The summer equinox, also known as Litha in the pagan tradition, is a significant event that marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. Litha is a pagan name derived from ancient Celtic traditions and is celebrated on or around June 21st in the northern hemisphere. During this time, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the days are at their peak length while the nights are shortest. Pagan communities celebrate Litha by honoring the power of the sun, which is seen as a symbol of abundance, strength, and fertility. Litha is a time of joy, celebration, and connection to nature. Many pagans gather in outdoor spaces to observe rituals and ceremonies that are centered around embracing the energy and warmth of the summer solstice.
Many pagans gather in outdoor spaces to observe rituals and ceremonies that are centered around embracing the energy and warmth of the summer solstice. Bonfires are commonly lit as a representation of the sun's energy and its ability to illuminate both the physical and spiritual worlds. The use of herbs, flowers, and other natural elements is also common during Litha celebrations.
Names for Pagan Festivals
You might be wondering where the names of contemporary Pagan festivals come from, and why some of them them are controversial. Here’s a brief history of where they come from, and why it matters.
Beltane and Imbolc and Lughnasadh and Samhain are Irish and Scottish Gaelic names (the English names are May Day, Candlemas, Lammas, and Halloween or All Hallows Eve). Yule and Litha and Eostur are Anglo-Saxon names.
Imbolc or Candlemas
The name Imbolc is Irish and Scots Gaelic, and refers to the festival celebrating the goddess Brighid. Brighid was honoured in both Ireland and in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
The name Candlemas is English and refers to the many candles that were lit for the Catholic feast of the Purification of the Virgin.
Spring Equinox
Aidan Kelly made a list of festival names in the 1970s. He decided to call Spring Equinox “Ostara”. This was a conjectural name for the Spring Equinox and the goddess Eostre which was invented in the 19th century by the Brothers Grimm. Ancient cultures did not celebrate the Spring Equinox. The Christian festival of Easter (named some variant on Pascha everywhere else in Europe) is the first Sunday after the first full moon after Spring Equinox. The ancient Anglo-Saxon Pagan festival of Eostur was the fourth full moon of the year, and did not always fall near Easter. Early medieval converts to Christianity persisted in calling the festival by the old Pagan name. In the Druid tradition, this festival is named Alban Eilir (the Light of the Earth).
Beltane or May Day
Beltane or Beltainne (meaning “bright fire”) is the Irish and Scottish Gaelic name for the first of May. In England it was and is called May Day. The month of may was named after the Roman goddess Maia. The North of England had the custom of jumping over the Beltane fire and driving cattle between two fires on May Day. This was also the custom in Scotland and Ireland. The south of England celebrated with maypole dancing. The Midlands had the custom of May Games and creating a bower for Robin Hood and Maid Marian.
Litha or Midsummer
The name Litha for Midsummer is a genuinely old name, as that is what the Anglo-Saxons called it (the month of June was named Aerra Litha, before midsummer, and the month of July was named Aeftere Litha, after midsummer). I tend to just call it Midsummer though. In the Druid tradition, this festival is named Alban Hefin (The Light of the Shore).
Lammas or Lughnasadh
Lammas means ‘loaf-mass’ and is from Middle English. It is a celebration fo the corn harvest. Lughnasadh is a completely separate word and refers to the games established by the god Lugh in honour of his mother Tailtiu (pronounced Tahl-tee). Lammas and Lughnasadh are not interchangeable.
Autumn Equinox
The name Mabon was applied to Autumn Equinox by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s because he thought the Welsh story of Mabon ap Modron was similar to the Greek story of Demeter and Persephone which is often associated with the Autumn Equinox. This is an attempt to universalize mythology which is generally a bad move: myths are particular to their locale and culture. Also the Welsh god Mabon was and is nothing to do with the Autumn Equinox, which was not celebrated by ancient Pagans. Contemporary Pagans celebrate it as the time when day and night are equal. Some people relate it to the myth of Demeter and Persephone. It can also be seen as the fruit harvest. In the Druid tradition, this festival is named Alban Elfed (the Light of the Water).
