Recipes to Celebrate Litha - Awesome on 20 (2024)

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Whether you call it Litha, Midsummer, or Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year is certainly worth celebrating. I've got 100 awesome recipes to celebrate Litha in the most delicious way.

If you're anywhere in the Northern hemisphere, you can't help but notice that nature is bursting with life at the moment. Trees are full of green leaves, plants and flowers are overflowing in gardens, and the first herbs and vegetables are ready to be harvested. Litha is all about honoring the Sun and the abundance it provides. We're definitely spoiled for choice for this sabbat feast. Let's get into it.

What is Litha?

Litha is the turn in the Wheel of the Year that celebrates the summer solstice. This sabbat is all about honoring the sun and the abundance of the natural world. Many witches believe that Midsummer is the most powerful time to gather any botanicals as they are at the height of their energy at this time of year. Litha is celebrated with both fire and water, as this is also the start of Cancer season which is a water sign and the only sign ruled by the moon. You could definitely work with the energy of both elements in your celebration.

For a Litha feast, we'll obviously want to work in as many fresh herbs as possible. Remember that each one has its own individual magical properties, so call on those as needed. Fruits and vegetables are also abundant for this feast. I've also called in some sun colors with red and orange foods. Cinnamon is ruled by the sun, so it's definitely invited to the party. And this is the perfect time to cook with fire. Finally, we'll bring in some honey to celebrate all the flowers in bloom at this time of year. Let the feast begin.

Cooking with herbs

As mentioned, Midsummer is the optimal time for collecting botanicals for witchcraft. As modern witches, we may not be able to wander the woods naked picking baskets full of herbs, but we can still work them into our practice in whatever way is accessible.

  • Lemongrass Gin co*cktail - Lemongrass has a beautiful scent and cleansing properties.
  • - It's so flavorful with lots of fresh parsley and thyme, I almost don't want to eat anything else.
  • - Clear away negative energy and eat something delicious.
  • - Just four ingredients, it's about the simplest dish you could ask for.
  • Whipped Ricotta - Weave a spell by sprinkling over whatever herbs feel right to you.
  • Lemon Garlic Pasta - This meatless dish is made with lots of fresh parsley.
  • Mint Brownies - Bold mint flavored is sandwiched between two layers of chocolate, which can only be awesome.
  • - This beautiful cake is infused with the courage energy of fresh thyme.
  • Mint Limeade - This is a simple money spell, so drink deep.
  • Za'atar Potato Salad - Made with a delicious Middle Eastern herb blend, it's bound to become a favorite.
  • - Made with a fresh basil viniagrette, it's got gorgeous sun colors as well.
  • Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies - A classic with a hint of prosperity energy.
  • - This hearty dish is infused with fresh rosemary.
  • Italian Grilled Cheese - With basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, crispy prosciutto, and a balsamic glaze.

Cooking with sun colors

Red and orange evoke fire, creativity, passion, and boldness. Invite this energy to your feast by serving foods with these colors.

  • Brazilian Sunrise co*cktail - Made with cachaca, it's a Brazilian twist on a classic sunny co*cktail.
  • Cowboy Spaghetti - Made with fire roasted tomatoes and other spicy ingredients, this is not your average bolognese.
  • - Covered in red sauce, the shell shaped pasta evokes a little sea magick.
  • Citrus co*cktail Cupcakes - With swirls of fiery orange, these would be a great treat for cakes and ale.
  • Cajun Sweet Potatoes - A super simple dish as bright as the sun.
  • Maple Glazed Carrots - A super simple preparation that adds the attraction energy of maple syrup.
  • Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Orange Frosting - An orange slice right in the center represents the sun.
  • Red Bean Salad - A no-cook recipe made with red onion and cherry tomatoes.
  • Easy Cheesy Stuffed Peppers - Use red, yellow, and orange peppers and fill them with sun corresponded rice.
  • Carrot Ginger Orange Mimosas - Start the celebrations with the sunrise with these beautiful mimosas.
  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Maple Butter - Clear any energy blocks with fiery cayenne pepper.
  • Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad - Just about the prettiest salad I've ever seen.
  • Kir Royale - A simple combination of Chambord and sparkling wine create a beautiful color.

