How did the Celts celebrate the summer solstice?

How did the Celts celebrate the summer solstice?

The Celtic midsummer festival would involve feasts and dancing as well as rituals of lighting bonfires, usually on hill tops to symbolise the sun being at its highest point, and lighting wheels of fire which were rolled down the hill to symbolise the sun’s eventual decent back into darkness with the nights become …

What is the Celtic name for the summer solstice?

Alban Hefin
What is the Celtic Name for Summer Solstice? The Druidic name for the Summer Solstice is Alban Hefin, which means the ‘The Light of the Shore’ or ‘Light of Summer’.

What is the spiritual significance of the summer solstice?

The Summer solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment, which is exactly what the Sun gives us during the long nights of summer, both to our actual crops but also to the continual journey we travel from darkness to light.

What are some summer solstice rituals?

How you can celebrate the summer solstice:

  • Wear yellow or gold.
  • Meditate under the sun.
  • Do something that brings you joy.
  • Have an outdoor hangout.
  • Bring nature indoors.
  • Give to your loved ones.
  • Check in with yourself.

Is Litha a Celtic?

The Celts celebrated Litha with hilltop bonfires and dancing. Many people attempted to jump over or through the bonfires for good luck. Other European traditions included setting large wheels on fire, and rolling them down a hill into a body of water. For modern day pagans, Litha is a day of inner power and brightness.

Did Celts celebrate solstices?

A Battle for the Light And long after, the Celts continued the celebration of the solstice in Ireland. According to Celtic myth, the solstice marked a great battle each year between the Oak King who represented the light, and the Holly King who represented the dark.

What is summer solstice pagan?

Summer Solstice (Litha) Midsummer is one of the four solar holidays and is considered the turning point at which summer reaches its height and the sun shines longest. Among the Wiccan sabbats, Midsummer is preceded by Beltane, and followed by Lammas or Lughnasadh.

How do you honor the summer solstice?

5 Ways for You to Celebrate the Longest Day of the Year

  1. Meditate. The summer solstice is a great time to reflect on the past season and set goals for the season ahead.
  2. Go for a swim. The summer solstice is the first official day of summer!
  3. Play some outdoor games with your family.
  4. Have a bonfire.
  5. Exercise outside.

How do witches celebrate summer solstice?

There are many ways witches celebrate the Summer Solstice—by decorating your altar with summer fruits, and flowers, and by leaving a candle burning all day long to honor the sun and the element of fire. Fire gives us warmth and light, and symbolizes passion, creativity.

What did pagans do on the summer solstice?

The Summer Solstice throughout history Before the rise of Christianity, Slavic, Germanic and Celtic tribes celebrated the midsummer with bonfires, believing that they would boost the sun’s energy and guarantee a good harvest. It was believed that bonfires could also help banish demons and evil spirits.

How do you welcome the summer solstice?

18 Fun Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice in 2021

  1. Visit Stonehenge or Watch The Stonehenge 2021 Live Stream Event!
  2. Bathe in the Light of the Sun.
  3. Design a Flower Crown.
  4. Make a Solstice Suncatcher.
  5. Get Creative with Sun Crafts.
  6. Do Some Gardening.
  7. Enjoy Seasonal Arts, Crafts & Activities.
  8. Add Summer Decor to your Home.

Is Midsummer pagan?

Traditionally, Midsummer was a pagan celebration of fertility and of light defeating darkness. That is still the backbone of Scandinavian Midsummer, and is evident in the method of celebration, including bonfires, feasts, and dancing.

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