TODAY is the longest day of the year with people across Britain marking the occasion with open-air celebrations.
These are the summer solstice blessings and rituals pagans follow on the summer solstice.
Two people watch the sunrise at Stonehenge during the Litha festivalGetty Images
What is Litha?
Litha is the pagan name for Midsummer’s Day.
Traditionally, Litha festivals last all day and there are numerous ways to celebrate the power of the sun.
One such celebration happens at Stonehenge – where hundreds of druids, pagans, wiccans and spectators gather to celebrate the Sun God from dawn until dusk.
Most people like to take advantage of the extra hours of daylight and spend their time outdoors.
Litha is the pagan name for Midsummer’s Day, or summer solstice, and is traditionally marked with sunrise and sunset yogaGetty Images
When is Litha?
The festival is held to celebrate the long stretch of sunshine on June 21.
This is because the tilt of the Earth’s axis is most aligned with the sun, providing us with the most daylight of the year.
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What rituals do pagans follow on Litha?
Fire rituals: Because of the sun’s close connection to flames, bonfires are a key part of any Litha celebration.
Getting organised: Litha is traditionally a time to take stock of all the things you wish to achieve in the next six months. Make a list of all your career, relationship and personal goals.
Meditating in nature: A silent solo ritual outside.
Magic, chants and prayers
Dancing and music: The dancing is normally done around the bonfire and to the sound of guitars and drums.
Litha alters: Which are made with candles, pinwheels, crosses and flowers.
Sunrise or sunset yoga: Performing sun salutations outside as dawn and dusk break.
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