Sun Correspondended Ingredients

Every plant has a planetary corresondence, and in witchcraft, the sun is one of those planetary bodies. One of the most important, actually, and the one that is honored at Litha. This includes hazelnuts, rosemary, pineapples, corn, and rice. All of these foods can be used to represent sun energy.

  • Cornbread-Topped Chili Mac - This easy weeknight dish calls in the abundance energy of corn.
  • Rosemary Potato Rolls - My all time favorite, these rolls are made with fresh rosemary to increase wisdom.
  • Sex on the Beach - Made with pineapple and seasonal peach, this drink is definitely a spell for something.
  • Risotto Bolognese - Incorporating seasonal tomatoes, this hearty rice dish calls in prosperity.
  • - Also known as sunshine soup, it's perfect for Midsummer.
  • - Made with chicken, chilies, and corn.
  • Lemon Risotto - Lemons are corresponded to the moon, but the sure feel like sunshine to me.
  • - Made with just a few ingredients, these are perfect for soup dipping.
  • Gammon Steaks with Pineapple Salsa - There's also jalapeno and fresh mint to add to the summer flavor. Cook your gammon steak on the grill outside if it's too hot to cook indoors.
  • Cheddar Corn Soup - There's a hint of fire energy from chili-infused cheese.
  • Nutella Cheesecake Parfaits - An indulgent no-bake dessert with the wisdom of hazelnuts.
  • Chicken Corn Chowder - A hearty soup that is easily a meal all on its own.
  • Hawaiian Bread Pudding - With pineapple and coconut, it will give you those tropical vibes.

Abundant fruits and berries

Trees and bushes are bursting with fertility and tempting us with their beautiful fruits and berries. Make the most of what the earth has to offer with these recipes.

  • Strawberry Soju Slushie - Nothing says party like grinding up a bunch of fresh berries and mixing them with booze.
  • Jam Tarts - If you've harvested too much fruit, make a quick jam for these beautiful tarts.
  • Blueberry Jam Muffins - Can't get your hands on fresh berries? No worries.
  • - Work with water energy by infusing it with fruit and herbs.
  • Strawberry Banana Smoothie - Both fruits carry powerful fertility energy, plus the color is gorgeous.
  • Raspberry Cooler - This bright red co*cktail is sweet and refreshing.
  • - The sweet and tangy fruit cuts through the richness of the brie beautifully.
  • Raspberry Margarita - It's not summer until you've had a fruity marg.
  • - Made on brioche, this is a real treat.
  • Homemade Blueberry Muffins - It's a classic because it's awesome.
  • Cherry Berry co*cktail - This gorgeous red co*cktail is bursting with fertility energy.
  • Italian Cream Sodas - Create all the colors of the rainbow with your favorite flavors.
  • - Pack your glass with fresh fruit and herbs.

Seasonal fresh vegetables

So I may not be the biggest fan of vegetables, but they definitely deserve to be celebrated at the height of their season. You'll get extra energy from anything you grow yourself, but it's certainly not required. Maybe this is the year you take yourself to the farmer's market and get to know your local growers.

  • Vegetarian Jalapeno Poppers - Fill spicy peppers with seasoned cheese to create something awesome.
  • Mexican Spinach Dip - This gooey dip feels super summery.
  • - This semi-homemade recipe is an easy weeknight dinner.
  • - It's all made in one pan for easy clean up.
  • - It's crispy and full of flavor.
  • - A quick and easy vegetarian dish with plenty of spices.
  • - They're great for soup dipping, but I also just sneak into the kitchen and snack on them warm with salted butter.
  • - A light and breezy dish for any time of day, it's also covered in herby breadcrumbs.
  • - With a jammy egg for added fertility energy.
  • Creamy Garlic Spinach Dip - Use fresh spinach and garlic for ultimate flavor.
  • Mexican Lasagna - Layers upon layers of fresh veggies and cheese.
  • Jalapeno Hush Puppies - Combine the sun energy of corn with seasonal jalapenos for something outrageously awesome.
  • - Eat them any time of day for a veggie snack.
  • Dill Potato Salad - A classic with fresh summer herbs and seasonal new potatoes.

Cinnamon

This fiery spice is ruled by the sun. Even though I often associate cinnamon with autumnal foods, I'm happy to eat it at the height of summer as well. It calls in prosperity, blesses the home, and is beautiful for love magic.

