Summer Solstice Rituals to Celebrate the Longest Day of the Year

You may know that June 21 marks the official start of summer. You may know that first day of summer as the summer solstice: the longest day and shortest night of the year.

Since ancient times, we’ve celebrated the summer solstice as a chance to observe, reflect, and re-center ourselves and our communities before the days tip back toward winter. Around the world, festivities focus on love and fertility, a feast of summer bounty, and celebrations of life.

How to make the longest day of the year your most powerful yet

Here are some ways the summer solstice has been celebrated in different parts of the world and through the ages – and how you can translate those traditions into your modern life as you bring ancient spirits of holiness and positivity into your own summer solstice celebration.

1. Plan a Midsummer Feast

Across the planet and the ages, the summer solstice has been observed with feasting as the first fruits of the spring planting season ripen into a glorious summer bounty.

Nothing brings people together like breaking bread. Celebrate with a modern twist by planning a feast for your friends and loved ones. Go all-out with an elaborate, multi-course meal, or plan a simple potluck picnic.

Either way, be sure to bring the sun’s blessing to your table with traditional foods like round, sun-colored fruits such as citrus, peaches, and heirloom tomatoes. For some pagan flair, incorporate honey – sweet and golden as the summer sun – in teas, mead and baked goods.

How will you celebrate the solstice? Tell us about the rituals that power you!