In ancient Rome, people celebrated Saturnalia, a weeklong party honoring the god of agriculture.
The winter solstice, aka the shortest day of the year and the longest night, is considered a time of renewal and has been celebrated for centuries across the globe and in many cultures throughout history. The winter solstice is again approaching fast, occurring on Sunday, December 21 this year at 10:03 a.m. (EST).
Maybe you have heard of places like Stonehenge or Newgrange where ancient structures or megaliths line up exactly with solstice sunrises and sunsets, leading many to believe these structures were designed by earlier civilizations with a nod to the significance of agriculture practices. During the winter solstice, the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest from the sun, causing the longest night and shortest day to happen, all faithfully recorded by ancient structures like Stonehenge. Archeologists have discovered alike structures in civilizations dating all the way back to the Neolithic period.
After the winter solstice, each day continues to grow longer and longer in terms of sunlight. This trend continues until the summer solstice, which is the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.
Important to many cultures, the changing of the seasons have always been highly regarded by Druids and those who practice the Wiccan religion, as well as in many others around the world.
Druids and the Winter Solstice
For Druids, the winter solstice is also referred to as Alban Arthan. Which is a significant festival for Druids and symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and its return of light to the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, this holiday is traditionally celebrated by Druids on the 21st or 22nd of December. Druids pay homage to this season through practicing candlelight evenings they believe bring them in tune with the Earth’s rhythm. Additionally, Druids celebrate the Hearth Ritual which places emphasis on preparing the home for the coming new year.
Witches and the Winter Solstice
Practitioners of Wicca, or witches, celebrate the winter solstice in many ways that glorify nature. One way Wiccans do this is through lighting a Yule log that is lit in welcome to the return of the sun. They may also decorate the Yule tree with symbols and pieces from nature, as well as invite friends and family over for a big meal. Like Druids, Wiccans also practice rituals involving candles that are designed to honor nature cycles and represent hopes and goals for the new year.
History Celebrates
In ancient Rome, people celebrated Saturnalia, a weeklong party honoring the god of agriculture. Romans celebrated this holiday by eating a lot and giving gifts.
Northern Europeans hold an ancient festival they call Yule, which also involves lighting fires and grossly overeating as a way of welcoming the return of the sun and its resultant longer days.
In China, the Chinese also honor the sun with a celebration called Dong Zhi, or Winter Arrives. Dong Zhi is celebrated by large family gatherings and more overeating.
Native Americans also have traditions respecting the winter blessing of longer days to enjoy the cold. The Hopi and Zuni tribes perform rituals called Soyal to lock in another year’s good harvest.
Still today, the winter solstice retains a background of history, mystery, and tradition. It continues to symbolize a period of renewal and reflection.