From the view of the Sphinx, the sun sets squarely between the Great Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre on Egypts Giza plateau on the summer solstice. Wiccan Holidays - Litha. The sun is a warming entity, so itfires our passionsand heats up our hearts to the potential of life that abounds. While Brigid did not have as many children as many other mother goddess types, she was said to take special care of the young. If you have a fairy house, set it out, or put one outdoors. When Ruanan fought against the Tuatha De Dannan and was killed, Brigids cries became the first mourning song of Ireland. Poets were said to love her more dearly than any other god and looked to her for inspiration. Festivities celebrated Earth, femininity, and the yin force. If not, use candles of bold summer colors. Mid-June is the peak mating season for brown bears, and so this time of year is symbolic of fertility and the promise a new birth brings to continue the bloodline. . In some ways, she seemed to have taken her mothers place as the principal mother of the pantheon. Make a fairy stone circle in your yardyou never know! In the Northern Hemisphere it takes place between June 20 and 22, depending on the year. Meaning and Healing Properties, Do I Need Sapphire? Like the placement of the shrine, many legends of St. Brigids deeds tied to her the pagan goddess. To the slaves who worked on Haitis brutal sugar plantations, she represented the hope that they would find more love and peace after death than they did in life. In 2022, the. "They lose that long stretch of sleep they would normally have," Williams said. This website is fueled by coffee, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and LOTS of passion. But without a watch, people may ignore their bedtime, as humans are terrible at telling time during mostly light or mostly dark periods, according to a 1974 study in The Journal of Physiology. Please like and share this article if you found it useful. It is a great time to get to know moths, dragonflies, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles and all our other amazing minibeasts! Fire is symbolic of passion, creativity, creation, rebirth, renewal, action, and clarity. The Northern Hemisphere receives more daylight than any other day of the year on the summer solstice. Cirb Brigids powerful ram was called the King of Sheep.. Traditions and Holidays Around the June Solstice. (Be sure to keep any potentially dangerous materials safely away from animals, babies, and children.) While some people may think that they're just based in nature, it is always important that we as a species do not stand apart from naturewe coexist along with the Earth, the weather, the plants,. On this day, which provides a full 24 hours of daylight above the Arctic Circle, people in northern latitudes are celebrating with special events, like a live broadcast the moment the solstice begins at England's Stonehenge. See the people at the beaches and pools and the children out playing ball in the fields. But not all polar species abandon their circadian rhythm. Whats more, the sunflower is physically drawn to the light of the sun. Summer season is characterized by several symbolic meanings all centered on growth, maturity, warmth, and adventure. Summer solstice incense for Litha is easy to make at home. The summer solstice, which falls on June 21 in 2022, is a fancy term for the first day of summer. They hoped to capture the same purity and emotion in their songs that the keeners did in grief. Its also a good time to start making one or to consecrate one. Being aware of all that is around one (not only what is straight ahead). Ireland, of course, was not the only Celtic culture that venerated a similar goddess. Countries in Scandanavia celebrate "midsummer" on the day of St. John the Baptist with large bonfires on the beach. Cows When a cow endeavors to scratch its ear, it means a shower is very near. Click here for moresymbolic daisy meanings. It's fitting that the. You might wish to sprinkle some solar symbols and colors around the housered throw pillows, yellow curtains, or an orange vase here and there. Lazy summer days are awesome. Seemore about the bear here. Mythical creatures like the chimera, dragon and phoenix are also appropriate. The medieval legend indicates salamanders had the ability to light bonfires. The summer holds fertility, passion, growth, joy, and peace. This is when we have the longest day with the sun rising earliest and setting latest. When the sun enters Cancer, the summer solstice has officially begun. As Mother, She understands Her struggle through the greatest . The Cath Maig Tuired recounts the legends of how the Tuatha De Dannan, the group of beings Brigid belonged to, came to rule over Ireland. "When the male is active, the female is at the nest and vice versa," Williams said. It is very easily distinguished from a regular