Celebrate the Winter Solstice

By Alexis Pencar

The Winter Solstice is an annual seasonal and astronomical event that marks the beginning of Winter and more. Significant in many cultures today and tied to most ancient cultures, the Winter Solstice is one of four seasonal shifts throughout the year.

On this Saturday December 21st, the Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year, with the northern hemisphere farthest from our sun providing the least amount of sunlight. When the sun reaches this most southern position, it is located above the Tropic of Capricorn, 23.43 degrees south of the Equator.

This phenomenon happens around December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, and June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. The solstice is an occurrence that happens in a few moments, rather than the whole day as most think of it. Each day after this, the days begin to draw longer, heading into inevitable Spring.

Directly related to ancient celebrations for renewal and hope in December, the Winter Solstice is most closely associated with the Pagan celebration of Saturnalia, which was, according to History, an “ancient Roman solstice celebration dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture and time, with a party stretching from December 17 to 24,” This was popular until the shift to Christianity in the fourth century AD with Christmas being officially set on December 25th by Pope Julian.

Similar ancient Winter Solstice celebrations that are still recognized worldwide today are in Ireland where the winter solstice sunrise illuminates the inner chamber of the prehistoric monument - Newgrange. In Scandinavia, the burning of a Yule Log symbolizes the return of light and warmth. With other celebrations included: St. Lucia’s Day in Scandinavia, Dong Zhi in China, Shab-e Yalda in Iran, Shalako for Zuni of Western New Mexico, Soyal for Hopi of Northern Arizona, and Toji in Japan.

Historical sites all over the world, like Stonehenge in England, capture the sunset on the Winter Solstice within the structure itself, at the same time each solar year. With additional similarities of structures like this from cultures and time periods all over the world, it has been discovered that ancient people placed significance on this Winter Solstice and had a better understanding and awareness of astronomy than previously thought.

Whether scientific or naturally based, the Winter Solstice still serves as a reminder of the cyclical cycle of nature and the steady march of time. Though the days may be long and dark, we can experience the same sense of renewal and hope our ancestors celebrated so long ago.

With a shift towards light and abundance, celebrate the Winter Solstice by spending time in nature, making a fire, lighting candles, creating a wreath, hanging holly, sharing a meal with family, or even reflecting on your year past, this Saturday, December 21st! Happy Winter Solstice!