Samhain, Hallowe’en, or All Hallows’ Eve
Samhain or Samhuinn (pronounced soween or saveen) is an Irish and Scottish name. All Hallows’ Eve and Hallowe’en are English names. It has been argued that the ancient Celtic Samhain was not a festival of the dead at all, but rather a celebration of the liberation of the People of Danaan from the Fomorians. The names Hallowe’en and All Hallows’ eve refer to it being the eve of the Christian festivals of All Saints and All Souls.
Yule or Midwinter
Yule is a very old name for the winter solstice and it is known as that (with various spellings) in many northern European cultures. It is not known exactly what the word means but it has been suggested that it means a turning point. The Anglo-Saxon name for this festival was Geola. The Anglo-Saxons also celebrated Modranecht or Mothers’ Night. In the Druid tradition, this festival is named Alban Arthan (the Light of Arthur).
These symbols are believed to enhance the connection between the individual and nature while promoting growth and prosperity in various aspects of life. As the summer equinox marks a point of balance between light and darkness, pagans also reflect upon their own personal journey and strive for inner harmony. It is a time to set intentions, express gratitude for the abundance of the earth, and to acknowledge the cycles of life and death. Some pagans may choose to perform divination or engage in meditative practices to gain insight and guidance for the coming months. In conclusion, the summer equinox, also known as Litha in the pagan tradition, is a celebration of the sun's power and the abundance of nature. Pagans gather to honor the element of fire, perform rituals, and reflect upon personal growth and inner harmony. This time provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature and embrace the energy of the summer season..
Reviews for "Pagan Celebrations of the Summer Equinox: Understanding the Ancient Name"
1. John Smith - 1 star
I was very disappointed with "Summer Equinox Pagan Name". The book promised to be an exciting exploration of pagan rituals and their significance in modern times. However, I found the author's writing style to be tedious and the content lacking depth. The book lacked substance and failed to provide any original insights or compelling arguments. Overall, it felt like a shallow attempt to cash in on a trendy topic without offering anything meaningful to the reader.
2. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars
"Summer Equinox Pagan Name" fell short of my expectations. While the concept of exploring pagan traditions during the summer equinox intrigued me, the execution of the book was lacking. The writing was dry and unengaging, making it difficult to stay interested in the subject matter. Additionally, I found the author's perspective to be biased and lacking in nuance. It felt like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of pagan practices. Overall, I did not find this book to be an enjoyable or enlightening read.
3. Robert Thompson - 1 star
I regret picking up "Summer Equinox Pagan Name". The book failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of pagan rituals and their significance. The author's writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, leaving me confused and frustrated. The information presented lacked depth and failed to capture the true essence of pagan traditions. I was hoping for a more insightful examination of the topic, but unfortunately, this book fell short. I would not recommend it to anyone interested in paganism or looking for a meaningful exploration of the subject.
4. Emma Davis - 2 stars
"Summer Equinox Pagan Name" was a letdown for me. The book promised an insightful exploration of pagan rituals during the summer equinox, but it failed to deliver. The writing style was dry and lacked the engaging storytelling I was hoping for. Additionally, the content felt repetitive and lacked originality. I was looking for a fresh perspective on paganism, but I found myself reading the same information I had encountered in other books on the subject. Overall, I was disappointed by this book, and I would recommend seeking out more well-rounded and engaging works on paganism instead.
5. Michael Anderson - 1 star
"Summer Equinox Pagan Name" did not meet my expectations at all. The writing was dull and monotonous, making it difficult to maintain interest in the subject matter. The author's arguments lacked depth and failed to provide any unique insights. Overall, the book felt like a regurgitation of common knowledge about paganism, without adding any significant value or new perspectives. I think there are much better resources available for anyone interested in exploring pagan rituals and their significance. Save your time and skip this book.