What are the 7 pagan holidays?

7 Pagan Festivals We Still Celebrate Today
  • Christmas.
  • New Year’s Day.
  • Easter.
  • The Roman version of Halloween.
  • May 1st – Labor Day.
  • Epiphany or Three Kings Day.
  • Saint John’s Eve.

Is Summer Solstice a pagan holiday?

Litha is a pagan holiday; one of their eight sabbats during the year. Litha (also known as Midsummer) occurs on the summer solstice, and celebrates the beginning of summer. The traditions of Litha appear to be borrowed from many cultures. Most ancient cultures celebrated the summer solstice in some way.

How did ancient pagans celebrate summer?

Ancient midsummer traditions

The people of pagan Europe would light bonfires and dance all night on Midsummer’s Eve, accompanied by rituals led by druids. Customs included bonfire-jumping, with the highest jump believed to predict the height of the year’s crop.

What rituals are done on Summer Solstice?

How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
  • 1 Observe sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice.
  • 2 Go sunbathing during the day.
  • 3 Meditate or do yoga outdoors.
  • 4 Play in the water.
  • 5 Make a flower crown.
  • 6 Create a solstice suncatcher.
  • 7 Make an altar of light.
  • 8 Gather symbolic midsummer herbs.

What are the 7 pagan holidays? – Related Questions

Who is the goddess of the summer solstice?

In the days leading up to the summer solstice, ancient Romans celebrated Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, home and family.

What actually happens at the summer solstice?

The summer solstice occurs at the moment the earth’s tilt toward the sun is at a maximum. Therefore, on the day of the summer solstice, the sun appears at its highest elevation with a noontime position that changes very little for several days before and after the summer solstice.

What to do on summer solstice spiritual?

Light a fire

Ancient cultures gathered on the solstice to light sacred fires, reflecting on the potency of the sun. Fire is integral to all celebrations, a focal point where people come together. Invite your friends to celebrate the summer solstice with you by gathering around a bonfire or campfire.

How do you worship the summer solstice?

Common rituals involve bonfires, picnics, singing, watching the sun rise and Maypole dancing.

What do Pagans do on solstice?

Today, many pagans still celebrate Yule on the winter solstice. Pagans celebrate the sun’s rebirth by giving each other gifts, having parties, and thinking deeply about their faith.

What are some solstice traditions?

Here are some customary ways to celebrate the solstice—you might notice that some resemble beloved Christmas traditions.
  • Build a Yule Altar.
  • Make an Evergreen Yule Wreath.
  • Burn a Yule Log.
  • Decorate a Yule Tree.
  • Exchange Nature-Based Gifts.
  • Give Back to Nature.
  • Celebrate in Candlelight.
  • Set up a Meditation Space.

What religion celebrates summer solstice?

Summer solstice, a time when the northern hemisphere will experience the maximum hours of sunlight, takes place on June 21 – and will be celebrated by followers of Wicca, a form of contemporary Paganism, with a holiday known as Litha.

How do Native Americans celebrate solstice?

On the day of winter solstice, many Native American communities will hold religious ceremonies or community events. The winter solstice is the day of the year when the Northern Hemisphere has the fewest hours of sunlight and the Southern Hemisphere has the most.

What culture celebrates summer solstice?

Neopagans, Wiccans and New Agers around the world hold summer solstice celebrations. Each year, thousands gather at Stonehenge to commemorate the longest day of the year.

What symbolizes summer solstice?

But the summer solstice is arguably the most welcomed around the world, given its symbolism of light, bountiful harvest, and, in many cases, those good feelings that always seem to accompany summertime.

Why summer solstice is controversial?

The Summer Solstice was classed as controversial because of the mix of Pagan ritual and Christian rites of passage. The story was later adapted into a play and this was itself adapted into a film.

Why is summer solstice so special?

On the June solstice, the North Pole is tipped more toward the sun than on any other day of the year. This means that on the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere will have the longest day and shortest night of the year.

Which two things are important about the summer solstice?

2. What happens during a Solstice? The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and occurs when the northern hemisphere is tilted more toward the sun. The heat of summer comes from the tilt of Earth’s axis, not from how far away it is from the sun.

What is magical about summer solstice?

As the lightest and longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice beckons you to celebrate your own inner light and evaluate how you can share it with the world around you. It is also a powerful time to connect with the Universe, tap into your intuition, and plant the seeds for your ultimate destiny.

How does the summer solstice affect humans?

People tend to feel better in summer months,” Gehrman said. “There’s a slight elevation in our mood. More positive emotions are reported.” But the effect isn’t uniform—circadian rhythms vary from person to person, so the amount and timing of sunlight means different things to different people, said Dr.

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