dog as it is completely bald with the exception of its paws, the tip of its tail, and the area around its mouth. Said to have lived in the 5th century, she remains one of the most popular Catholic saints throughout Europe. Even the day on which she was celebrated did not change. Animals: butterflies, robins, horses, fireflies Plants: fennel, oak trees, mugwort, St John's wort Spells: Litha is one of the best times for protection or love magic 7 Ways to Celebrate Litha 1. The summer solstice, otherwise known as midsummer, marks both the longest day and the shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and is technically the official start of summer. The winter solstice occurs on the shortest day of the year, usually the 21st or 22nd December in the northern hemisphere and the 21st or 22nd June in the southern. Dancing. Grain in Ear: mng zhng : Jun 6th: The wheat becomes ripe; and the summer planting starts (in southern China). Credit: Przemyslaw Idzkiewicz, via Wikipedia Commons. Adding to the likelihood that they would be mistaken for one another, all three were named Brigid. Its light yellow flowers open up as the dawning sun shines its light sweetly and gradually. It marks the point when the sun is at its highest peak in the sky, and for those in the Northern . Some scholars believe that Brigid may have evolved from multiple goddesses and incorporated several archetypes. Some of these stories and myths are as follows. Kimberly has a bachelor's degree in marine biology from Texas A&M University, a master's degree in biology from Southeastern Louisiana University and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. At home in the water element (emotions). This has a deepersymbolismof the energy of life (rain and sun producing new life and continuation of crops). In fact, the first largest bonfire record was a . She held him and cried, and her mourning could be heard for miles. Its not hard to see the kinds of things that are ideal for incorporating into your summer solstice ritual, activities and feasting. Over 700 mostly white volunteers joined African Americans in Mississippi to fight against voter intimidation and read more, Modern Olympic history is full of heart-thumping victories and painful defeats. Drink-wise, I always make lemonade sweetened with honey, and sun tea made of herbs like chamomile or mint, and I always include lemon balm and stevia (an herb sweeter than sugar!). Mix and handful each of fresh or dried rose petals and lavender flowers in a non-metallic bowl. Because of its purpose to bless nature, summertime is represented by numerous symbols, the majority of them revolving around plants and animals. The Wildlife Trusts: Protecting Wildlife for the Future. In this article, we will discuss how the bear, lion, sunflower, and fire represent the summer solstice while talking about some of this symbolism on their own as well. Her name distinctly links her to the idea of the dawn. If the robin sings in the bush, then the weather will be coarse; Copying images or content on this website is forbidden unless permission is granted by Avia Whats-Your-Sign.com, This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. Flowers in full bloom make the best Litha decorations in my opinion. Wolves Wolves always howl more before a storm. The sun is up, the weather is warm, schools are closed and holiday destinations are beaming with life. The summer solstice also marked the one-month countdown to the opening of the Olympic games. The summer solstice, also known as Midsummer or Litha, is a stop halfway around the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. Because she had lost her own son, Brigid was said to carefully watch over mothers and their children. Bees, butterflies and other amazing insects flit from flower to flower and baby birds chirp at their parents for food. People around the world celebrate the day, which is also known as the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, with feasts, bonfires, picnics, and traditional songs and dances. This was a good time to cull magical and healing herbs: fern seed gathered on midsummer's eve could make one invisible; elderberries warded off enchantment; stonecrop, vervain, and yarrow were hung in special places around the house for protection against the evil eye and death. This event happens when Earth's tilt toward the sun is at its maximum and the sun points directly over the Tropic of Cancer. Litha / Summer Solstice June 21 Lammas, August 1/2 Mabon / Autumn Equinox September 21-22 Samhain / Halloween October 31 Yule / Winter Solstice December 21 Contact Us 17 High Street Glastonbury Somerset BA6 9DP T: 01458 834697 . The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, and the shortest night. This article gives you a list of animals associated with the sun and the meaning for each. Go into the garden and listen intently to the sounds of the birds and