????The Winter Solstice: Science and Celebration????
The winter solstice is one of my favorite times of the year, as a precursor to well-spent family time and the prospect of a fresh New Year on the horizon. It is the shortest day of the year, for us in the Northern Hemisphere; we will have a little more daylight each day, until June 21st.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Winter officially arrives on Monday, December 21st in the northern hemisphere. Shadows will be at their longest, as will the night be at sundown. While the significance of the winter solstice now is primarily scientific, there is a larger history behind it filled with celebration, sacrifice and praise. Whether from the great Roman Empire or the valleys of Peru, you will find a ritual surrounding the winter solstice.
The Science behind the Winter Solstice
Every year on December 21st in the northern hemisphere of the planet, our sun aligns with the Tropic of Capricorn and provides half of the earth with the shortest day and longest night, the winter solstice. Conversely, the experience in the southern hemisphere, when the sun aligns with the Tropic of Capricorn, is that of the longest day and shortest night, known as the summer solstice. The summer solstice in the northern hemisphere is recognized on June 21st. On the 21st of December, we see the latest dawn and the earliest dusk, while those in the southern hemisphere see the earliest dawn and the latest dusk. This happens because the northern pole of the earth tilts the farthest from the sun.
The History and Ancient Celebrations
behind the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice has been observed as far back as the Neolithic Period, beginning almost 12,000 years ago. There are ancient stone formations built to align with the sun on the winter solstice, such as Newgrange in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland. In fact, Newgrange happens to be older than Stonehenge, which is believed to be associated with the summer solstice, prompting celebration for the coming of light and harvest as the days would begin to grow longer. Below are a few examples of the celebrations carried on by ancient folks to honor the winter solstice.
Saturnalia
The Roman celebration of Saturnalia honors Saturn, the god of agriculture. The seven day celebration leading to the shortest day – the winter solstice – included decorative trees, feasts, and temporary freedom and status for slaves and lower class citizens. This is the famous holiday that has left an influence on Christmas. From this Roman celebration we have the Christmas tree, decorated with sparkling decor to celebrate the coming light.
Pixabay
The Feast Yule
The Scandinavian holiday of the returning light and sun, after the winter solstice, was celebrated with the burning of large logs, known now as Yule logs, and feasts that lasted almost as long as the Yule log. Some cultures never let the Yule fire burn completely, while in some countries, such as Germany and France, the ashes of the Yule log would be used in charms or to fertilize fields.
Inti Raymi
The Incans, in the southern hemisphere, do not celebrate winter solstice until June, but that does not stop them from having very similar traditions as many cultures in the northern hemisphere. Named after the Incan sun god, the celebration begins at dawn as the community kneels to watch the sunrise. Offerings of beer and animal sacrifices were made to the sun, and a mirror was used to start a fire. While the Spanish Conquistadors eventually raided and banned the celebration of the holiday, the 20th century saw the revival of some of those traditions that continue today.
Shab-e Yalda
This Iranian tradition sprouted from the Ancient Zoroastrians. Translating to the night of birth, this celebration is also a ceremony to protect people on the longest night from evil spirits. The tradition includes gatherings, fires to repel the darkness, and making wishes while feasting with friends and family. Summer fruits such as watermelon and pomegranate were traditionally eaten, as it was believed consuming summer fruits during the winter protected from illness.
Toji
This Japanese celebration of the solstice is a sacred practice for farmers. The people light large bonfires of the top of Mount Fuji to coax the sun out of hiding. It is tradition to eat kabocha squash for good luck, likely because it was one of the only crops available at the time, and to bath in yuza, a citrus fruit used for various physical and spiritual cleanses. Fun Fact: Capybaras love yuzu baths as well!
Solstice Folklore Articles:
https://www.farmersalmanac.com/winter-solstice-first-day-winter
https://www.treehugger.com/things-know-about-winter-solstice-4863172
https://www.britannica.com/list/7-winter-solstice-celebrations-from-around-the-world
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/did-romans-invent-christmas
https://www.history.com/news/8-winter-solstice-celebrations-around-the-world
https://www.rd.com/list/winter-solstice-traditions/
Originally posted in December 2020 by Maddie Frias/Dori Duff.
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