very human.

And honestly? That’s pretty magical.

If you’d like to learn more about the other seasonal festivals on the Wheel of the Year, stay tuned for future posts in this series. And if you celebrate Litha in your own way, I’d love to hear about it!

Happy Solstice!