Winter solstice is the official start of a new season. It is also marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. This year, winter solstice occurs tonight at 10:27 p.m. (ET). Subsequently, it is the exact moment the Earth reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun.
People will decorate Evergreen boughs, trees, or wreaths to add seasonal glamour to their homes. Some will light homemade candles infused with herbs associated with the sun. For example, marigold, St. John’s Wort, frankincense. They may even use gently-warmed oil infused with fresh evergreens like cedar, pine, or juniper and drip some in a winter solstice bath.
Longest Night
The Northern Hemisphere of the Earth will see a variation in the hours of daylight they will see on December 21. In the United States, they will have roughly nine to 10 hours of daylight. However, those living in parts of Europe will have less than nine hours of sunlight.
Typically, winter solstice occurs on December 21 or the 22nd. However, it can happen as early as December 20 or as late as the 23rd. Why? Because the calendars people use to keep track of the days is not an exact match for the solar year, according to the Weather Channel.
Furthermore, when the longest night ends, daylight begins to last longer and longer. The longest day of the year occurs six months after winter solstices for Northern Hemisphere residents. Subsequently, those living in the Southern Hemisphere will have their winter solstice in June when they are the farthest away from the sun.
History of Winter Solstice Celebrations
There is a long history of people celebrating winter solstice around the world. Furthermore, people may have begun observing winter solstice as early as the Neolithic period, around 10,200 B.C. It was also the last part of what is known as the Stone Age.
Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on winter solstice. Moreover, many cultures around the world will hold feasts as they celebrate the longest night of the year.
Furthermore, the ancient Norsemen of Scandinavia celebrated Yule from winter solstice to January. During this time, sons and fathers would bring in large logs to burn as they feast. The Yule log would be set aflame at one end. As the flame burns through to the other end people would feast. It could take as many as 12 days for the log to burn out.
Traditions Held during Winter Solstice
In Scandinavia, they celebrate Saint Lucia’s Day in honor of one of the earliest Christian martyrs. This tradition easily blended with winter solstice because of many similar symbolic meanings. Such as lighting fires to scare away spirits during the longest night of the year. Furthermore, Scandinavian girls will wear white dresses with red sashes while adorning their heads with wreaths of candles. The ensemble pays homage to the candles Lucia wore on her head when she visited imprisoned Christians.
Additionally, the Chinese celebrate winter solstice with Dongzhi which means “Winter Arrives.” Originally, Dongzhi was celebrated by fisherman and farmers as an end-of-harvest festival. Its origins can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of harmony and balance in the cosmos. A couple of traditional foods made during winter solstice in China are tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) and dumplings (plain or meat-stuffed).
Other Traditions Around the World
- Toji is celebrated in Japan. It is a winter solstice tradition centered on starting the new year with health and good luck. Furthermore it is a sacred time of the year for farmers. People will light bonfires to encourage the sun to return. Huge bonfires are lit on Mount Fuji on December 22 every year.
- In Iran they celebrate Shab-e Yalda (Yalda night) which means “Night of Birth.” It is a festival celebrating the longest, darkest night of the year. “Iranians all over the world celebrate the triumph of the sun god Mithra over darkness,” according to History. To protect one another from evil, people gather together, light fires to illuminate their way through the darkness, and perform charitable acts. During this winter solstice tradition, friends and family make wishes, feast on nuts, pomegranates, and other festive foods.
- In America, winter solstice signifies the beginning of the year for Indigenous people. The Zuni mark the winter solstice with a ceremonial dance called Shalako. Several days prior to the solstice, the Pekwin (Sun Priest) fasts, prays, and observes the sun rise and set. Then, at the exact moment of itiwanna (rebirth of the sun), the Pekwin lets out a long, mournful call. The Hopi celebrate winter solstice in a similar manner only they have a Sun Chief who does the duties of the Zuni Pekwin.
Celebrating the New Season
Furthermore, some celebrate the new season with winter solstice parades, festivities, and gift giving. Some people travel to Stonehenge and watch the sun set to the southwest of the stone circle in celebration of winter solstice.
Additionally, people will go to Stonehenge to also celebrate the summer solstice. This year there were roughly 8,000 individuals who attended the summer solstice festivities. Furthermore, the event was livestreamed and had over 145,000 people watching. Moreover, the English Heritage Charity stated they will be live streaming the winter solstice celebration. The English Heritage Charity is the group that cares for historical sites in England.
Winter solstice may mark the longest, darkest night of the year, it also signifies brighter days are in the nearby future. Moreover, the veil between the spiritual and physical world is thinner during the solstice. Thus, allowing people to feel as if they are transporting through time. So whether you light a Yule log, feast on food, or burn Frankincense, pay homage to ancestors or those who lasting impact, winter solstice is a time for rebirth.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CBS News: Photos show winter solstice traditions around the world as celebrations mark 2023’s shortest day
NPR: It’s the winter solstice. Here are 5 ways people celebrate the return of light
History: Winter Solstice
Teen Vogue: Winter Solstice 2023: Rituals For the Shortest Day of the Year
Featured Image Courtesy of Jon Bunting‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Transition Heathrow’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Liga Eglite‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
