How Many Days Until Litha?
Litha 2025 occurs around the Summer Solstice, Saturday, June 21, 2025.
About Litha
Litha is a Neopagan festival celebrated on the Summer Solstice (around June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere), marking the longest day of the year and the astronomical beginning of summer. It's a joyous celebration of the sun's peak power, light, fertility, abundance, and the fullness of life. The name "Litha" is relatively modern within Paganism, possibly popularized by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s, though the celebration itself draws on ancient Midsummer traditions.
Origins and Connections
Litha is deeply connected to ancient reverence for the sun and summer's peak.
Ancient Sun Worship
Cultures worldwide have honored the Summer Solstice as the time of the sun's maximum strength. Monuments like Stonehenge are aligned to the solstice sunrise, highlighting its ancient importance.
Midsummer Traditions
Litha incorporates many European Midsummer customs, especially the lighting of bonfires for purification, protection, celebrating the sun, and community gathering.
Oak King and Holly King
In some Wiccan traditions, Litha marks the peak power of the Oak King (representing the waxing year) before he yields to the Holly King (representing the waning year) at the solstice turning point.
Modern Pagan Significance
For contemporary Pagans, Litha is a time to celebrate the sun god/masculine divine at his peak, acknowledge the abundance of the earth, and enjoy the height of summer before the days begin to shorten again.
Key Themes of Litha
Litha is a vibrant festival celebrating the height of solar energy and life:
- Peak Sun Power: The central theme is honoring the sun at its zenith, celebrating light, warmth, energy, and life.
- Longest Day: Acknowledging the maximum daylight hours and the turning point after which the days begin to wane.
- Abundance and Growth: Celebrating the lushness of nature, the growth of crops, and the abundance provided by the earth.
- Fire and Light: Bonfires and candles symbolize the sun's energy, purification, and community spirit.
- Fertility and Vitality: Recognizing the peak fertility of the land and the vibrant life force present in nature and within ourselves.
- Joy and Celebration: Embracing the warmth and light with outdoor activities, feasting, music, and dancing.
- Magic and the Fae: Midsummer Eve is traditionally considered a time when nature spirits and faeries are active and magic is potent.
How Litha is Celebrated
Modern Litha celebrations often involve outdoor activities, fire, and honoring the sun:
Bonfires
Lighting bonfires (safely) is a central tradition, used for celebration, purification, and honoring the sun.
Sun Celebrations
Watching the sunrise or sunset, meditating on the sun's energy, and creating sun symbols (like sunwheels).
Working with Herbs
Gathering herbs believed to be at their most potent, especially St. John's Wort, and using them for magic or crafts.
Outdoor Feasting
Enjoying picnics or barbecues featuring seasonal fruits (berries), vegetables, honey, and bright, sunny foods.
Dancing and Music
Engaging in joyful dancing, drumming, and singing outdoors to celebrate the vibrant energy of summer.
Decorating with Nature
Using bright summer flowers (sunflowers, roses), oak leaves, and sun symbols to decorate altars and homes.