  • Chocolate Cinnamon Cake - This delicate loaf cake is loaded with cinnamon energy.
  • Chaitini - A lovely little co*cktail full of prosperity spices.
  • Double Glazed Chai Spice Muffins - A portable cake filled with fire energy.
  • Hint of Cinnamon Chocolate Cake - This layer cake starts with a box mix and has a surprise ingredient.
  • Cinnamon Pull Apart Cake with Lemon Glaze - A unique cake made with yeasted dough.
  • Snickerdoodle Cookies - A classic cookie covered in cinnamon energy.
  • Cinnamon Whole Wheat Pancakes with Brown Butter Blackberry Syrup - Incorporate seasonal berries for added fertility energy.
  • Spiced Sparkling Cider - This golden co*cktail is made with spiced syrup, perfect for a celebration.
  • Snickerdoodle Cupcakes - Your favorite cinnamon cookie transformed into a beautiful buttery cupcake.
  • Spice Cupcakes with Maple Frosting - Add the many magical properties of maple to your cupcakes.
  • Homemade Churros with Chocolate Sauce - You don't have to wait for the county fair for this awesome treat.
  • Baked Sweet Potato Brulee - Roast them in the oven or in the embers of your Litha bonfire.
  • Homemade Cinnamon Rolls - Honor the sacred spiral of life with this most delicious treat.

Cooking with fire

Make use of your bonfire if you can, or just fire up your backyard grill or even your kitchen torch to bring some flames to the party.

  • - This is my favorite burger creation with spicy chili jam.
  • Jalapeno Cream Cheese Stuffed Burgers - This one's got spicy cream cheese hidden in the center of the burger.
  • Grilled Potato Foil Packets with Lemon Dill Creme Fraiche - Incorporate fresh summer herbs in this delicious side.
  • Cuban Burgers - Wrapped in foil and smashed with a brick, this burger invokes sunny Cuban climes.
  • - A campfire breakfast feast.
  • Grilled Chicken Skewers with Chili Mint Yogurt - Incorporate fresh mint and seasonal chilies.
  • Basic Burgers - Learn to make a really great burger and you'll eat well for life.
  • Spicy Southwest Burgers - This spicy burger incorporates seasonal veg.
  • Flame Burger - Okay I really love cheeseburgers. This one is for spice lovers.
  • S'mores Brownies - Less messy and more delicious than the real thing.
  • Classic Creme Brulee - What's more fun than a dessert you get to set on fire.
  • BBQ Pork Burger - This one is simple and oh so delicious.

Honor the flowers with honey

Buzzing bees are a sure sign of an abundant summer. They really need all our love and attention, so check to make sure your honey is sustainably sourced. You could also incorporate edible flowers themselves or infuse your food with flavors like lavender and rose.

  • Rose Quartz co*cktail - A beautiful spell for all types of love, but especially self-love.
  • Whipped Feta on Toast - Top with honey, fresh herbs, berries, or any other beautiful fresh foods you love.
  • Spiced Honey Vodka - Also contains cinnamon for a punch of sun energy.
  • - Use an herb goat cheese for extra flavor and magic.
  • Fiery Halloumi Salad - Make your own sweet chili sauce with fresh red chilies and honey.
  • Lavender Cake - This simple loaf cake is infused with calm.
  • Crispy Honey Chicken - Chinese takeout at home full of fiery flower power.
  • Honey Whole Wheat Pancakes - Make breakfast magical and call on the abundance energy of wheat.

I hope you have the most beautiful Litha feast. You deserve it. If you make one of these recipes to celebrate Litha, I’d love to see it. Share your photos onInstagram, and hashtag them #awesomeon20.

And be sure to check myKitchen Magickpage for specific correspondences of various ingredients.

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Recipes to Celebrate Litha - Awesome on 20 (2024)

FAQs

How do you celebrate Litha? ›

Bonfires and Fire Ceremonies

Fire holds a significant role during Litha, symbolizing purification, transformation, and the height of solar energy. Traditional bonfires are lit, and people gather around them to celebrate.

What do you eat on the Summer Solstice? ›

Other celebratory foods might have included fruits like lemons, oranges, mangoes, peaches, or nectarines and vegetables like yellow squash, corn, and heirloom tomatoes. Honey was also a popular ingredient in Pagan customs - especially when used in the making of mead, a honeyed alcoholic beverage.

