For many, the first day of summer marks the official end of the school year and the beginning of family vacation season, but it also leads in the summer solstice. Many cultures all over the world celebrate the summer solstice, also known as Midsummer’s Day with feasting and bonfires. Sounds confusing, since June 21 on the Christianized version of the calendar notes it as the first day of summer, doesn’t it? How can summer be at it’s middle when it’s only just started?

For practitioners of Wicca and paganism, Litha, as it often called, is one of the four lesser sabbats in the wheel of the year. In ancient pagan cultures, Midsummer was the time of year when farmers could assess their crops to determine how much food they would have during the winter months.

On Midsummer’s day, or summer solstice, the sun is at its zenith, its furthest point from the equator.

At noon, the sun appears to stand still in the sky, making Midsummer’s day the longest day in the calendar year with the shortest night. From that date forward, the sun begins it’s journey back toward darkness, bringing in the impending harvest season.

One of the most important aspects of Midsummer celebrations which still carry on in many cultures to this day are the Midsummer bonfires. People gather around the bonfires to feast, drink, celebrate and jump the flames to bring good luck during the impending harvest season. When the fires die down, ashes are gathered and carried home to sprinkle on the fields and in home hearths.

Celebrating the seasonal shifts is still an important part of many cultures, as we pay homage to the earth that sustains and gives us life. Invite friends and family over for a bonfire this summer solstice to enjoy one another’s company and the beautiful summer night. Even if you’re not pagan, bonfires have a way of bringing people closer together and helping them reconnect with the great outdoors.