Summer solstice

[glo1]

If I am not mistaken it is the summer solstice today. The turning of the season, when the day is at it's longest.
(Not wanting to depress anybody, but after today the nights will start to close in again! :o)

Are there any pagans here who want to share how they celebrate the event, and why?

Thanks.

 

[sidhe]

Probably a small family ritual tomorrow. I may even write it.

 

[Fuzzy]

Small family ritual, I'm not writing it up.

I have no idea what the person who's running the ritual has planned.
We're having a few friends with us, and there will probably be jumping in
the pool afterwards, since none of us have work tomorrow morning.

In the past, we've usually done a small circle, meditation, and passed a
fruit plate.

 

[Zstar]

I don't consdider myself exactly a Pagan, perhaps a Christopagan, but on the two Solstices of Winter and Summer I like to note where the seasonal marker on my Sundial lands at noon. The points between the two seasons is very differant.

 

[Druweid]

If I am not mistaken it is the summer solstice today. The turning of the season, when the day is at it's longest.
(Not wanting to depress anybody, but after today the nights will start to close in again! :o)

Ah yes! To celebrate Litha, the Midsummer, the last of the Sabbats before the harvest festivals.

It is a time to celebrate the fullness of life; the hard work of planting has been completed, the work of harvesting yet to come, the first of the fruits of labor are ready to be enjoyed, berries and herbs having come to robust maturity, and many can celebrate the fruition of new relationships that had begin earlier in the spring. For the ancient peoples, it was a time when life was most fully in bloom.

For Christians, however, it is different. Many might want to consider the words of 7th century Saint Eligious when he said, "No Christian on the feast of Saint John or the solemnity of any other saint performs solestitia [summer solstice rites] or dancing or leaping or diabolical chants." That is all good and well, any Christian can celebrate the birth of John the Baptist (St. Jean Baptiste Day) in their own way. If we could just agree that this is a time to give thanks for the fullness of life, and share the benefits of what we have with those who do not, I believe, that would be enough.

Are there any pagans here who want to share how they celebrate the event

A very small ceremony (just myself this year), and a dinner that includes a few first-of-the-season fruits.

I will also be doing an additional "spring cleaning" as I do on every Sabbat.

...and why?

Because I'm a slob.

A Happy Midsummer to All My Kindred!​

To all others, Christians, and to CF​

A Blessed Saint John's Day to You All!
​

-- Druweid​

 

[FreeSpirit74]

I am driving out to Lenox, MA and attending a contra dance tomorrow night, as dancing is, for me, one of the best ways for me to feed my Body, Mind and Spirit. Plus, I will be driving over the Berkshire Mountains, so I will be able to glory in the beauty of (one part of) Nature.

I also may go out to one of the city parks and do some hoopdancing on Sunday.

I am very thankful for the gifts that the Goddess has bestowed upon me of late.

 

[katautumn]

This has been a very exciting week for me, as we have had a full moon in such close proximity to Litha. Today I will place Hydrangea blossoms on my altar and light a pale yellow candle. Instead of using bread or cake for the Cake & Ale rite, I will partake of some fresh cucumber slices from my garden. I will also be consecrating my newest Tarot deck (The Gilded Tarot) and we will probably have a family cook-out and bonfire at night, weather permitting.

 

[Montalban]

If I am not mistaken it is the summer solstice today. The turning of the season, when the day is at it's longest.
(Not wanting to depress anybody, but after today the nights will start to close in again! )

Are there any pagans here who want to share how they celebrate the event, and why?

Thanks.

As with the Father's Day thread, it's another northern-centric thread

Summer solstice and winter solstice are the most common names. However, these can be ambiguous since seasons of the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere are opposites, and the summer solstice of one hemisphere is the winter solstice of the other. These are also known as the 'longest' or 'shortest' days of the year.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice

 

[glo1]

Good point, Montalban.

Should I start a winter solstice thread too for those living in the southern hemisphere, I wonder?

 

[Eudaimonist]

Are there any pagans here who want to share how they celebrate the event, and why?

Thanks.

In Sweden, everyone (who wants) celebrates the summer solstice, not just pagans. It's a Swedish tradition.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[glo1]

In Sweden, everyone (who wants) celebrates the summer solstice, not just pagans. It's a Swedish tradition.


eudaimonia,

Mark

Why should we not celebrate/remember the longest day of the year?
I am sure you don't have to be a pagan to do so ...

I can understand that the solstice has a particular significance in Sweden. In must be great to have such extra-long days!
I can see that you live in Sweden yourself.
How is the solstice celebrated there?

 

[Eudaimonist]

How is the solstice celebrated there?

Mainly with a May Pole type celebration. It's mostly for the kids, really. But that's true of most holidays anyway.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Zstar]

Why should we not celebrate/remember the longest day of the year?

No logical reason, we are dependant upon the cycles of our planet.

 

[.Sabre.]

Well I just did a small ritual on my own, and had some drinks with my family. I don't really like the idea of huge rituals, as they tend to be too showy and impersonal.

 

[Montalban]

Good point, Montalban.

Should I start a winter solstice thread too for those living in the southern hemisphere, I wonder?

If you want. It's just that you guys are talking about Summer and I'm freezing my proverbial off. By the way, even this is subjective because when I talk to my northerner friends about how the tempreture's dropped to chilly 11 Celcius they laugh. That's cold for Sydney!

 

[glo1]

If you want. It's just that you guys are talking about Summer and I'm freezing my proverbial off. By the way, even this is subjective because when I talk to my northerner friends about how the tempreture's dropped to chilly 11 Celcius they laugh. That's cold for Sydney!

I just noticed that you are in Australia ...

Just look on the bright side, Montalban. Things can only get better from now on! That's the beauty of the seasons ... they keep going round in circles!

 

[Druweid]

Greetings!

For the Hemispherically challenged

The Winter Solstice

I believe Midwinter is the most widely celebrated holiday of the year, throughout the world as well as throughout history. The ancient Romans called it 'Dies Natalis Solis Invicti,' meaning 'Day of Birth of the Unconquered Sun,' a title I think best suits the holiday. It is a time for renewed hope and faith in the renewal of life, and of remembering that since life moves in cycles, the darkest of times are temporary, and that the renewal of life and light are inevitable. Many of the world traditions reflect this, from the Germanic Yule and Perchta, to the Celtic Meán Geimhridh, the Scottish Hogmanay, the Hindu Makara Sankranti, the Persian Shabe Chelle, the Asian DōngZhì, of course the Roman/Christian Natalis Domini, i.e. Christmas, and many others. Most all of these traditions include customs of increased fellowship, the giving of gifts, feasting, and renewed hope for the coming year.

Of all holiday celebrations, I believe this is one of the most prevalent (if not THE most prevalent) for very practical reasons. For the ancient people of countries in areas of extreme climate changes, this was the harshest time of the year. I believe very few understand or realize how difficult it was, in ancient times, to survive the winter season, not to mention, the depressive effects of cold weather, lack of light, lack of activity, etc., that many of us now understand as being the 'winter blues.' The renewal of hope, celebrating the return of the sun, anticipation of the coming spring, and good fellowship among one's brethren, not only raised a persons' spirit, it helped to sustain life itself.

So for all those in the southern climate, I wish for you ever-increasing Love, Light, and Hope in the coming year!

Best Wishes and Brightest Blessings,
-- Druweid

 

[Montalban]

I just noticed that you are in Australia ...

24/7

Just look on the bright side, Montalban. Things can only get better from now on! That's the beauty of the seasons ... they keep going round in circles!

Actually it's getting colder. July gets really cold. Less than 10°C sometimes.