Litha - Summer Solstice

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Litha

Litha is more a Celtic tradition. I'm not well versed in how it is celebrated, but I have read that bonfires are usually set out in honor of the witches who were burned. Apparently, this was high time for the Inquisition. They would also set out foods for the fae and give thanks for the warmth of the Sun God/dess. The leave ito honey cakes and wear bright colors in celebration of the longest day if the year. The fairies were known to be traveling at this time of year partying and making love and if you were lucky, you could hear their other wordly music.

Fertility

 There are also fertility ceremonies and spells continuing through to the summer months. With the warm weather its the time known all of the world as a baby making season. We give thanks to the fertility of the land and animals in the spring, but this is the human season of fun. It's said in many articles I've read that girls would pick seven different types flowers and place them under their pillow to dream of their future husband, likely roses, dandelion, tulip (if they were still in season), daisy, and other wild flowers in their area. This was also the best time of the year for Handfasting, and still is the reigning wedding season today.

Other fun

Many say that the maypole is part of this celebration, however, the origins suggest that was truly May Day, or May 1st. Some will still practice a bird shooting game off of the pole, though now it's usually a fake one.

Colors:

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Pink, Gold

Herbs:

Carnations, Chamomile, Daisy, Elder, Fern, Honeysuckle, Ivy, Lavender, Lily, Mugwort, Oak, Rose, Thyme, Vervain, Yarrow

Food:

Berries (especially strawberries), Summer Fruits, honey cakes, ale, wine, sun tea

Crystals:

Amber, Citrine, Emerald, Jade, Tiger's Eye

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