Summer Solstice/Midsummer
The Celts and Slavs celebrated the first day of summer with dancing and bonfires in order to increase the sun's energy. The Chinese honored Li, the goddess of light. The Druids celebrated the day as " the wedding of heaven and earth". Ancient pagan couples would jump through the flames of bonfires for good luck. It was thought the crops would grow as high as the couples jumped. Some people believed that mid summer plants had miraculous healing powers and would pick them on this night. Evil spirits were thought to roam during this night. In ancient times the Irish would cut hazel branches during the solstice to use to search for gold, water, and jewels.
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