crickets, or of children playing. My work has also been published on Buzzfeed and most recently in Time magazine. They also had a good deal to do with farming, fertility, and the cycles of the Earth. Those who respect the dead and remember them earn Maman Brigittes thanks in life. Of course, you should also make a place for your Patron or Matron God and/or Goddess as well. Sadly, both did. I like to make seasonal food and drink part of our sabbat celebrations and place them right upon the altarafter all, the Wheel of the Year is based on the agricultural cycle. Typically occurring between June 20 th and June 22 nd in the Northern Hemisphere each year, the solstice marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Other animals associated with summer and with fire are also important symbols of this holiday.Lions, Dragons, and Salamanders are associated with Summer Solstice because of their link to the fire element. According to the Cath Maid Tuired, Brigids son Ruadan had sided with his father, Bres. They should be included in all of your celebrations. The event marks the longest day of the year, in which the weather is sunny throughout the day, and remains so during the night, and the sun doesn't set. There are a couple of animals, plants, and other things that seem to be able to symbolize the summer solstice perfectly. Equinox and solstice datesyears 1-2149 Sunrise and Sunset Times Lag Behind The longest day of the year is commonly associated with the earliest sunrise and latest sunset of the year. That realm was more associated with the Morrigan, who was in many ways her opposite. Sign up now for weekly facts, the latest blogs, and interesting features. Rockey terrain, poor soil, and a harsh climate meant that much of Ireland and Scotland were not ideal for growing grains and vegetables. Daisies are also symbolic of the innocence of youth, and they will imbue your summer days with that light, fresh feeling. This included not only human women and infants, but also animals. We keep it fairly low-key too-- we go to the beach, bbq (pits are all set up there), play all day, and when it gets dark we just drum & roast marshmallows. To this day her name and its variants, such as Bree, Bridie, Bridget, and Brigitte, are popular in Ireland and elsewhere. On June 21, there are 24 hours of daylight north of the Arctic Circle (66.5 north of the equator) and 24 hours of . In the Northern Hemisphere, it takes place between December 20 and 23, depending on the year. Photo credit: twitter.com. 2023 A&E Television Networks, LLC. xx. For example, semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) small, brown-and-white shorebirds that breed above the Arctic Circle are unfazed by the long periods of daylight. The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and stitium (still or stopped). The druids cut the sacred mistletoe with great ceremony and brewed it into a fertility potion/all purpose antidote. She was said, for example, to have founded a school of art at Kildare where she encouraged metalworkers. Exploring new vistas. Humans may have observed the summer solstice as early as the Stone Age. I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. Animals associated with fire in particularsnakes, lizards, lions and other felines, fireflies, glow worms, rams, lizards and horses. St. Brigid was said to have been a nun in the 5th century. Keep reading to find out why Brigid was so well-loved in Ireland that she remains important around the world! All three represented light, life, and a new beginning. Brigid was revered as a healer, both through her wells and through other means, but was also known as a fighter at times. Summer is also a great time to getto the seashore to investigate rockpools and to see what wild treasures the tide has washed up. Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. Embrace the energy of the honeysuckle this summer, and see what kind of bright events you attract in your life as you do so. When she saw her son fighting the smith god Giobhniu, she did not want either of them to fall. Archaeologists discovered that these animals were probably killed when they were around nine months old. New York, Spring--leopard, liver, muscle and tendons, active, agility, wood, east, green Summer--tiger, heart, blood, very active, cardio, fire, south, red Indian Summer--snake, stomach, flesh, settling/returning to center, stretching, earth, center, yellow/brown Autumn--dragon, lung, hair, contracting, meditating, metal, west, white In the days leading up to the summer solstice, the ancient Romans celebrated Vestalia, a religious festival in honor of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. Like many cultures, the Irish set their poetry to music. Yule occurs traditionally on June 21 and is also known as the winter solstice. We are fast approaching the winter solstice for the Northern hemisphere, which takes place on December 21. This is the point of greatest daylight for those of us who live in the upper hemisphere. 