What do pagans do to celebrate the Summer Solstice? ›

Most ancient cultures celebrated the summer solstice in some way. The Celts celebrated Litha with hilltop bonfires and dancing. Many people attempted to jump over or through the bonfires for good luck. Other European traditions included setting large wheels on fire, and rolling them down a hill into a body of water.

Are Litha and Summer Solstice the same thing? ›

The Summer Solstice arrives on the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Solstice happens twice each year – in Winter near December 21 and in summer near June 21. The festival is sometimes called “l*tha,” which means light. “Solstice” means sun stand.

How do you celebrate summer solstice on your own? ›

Use the following list to spark your own solstice ritual.
  1. Plan a scavenger hunt. ...
  2. Eat outside and tune into nature. ...
  3. Greet the sun with a family sun salutation. ...
  4. Start summer resolutions. ...
  5. Stay up late and stargaze. ...
  6. Involve water in your ritual. ...
  7. Get your hands dirty and embrace the earth. ...
  8. Bury negatives.

What color candles for summer solstice? ›

Decorate it with all things that represent the energy of summer. This could include gold, yellow or orange candles (I like to use natural beeswax candle which you can find here), crystals such as citrine, honey calcite, yellow calcite, sunstone, pyrite or tiger's eye.

What do you eat on the solstice celebration? ›

Use fruits like apples, pomegranates and citrus to add sparkle. Don't forget the dried fruits— cranberries, blueberries and figs are indispensable. Walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and pistachios lend a crunch.

What does Litha mean? ›

occurs on the summer solstice and celebrates the. beginning of summer.

What is the difference between Litha and Beltane? ›

Beltane celebrations include dancing around the Maypole, wearing wreaths or crowns of flowers, the crowning of a May Queen, and the lighting of bonfires. Litha, celebrated at the summer solstice, marks when the sun is at its maximum power and the longest day of the year.

How long does Litha last? ›

A lesser known Wheel of the Year celebration, Litha occurs during the Summer Solstice between June 19 -22. More commonly referred to as Midsummer's Night, Litha is believed to be a time when faerie folk pass into the human world at Twilight and offer blessings.

Why is the summer solstice powerful? ›

It's often said to be a time of new beginnings; with the changing of the seasons, we say goodbye to a long, stagnant period of self-reflection and welcome the fiery energy of the sun to propel us forward. This very physical changing of the seasons is a powerful time to manifest spiritual transformations.

What are the symbols of Litha? ›

The symbols of Litha are the sun, roses, sunflowers, honeybees, lightning bugs, sand and water. The colors of this holiday include yellow, green, gold and red.

Who is the goddess of the summer solstice? ›

Aine is the Celtic Goddess of Midsummer and Queen of the Faeries. Honored during a Midsummer celebration, she is associated with summer, love, protection, fertility, wealth, and sovereignty.

How do you celebrate the summer solstice spiritually? ›

Rituals for the summer solstice, according to an astrologer
  1. Get energized with yoga. Honor the sun by doing salutations in the morning at sunrise and in the evening at sunset. ...
  2. Take a walk. It's simple! ...
  3. Go swimming. ...
  4. Light a candle. ...
  5. Be social. ...
  6. Meditate. ...
  7. Write a letter. ...
  8. Tend to your garden.
Jun 21, 2023

How did people celebrate summer solstice? ›

Origins of the summer solstice

It was typically marked by Celtic, Slavic and Germanic people by lighting bonfires, intended to boost the sun's strength for the remainder of the crop season and ensure a healthy harvest.

How should I celebrate the solstice? ›

Here are some customary ways to celebrate the solstice—you might notice that some resemble beloved Christmas traditions.
  1. Build a Yule Altar. ...
  2. Make an Evergreen Yule Wreath. ...
  3. Burn a Yule Log. ...
  4. Decorate a Yule Tree. ...
  5. Exchange Nature-Based Gifts. ...
  6. Give Back to Nature. ...
  7. Celebrate in Candlelight. ...
  8. Set up a Meditation Space.
Dec 19, 2023

How do Native Americans celebrate the summer solstice? ›

According to the Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, the Sun Dance was the most important ceremony to almost all Plains tribes, practiced around the summer solstice. “They didn't understand that the sun is a relative and illuminates our path on this earth.”

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