A Pagan Family Holiday Celebration: Midsummer

Midsummer, also known as Litha and the Summer Solstice, is the longest day of the year, and the shortest night. It is at the opposite end of the wheel from Yule, the time of greatest darkness. At Midsummer, the Sun has reached it's zenith, and blazes in all it's glory. The Sun God is at his strongest, and He and the Maiden Goddess frolick and enjoy each other during these care-free days.

Midsummer has long been a time for celebration in Northern European Pagan cultures- the planting is done, the harvest is not yet here, and the Earth is bursting with life, with fresh fruits dripping off the vines and honey spilling from the combs. It is a carefree time to rest and enjoy life, with little work and lots of time for fun, so many Pagan villages would hold festivals and hold games and contests for sport.

Midsummer has also long been revered as one of the most magical days of the year. It is a prime night for divination of all kinds. It is believed that on this night, the veil between our world and the world of the fairies is lifted, and on this night they can be caught reveling in fairy rings in forgotten forests and glens, or tricking humans with pranks to amuse themselves. If you've ever wanted to see a fairy, this is the night to look for one- but be careful, let you fall into one's trap and they toy with you!

There are a lot of great activities a Pagan family can enjoy on this holiday, and here are some ideas to get you started:

Have a Barbecue

Why cook indoors on this glorious day? If you haven't got a grill, go to a beach or park that provides them, or purchase a small portable one for the occasion. Try grilling fresh fruits on skewers for a minute or two to bring out their sweetness, and spritzing them with raspberry or balsamic vinegar as a snack.

Play Games

Just like our Pagan ancestors, design some communal games for your family and friends. Relay races, tug-of-wars, bean-bag tosses, potato sack races, or water-balloon fights. If you like, get some little prizes to give out for the winners, creating categories if you must so that everyone is honored in some way.

Roll a Hoop down a Hill

One typical village game at this time of year was for each participant to take a hoop and set it on fire, then race by rolling them down a hillside with a stick. A fire hoop going down symbolized the Sun and the downfall it would take from this day forward. Of course, rolling a fiery hoop now a days could get you into a lot of trouble, as it would be dangerous, not to mention illegal- but try substituting a hula hoop.

Re-enact A Mythological Battle

Twice a year, on the Solstices, the Oak King and the Holly King do battle to see who will reign for half the year. In the Winter, the Oak King wins; in the Summer, the Holly King reigns victorious. Put some crowns of silk or plastic oak and holly on two participant's heads, and give them toy swords or sticks and let them act out the battle for all spectators.

Make an Offering to Fairies

Considering this is their special night, leave out offerings of small, shiny objects and sweet foods such as milk and honey or fresh fruits for the fairies some where in a quiet place. They will appreciate your offering.

Practice Divination

This is a great time to practice scrying, the art of trancing and seeing visions in smoke, fire, or even water. You can scry in a camp fire, barbecue fire, or even a candle flame. Or, just fill a black pot with water, or scry into a calm pool of natural water such as a pond.