Midsummer and Litha

Midsummer

While the summer solstice (usually falling on or around June 21^st) 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

Powdered sugar for dusting

Chopped nuts or dried fruit if desired

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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