2. No formal rituals or anything. Have fun on the summer solstice! Add half a stick of crumbled cinnamon and two pods of star anise. In other countries, the Catholic saint replaced the Germanic goddess the Romans had named Brigantia. The Tuatha De Dannan faded from importance after Christianity was brought to Celtic lands. Speaking of feasting, because we tend to spend more of the summer solstice outdoors, we prefer to barbecue. For example, Brigid became the goddess of smiths after Giobhnui was killed in battle. In my area, its the season of cherries, peaches, nectarines and plumbs. It was believed that bonfires could help banish demons and evil spirits and lead maidens to their future husbands. "If you are going to get high through intention and ceremony, stick to that high. Salamanders are ideal because they are the prime symbol of the southern direction and the Element of Fire. The was one of many links to music, poetry, and emotion that made her a patroness of the arts. The connection ultimately made her the goddess of the time when the sun was at its brightest. Smell the flowers, the smells of summer, and take time to allow them in. They retreat to their burrows during the darkest part of the day in the summer (which still isn't that dark, more like twilight) to save energy, Williams said. In Ireland and elsewhere, they survived in folklore as the fae but were no longer seen as divine. Thanks for stopping by! Second, the native Americans associated the eagle with the thunderbird, believing it to be the bringer of summer rains. There are also many poems about summer, celebrating the beauty, warmth, and growth that comes with the season. Images and little trinkets that represent fairies, pixies, elves and sprites are perfect dcor. Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on May 18, 2014: Ahif only there was a spell for instant energy to get up and do anything. Maman Brigitte also helps the living. The ancient order of Druids recognized the oak as a vessel for sacred knowledge, and so its also a symbol of wisdom. This is the longest night of the year - once celebrated as " Yule " by the pagan . The goddess not only made them fertile, increasing the owners wealth, but also looked after and protected them. Mike, I'm not sure most Christian shocols would allow it! Then for the first time weeping and shrieking were heard in Ireland. For example, arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii)stick to their sleep schedules all year long. Add six drops of rose oil to the mix. Key points: Winter solstice is today, June 21. Like most other earth mothers, she was also linked to the primary agricultural activities of her area. She was the goddess of the spring and the dawn. I like to put out a fruit basket on the altar for everyone to help themselves. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Tips on Interpreting Signs and Symbolic Meanings. Not just offerings to the Gods and household spirits (though we often set out a special bowl just for those), but food for us to enjoy in our celebration as well. At this time of yearinsect lifeis at its most abundant. Unfortunately, contemporary accounts of Imbolc are rare and surviving folk tradition is heavily influenced by later Christian belief. South. As a mother goddess, Brigid protected both human children and the animals she was associated with. Small Full (Grain) xio mn : May 21st: The seeds of summer crops begin to become plump, but are not yet ripe. South represents Summer and is a time of great abundance. Giobnui was killed first, but Ruadan was gravely wounded and fell soon after. She drinks rum infused with red chilis to make her breath as hot as a flame. Make a midsummer incense for Solstice love energy. The Irish saw Brigid as a protector of domesticated animals more than as a goddess of grains or vegetables. This combined with its copper-penny color makes the lion a bronzed icon of summer symbolism. Hodr is the old age and the impending death. Just as the sunflower follows the light, so too are our own spirits inclined to follow the light of the divine. Find out which of the Gods and Goddesses had festivals or special days of worship near the Summer Solstice. Scientific American. While the tradition of keening at a death is not as strong as it once was, Irish musicians still use the style to this day. She became an important saint in France, Scandinavia, Germany, and elsewhere. (The read more, Freedom Summer, or the Mississippi Summer Project, was a 1964 voter registration drive aimed at increasing the number of registered Black voters in Mississippi. This reminds me at Midsummer that the Sun Lord, born of the Goddess, has reached his height of power and strength, and though his power will now begin waning his seed is planted in Her sacred womb so that he may return