Midsummer
While
the summer solstice (usually falling on or around June 21st) is the
beginning of summer in our modern world, in ancient times it was the half way
point between the times of planting and harvest. The Celts called the solstice
Litha and it was celebrated as a fire festival all over Ireland and parts of
Europe.
On
Litha, large bonfires were lit to keep the evil sprits and meddling fairies
that ran free on that night at bay, and the people reveled in one last day
before the darkness of the approaching winter started creeping in.
It
was also a time for gathering in magical or medicinal plants. It was thought
that plants with yellow flowers, like the sun, contained extra special healing
properties when picked on Litha night.
Modern Celebrations
Today,
Litha is called Midsummer in most parts of the world and is celebrated on
almost every continent. It remains especially important in Ireland and
Scandinavia. Huge bonfires are still lit in most of the celebrations and people
gather through the night for music and festivities.
I’m
personally not much for a big crowd and I don’t know of any community celebrations
in my area of the US, so I usually throw together my own party. Last year I had
a simple backyard barbeque, and decorated the tables with candles in place of a
bonfire and set out fresh yellow flowers to represent the healing herbs that
would have been gathered on that night.
For
the kids, I got some inexpensive bug holders and nets ( I got mine from the
dollar store), so they could run around catching lightning bugs or “fairies” as
the evening fell.
For
desert, I made my version of fairy cakes (see recipe below). I’ve been told
that the real thing is nothing more than a small cupcake with a dab of frosting
on the top but being summer and rather hot and sticky here in St. Louis, I
opted for a less sugary muffin with a small amount of powdered sugar on top.
Whatever
you decide to do for Midsummer, just keep in mind that it’s a night when
fairies roam the land and plants transform from weed to healing potion, so make
it magical!
Fairy Cake Recipe
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting
Chopped nuts or dried fruit if desired
Directions:
1) Heat oven to 400. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
Directions:
1) Heat oven to 400. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
2) Beat egg; stir in milk and oil. Mix remaining ingredients just until flour is moistened. It will be lumpy at this point. Also, if you’re adding fruit or nuts, now is the time.
3) Fill muffin cups 1/2 to 2/3 full. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden. Immediately remove from pan and place on cooling rack or on their sides to cool.
4) Once cool, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
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