This is the night when spirits and people are at their closest. It is the official end of Summer and the beginning of Winter. It is a night of mischief.
This is the longest night of the year. It is a time for present giving, festivities, rejoicing, decorating the house and putting up a tree to celebrate the enduring life force.
As the sun becomes visible in the sky again, candles are lit to hasten its journey and also depict symbols of our own reawakening. It is a time for turning inward to clear the way for personal spiritual rebirth.
The length of day and night are now equal and spring begins to quicken the revived growth of plants and trees. New-born animals emerge to explore the world.
The weather becomes warmer and the plants blossom. This is the time when people dance around the may-pole. This is said to be a magical time of great power.
On this, the longest day of the year, light and life are plentiful. It is a time to look outwards, experience the joys of plenty and celebrate the fullness of the season.
It is the feast of loaves at which the first grain harvest is consumed at a ritual meal and is also the time of the fire festival.
This is the only other time of year when the day and night become equal. Harvest festivals are held to give thanks for the crops and produce which the earth has provided.