to us. Don't mix alcohol or drugs with crystals and meditation. Drum, build a bonfire, dance or tell stories about fairies and the wee folk. Download includes the following worksheets: Summer is one of the four seasons. As the inspiration for Maman Brigitte, she is the only figure in Haitian Vodou to have an origin entirely outside of Africa. For the solstice itself I usually just do something low-key by myself: meditate a bit, wear the right colors, eat something appropriate. First of all thanks for the video, that brought back memories, I was singing at the top of my voice! Yule: Winter Solstice (Dec 20-23) Yule is held during the winter solstice when our days become shorter. Pagans and neo pagans, followers of early European religious traditions, still celebrate the winter solstice as a holiday called Yule. The Four Agreements: A Refresher About Making Good Choices in Life, Shamanic Healing and Connecting With Pets, fire element personified (salamander elemental energies). Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on May 21, 2014: I love summer and I always hate it when it starts waning. Australians generally use . The orientation of some archaeological structures are thought to reflect ancient observations of the summer solstice. My name is Mike and for as long as I can remember (too long!) Bring out your bold colors to decorate your home to remind you of the splendor of the summer season going on outside your door. It is the time in which last preparations are made for the coming cold months. Many herbs are associated with the Summer Solstice. And, on December 21 or 22 in the Southern Hemisphere. Seemore about the eagle here. Plan games like feats of strength, tug-of-war, relay races or pie-eating contests. At Stonehenge on the day of the northern winter solstice (always around December 20), people watch as the sun sets in the midst of three great stones - known as the Trilithon - consisting of two. Now, were the heck is the sunshine? One of the cycles Brigid was associated with was that of life and death. The Summer and Winter solstices, when the sun 'stands still', have fired the imagination of cultures around the world. All rights reserved. Your celebrations sound lovely, and the food makes my mouth water. That extended daylight might make it difficult for people in northern latitudes to know when to go to sleep if they aren't looking at a clock, but the midnight sun is no problem for many other animals. In Irish writings it was a snake, rather than a groundhog, that would emerge from its hole even if there was still snow on the ground, to foretell the weather for the rest of spring. More information Accept. Sadly, passion doesn't always pay the bills. Check out the blanket of greenery and blossoms coating the Mother Earth, the bees and butterflies and animals frolicking and basking in the long, warm days. Wells were also visited at Beltane, or May Day, which celebrated the summer solstice. Different cultures and religious traditions have different names for the summer solstice. Its sturdy beak and wickedly rigid claws are sunshine-yellow, which is symbolic of strength and fierce determination winning the day. Summer Worksheets. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is the longest day of the year and occurs when the sun crosses its . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Incorporate a fresh bunch of daisies for your next summer party or reunion its sure toaugera sense of friendship, laughter, and love in your festivities. Expanding perceptions. Despite her invention of keening, however, Brigid was not a goddess of death. Bibliography. The solstice days are the days with the most (for Summer) or fewest (for Winter) hours of sunlight during the whole year. Salamanders: Particularly the fiery orange-red kind, or fire-belly breeds. That hung high above our altar for many Solstices, but unfortunately paper does not last forever. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Brigid was so well-loved for so many reasons that she was one of the few pagan figures to not be lost when Christianity became the religion of the land. In Ancient Egypt, the summer solstice corresponded with the rise of the Nile River. The most famous example from Ireland is probably the Morrigan, who can appear as either a single goddess or as three individuals. While the other loa of Vodoun were inspired by African deities, most scholars believe that Maman Brigitte is the only one to have come entirely from Catholic traditions. Keep this in mind as you bring sunflowers to your summer solstice celebrations. Any magic spells involving the Element of Fire or fresh herbal magic are excellent choices for Midsummer, as the element of fire and those herbs bursting with freshness are particularly potent! Brigid wore a robe of sunlight and had flame red hair, furthering her connection to the sun and its light. Baron Samedis wife is Maman