The summer solstice is a significant event in several religious and cultural traditions around the world. In Wicca, the summer solstice is known as Litha and is celebrated with a grand feast. Litha is an important sabbat in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, marking the peak of summer and the longest day of the year. The main idea of the summer solstice feast in Wicca is to honor the sun and its power during this abundant time of the year. The sun is seen as a symbol of light, warmth, and energy, and Wiccans believe that it is at its strongest during the summer solstice. Therefore, it is customary to celebrate this occasion with a feast to express gratitude for the sun's blessings and to seek its continued presence and power.
Whatever your beliefs, there is no better time to celebrate trees in all their glory with an uplifting walk in the woods. The mud is drying up, we are (mostly) liberated from our wellies and, as the sun casts dappled light through new green leaves on long summer days, it is easy to feel real wonder at the natural world. And, this year, if you would like to celebrate midsummer by dancing around one of our oak trees, you will be very welcome!
Some traditional foods involving such round, sun-colored fruits and vegetables include pumpernickel bread, mead, and grilled foods that use an open flame to represent the sun. Festivities included a deosil sunwise dance around a fire or a pole accompanied by chanting and songs of praise for the Sun God, as folklorists at the turn of the 20 th century believed.
Therefore, it is customary to celebrate this occasion with a feast to express gratitude for the sun's blessings and to seek its continued presence and power. The feast itself is often held outdoors in nature, allowing Wiccans to connect with the natural world and the cycles of the seasons. It is common to gather around a bonfire, symbolizing the sun's fiery energy, and to decorate the surroundings with flowers, herbs, and other elements of nature.
Summer solstice feast in Wicca
On 21st June this year, the sun will rise at around 4.30 in the morning to welcome the longest day and herald the summer solstice. Many people in the northern hemisphere will be marking this oldest of festivals with traditional midsummer celebrations, and a lot of the ancient traditions and modern festivities focus on reconnecting with nature and trees.
Ancient midsummer traditions
Midsummer has been observed for thousands of years, with celebrations rooted in both pagan and religious tradition. At a time when food and nature are in abundance, festivities often focus on fertility and the life-giving powers of the sun.
The people of pagan Europe would light bonfires and dance all night on Midsummer’s Eve, accompanied by rituals led by druids. Customs included bonfire-jumping, with the highest jump believed to predict the height of the year’s crop.
In ancient China, the summer solstice was an important festival when workers were given the day off to celebrate. Ceremonies honoured the earth and the feminine force known as yin. Similarly, the ancient Romans’ celebrations focused on Vesta, goddess of the hearth, home, and family.
Midsummer remains an important festival in many countries. Many people stay up on Midsummer’s Eve to welcome the sun as it rises. Modern druids still famously gather at Stonehenge. Other people light bonfires and celebrate with outdoor feasts, singing and dancing.
Mysticism and magic
Midsummer celebrations are interwoven with mysticism and magic. It is a time when both are believed to be at the height of their powers. Tradition states that ghosts can cross from the afterlife to this world and, as in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it is thought that the fairy world is close by, bringing mischief and chaos to us mortals. Flower crowns are traditionally worn to ward off the more malevolent spirits.
Trees and traditional beliefs
Many midsummer traditions focus on reconnecting with nature. So, it is no surprise that trees and tree worship feature heavily in both ancient and modern festivities.
The oak tree is at the centre of midsummer celebrations. The Celtic word for oak, duir, means doorway, and oak, as the King of the Forest, is seen as a doorway to both the mystical realms and the new, darker cycle of the year that is about to begin. Mistletoe, long believed to have healing and fertility powers, is thought to harness the soul of the tree and be at its strongest when it grows on oaks at midsummer.
The beech tree, brightening the forest with its fresh lime green leaves, is seen as the Queen of the Forest and consort to the oak king. To the druids, it symbolised ancient wisdom and it was the sacred wood of the summer solstice. In folklore, it is believed that if you write a wish on a beech twig, then bury it, your wish will come true as the twig decays.
Hazel trees are believed to have magical properties and to protect against evil spirits. They were a symbol of fertility in medieval times. Stirring jam with a hazel twig is thought to stop those mischievous fairies from stealing it!
The shimmering, trembling leaves of the beautiful aspen were believed to carry messages from this world to the afterlife. Wearing a crown of aspen leaves allowed the wearer to travel to the Underworld and back. Traditionally, shields were made from aspen wood as it was thought to protect against evil, so its symbolism was important at the mystical time of midsummer.
A time to celebrate trees
Whatever your beliefs, there is no better time to celebrate trees in all their glory with an uplifting walk in the woods. The mud is drying up, we are (mostly) liberated from our wellies and, as the sun casts dappled light through new green leaves on long summer days, it is easy to feel real wonder at the natural world. And, this year, if you would like to celebrate midsummer by dancing around one of our oak trees, you will be very welcome!
For Wiccans, celebration of summer solstice is a spiritual practice. Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The main idea of the summer solstice feast in Wicca is to celebrate the abundance of the earth and to acknowledge the interconnectedness of all living beings. Wiccans believe in the concept of the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine, symbolized by the Sun God and the Earth Goddess respectively, coming together in perfect harmony during this time of the year. During the feast, Wiccans share a meal consisting of seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods that represent the bountiful gifts of the earth. They may also perform rituals and ceremonies, such as lighting candles or saying prayers, to express their gratitude and to invoke the sun's energy for various purposes. Wiccans believe that the summer solstice is a time of transformation and growth, both spiritually and personally. It is a time to set intentions, release any negative energy, and embrace the positive changes that the season brings. The feast serves as a symbol of this transformation and acts as a collective celebration of the sun's power and the abundance of life. In conclusion, the summer solstice feast in Wicca is a celebration of the sun's energy and the abundance of the earth during the peak of summer. It is a time to express gratitude, set intentions, and celebrate the interconnectedness of all living beings. The feast serves as a symbolic representation of transformation and growth, allowing Wiccans to connect with nature and the cycles of the seasons..
Reviews for "The Energy of the Sun: Harnessing its Power at the Wiccan Summer Solstice Feast"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Summer Solstice Feast in Wicca. The food options were incredibly limited, and there was nothing that stood out as particularly unique or special. I was hoping for a true feast with a variety of flavors and dishes, but it fell flat. The ambiance was also lacking, with no effort put into creating a festive atmosphere. Overall, it was a lackluster experience that left me feeling underwhelmed.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The Summer Solstice Feast in Wicca was a complete letdown. The food was bland and uninspiring, and there were barely any vegetarian or vegan options available. Considering the spiritual significance of this event, I expected a more thoughtful and inclusive menu. The organization of the event was also lacking, with long lines and insufficient seating arrangements. I would not recommend attending this feast if you're looking for a memorable and enjoyable experience.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Summer Solstice Feast in Wicca, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The food quality was subpar, with many dishes tasting stale or poorly seasoned. The lack of variety was also disappointing, as there were only a handful of options to choose from. Additionally, for an event that revolves around celebration and community, the atmosphere was strangely somber and lacked any sense of joy. Overall, it was a lackluster feast that failed to capture the essence of Wiccan traditions.