A solstice occurs twice a year and is the longest day/night of the year. On this date, the highest or lowest midday position of the sun is reached at latitudes outside the tropics lying between the tropics:
At the summer solstice, the sun is at its greatest height above the horizon at noon. In the Earth's northern hemisphere, the sun reaches the summer point on June 20th, 21st or 22nd. The day is longer than the night.
On the winter solstice, the sun is at its lowest height above the horizon at noon. In the Earth's northern hemisphere, the sun reaches the winter point on December 21st or 22nd. The night is longer than the day.
The worship of the sun and recurring light goes back to traditions in prehistoric times. The sun is essential for earthly survival. The summer solstice carried with it an aspect of death and transience. This was contrasted with the lengthening days after the winter solstice, which embodied life and resurrection. These turning points were reflected in ritual and mythology.
The greater the difference between the harsh winter and the warm summer, the more intensely this day has always been celebrated. In northern Europe, where the nights no longer get dark in the summer season (they are also referred to as the White Nights), solstice celebrations - known as Midsummer Festival - are more important than in southern Europe, for example. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
The summer solstice / summer sun celebration is often associated with the memorial day for John the Baptist. This day, which is also often celebrated with St. John's bonfires (June 24th), keeps memories of the originally pagan celebrations alive. Many herbs are collected around these days because they have the best healing properties at this time.
Herbs such as St. John's wort, verbena, mugwort, chicory, lavender, lady's mantle, marigold, meadowsweet, etc. are tied into herbal wreaths, bouquets, etc. and thrown into the fire to protect against evil spirits and mischief. St. John's wort should definitely not be missing. In books from the 16th century, such wreaths were said to protect against demons and the devil, but also against natural disasters such as lightning strikes. Incense bundles or incense bushes are also very popular. In principle, wild and medicinal plants are used for wreaths, bouquets, incense bundles, etc. and they all have the same principle: they are supposed to protect against harm, evil demons, the devil and evil forces in every way. However, it is important that the number should be odd, usually you take 9 plants.
The summer solstice is also called Litha in the wheel of the year, the day of light and bonfires and, as described above, is celebrated in the same way as St. John's Day. Herbs are collected and tied into herb wreaths or used for smoking. Fires of joy are lit where people dance and laugh together. Litha is the sixth festival in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, which also includes the Nine Herb Blessing, which you can find on my blog. This Nine Herb Blessing is an herbal incantation that can be used on Litha. On this day, be grateful, use the power of herbs and plants, charge your crystals, cast a protection spell, connect with nature and build a campfire (if the forest fire levels allow it and it is possible).
A few days later, after Litha and St. John's Day, there is also the name day of Peter (the patron saint of fishermen) and Paul on June 29th. Peterlburning where a straw doll is given to the flames as a defensive spell against demons and evil forces.
All of these fires are not only made as protection against evil, but also to encourage growth and fertility in meadows and fields. The hay harvest is often brought in at this time and the beginning of the harvest begins.
Since things are handled differently in so many areas in Germany, I would be interested to know what it is like in yours? I know that many people also read from abroad, what about the sun fires? Just write in the comment bar at the bottom.