Brigitte. I had this tune on my wicca cd! The long summer days are full of life. Why we celebrate the summer solstice. The Summer Solstice happens around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, where the United States is located. Ability to observe and wait before acting. This phenomenon is known as the Midnight sun. Historians believe, however, that one tradition of Imbolc involved taking offerings of food or valuables to wells to earn Brigids blessings. Druidism. Brig came and keened for her son. It was such a splendid effect, though, and made a great decoration. That's awesome that you celebrated the Solstice at Stonehenge-- must have been amazing! Mind you,its a scant list. With a keen interest in understanding why life was and is as it is, Rose has been studying religion, culture, and history for over fifteen years. A Texas native, Kim now lives in a California redwood forest. Thus, Brigids holy day in Ireland is often said to have been on February 1st, but in other parts of the Celtic world occurred as last as April or May. Give prominence to any tools associated with the season and the Element of Fire. Baldr is the renewal of life and all the beauty associated with it. The continued belief in the goddess Brigid, however, resulted in many of her attributes being given to the human figure to refocus worship into an acceptable Christian form. The idea of the triple goddess is well-known in Celtic and Irish lore. She protected mothers and children, in part because she was unable to protect her own son. Just look around you during the summer months and you willsee a bevy of symbolic cuesthat represent the vitality and bounty summer implies. The goddess of music was also called the most well-loved by the poets. The summer season is usually incorporated in literature to symbolize joy, adventure, fullness, selfacceptance, and the search for love. I love summer foods too, .all the fruits and veggies and all the bbqing we do because my husband loves to come home and throw something on the grill and hang out by the pool. Their agricultural goddess reflected this. First, the eagle's sturdy beak and sharp claws have a characteristic sunshine- yellow that is reminiscent of the summer sun. Seemore about the salamander here. While many people let the summer solstice pass without note, those of us who pay attention to astronomic events know it's an exciting day. ;-). This is a spiritual aphorism. CMHypno from Other Side of the Sun on May 20, 2014: Thanks for all the great information on the Summer Solstice WiccanSage. The video was informative and I loved the music. All Rights Reserved. As a Catholic saint, she inspired veneration well beyond the shores of Ireland. Its a good time to plan candle magic spells and combine them with herbs in the form of incense, or used in petitions. Instead, her link to the sun and spring made her a goddess of agriculture. This put him on the side of the Fomorians and pitted him against his mothers people. Fire: The element of fire is the most obvious and common symbol of the summer solstice because of its affiliation with the warmth of the sun. For this reason, she is linked to Indo-European archetypes of both fertility and dawn goddesses. Summer for animals is one of the best time in the year. It took nearly a century of research and data to convince the vast majority of the scientific community that human activity could alter the climate of our entire planet. Usually go with friends. The Summer Solstice is also known as Midsummer or Litha. Historians believe that St. Brigid of Kildare was a historical figure who, like many other women in Irish history, was named after the areas most important goddess. This moon sign, which is associated with inception and beginning, indicates beginning, inner strength, purity and fertility. Of all the times of the year we celebrate plants, no other day is quite as magical as the summer solstice. https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-and-environment/history-of-summer-solstice. Working with the ebb and flow of emotions. This event happens when. Solar symbols are infinite! Bears: Females, specifically as the summer solstice lands right in the middle of their opportunity for conception. As the goddess of poets, she also enabled the transmission of knowledge and wisdom. By the time of the Irish myths, Danu was no longer an active figure. After the Sun reaches its maximum power, it begins to decline. please consider contributing. Some of our website features may not function as a result. But many animals in northern latitudes can naturally control their sleep-wake cycles in extreme daylight conditions, said Cory Williams, a biologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. LOL, We usually have our big summer BBQ bash in July, around the 4th-though it may have to be later this year, to accommodate some of the guests' schedulesThat's a month too late.