The Garden

Wheel of the Year · solstice or equinox

Litha

The summer solstice, the longest day.

Northern Hemisphere
about 21 June
Southern Hemisphere
about 21 December

History and names

Litha is a modern name taken from Bede, who records the Old English months Ærra Liða and Æftera Liða, around June and July. The summer solstice falls on or near 21 June in the north.

Midsummer was widely celebrated across Europe long before modern paganism, often with bonfires on the eve of Saint John, on 23 and 24 June, and with the gathering of herbs.

Also known as

Customs

Customs include staying up to see the sunrise, gathering herbs from your own garden, holding a bonfire or barbecue with friends, and spending as much of the day outdoors as you can. Check that any wild plant is not protected before you pick it.

Practices

Sunrise watch

30 min

Greet the sun on the longest day.

  1. Find out the time of sunrise and go somewhere you can see the horizon.
  2. Sit quietly and watch the light grow.
  3. Say thanks for the daylight you are given.

Herb bundle

20 min

Dry herbs from your own garden.

  1. Cut a few stems of rosemary, lavender or mint from your garden.
  2. Tie them with string.
  3. Hang them upside down in a dry place for two weeks, then keep them for cooking or the home.