summer solstice for thousands of years for people to have great importance.June 20-21 is considered to be the middle of summer nature.In addition, it is the longest day of the year light.
Summer Solstice is celebrated since ancient times by different nationalities.The biggest festivals in Europe (Midsummer, Lita) were confined to the longest light days.After the adoption of Christianity was introduced celebration of the birth of John the Baptist (June 24).
Pagans gave divine power of the sun.They believed that the light has power over all living creatures.Summer Solstice for pagans meant flourishing nature.But along with this the longest day of light and pointed to the imminent approach of autumn, and then winter time.
Celts celebrated the summer solstice of the festival Lita.During the celebration, people worked and rested, talked with spirits and performed wedding ceremonies, fun, enchantment, divination.
dwellings were decorated with garlands of flowers.Be sure to use white lilies, cleft sprouts, fennel, birch, St. John's wort.The summer solstice was celebrated magnificently.People came out to dance, sing, led dances, to participate in the funeral ceremonies.In the evening, people went into the grove where allowed to elves and fairies gifts, herbs, food.It was believed that plants collected on the night of Lita, possessed magical powers.When it was getting dark, lit fires and organized processions with torches.According to ancient beliefs, jumping through fire ensure the protection of the family and prosperity at home.To the marriage was a happy one, large and rich in love, taking each other's hands, jumped over the fire three times.Coals from the remaining fires, later used for healing wounds.It was also believed that the coals can take bad weather during the harvest.
first collection of honey takes place in June.Therefore, the full moon at the time called the honeymoon.At the end of June there is a big number of pagan weddings.Even in June is the most popular month for weddings in many countries.
peoples of Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Germany magnificently celebrated the summer equinox.The meaning of ritual ceremonies was similar to Lita.People welcomed the union of the Earth and the Sun, called the harvest and prosperity in the house, drive away evil spirits.Holidays in the different countries were called Midsummer Night (or St. John's Day).Ritual was a rousing fires.It was believed that the higher the flame, the more terrible to be evil spirits.People just like to Lita, worshiped water, dipped flowers on her burned old boat (in Scandinavia).Now almost all the rites of the past.On Midsummer Night held mass celebrations, no one went to bed.People had fun, fun, celebrating until dawn.Today, the Baltic States, Scandinavia festivals are held in June, between 19 and 25 numbers.
before the summer solstice celebrated in Russia mermaid Week.Thus honored river and lake spirits - mermaids.It should be noted that many rituals during this week were closely associated with the remembrance of the ancestors of the ancient custom of rafting in boats on the river remains of soldiers.In Russia, the very day of the solstice celebrated Kupala.It began Kresen month (first month of summer).Rituals at Kupala very similar to the ceremony at Lita and Midsummer Night.People wove wreaths, also jumped over bonfires made ceremonies, bathing in streams, lakes, rivers, cleanses the soul and the body, drinking Surya (a drink made from honey).
After a day of solstice solstice began.It lasted three days.During the solstice people celebrated events in the life of the god Perun - one of the greatest and most powerful Slavic gods, the patron saint of soldiers, was in charge of the heavenly fire and natural forces.
