The shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere will be on December 21, 2023. This day is known as the Winter Solstice, and it marks the beginning of the lengthening days.
The Winter Solstice occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted furthest away from the sun. This means that the Northern Hemisphere receives less sunlight, and the days are shorter. After the Winter Solstice, the days begin to get longer again.
The Winter Solstice is a time of celebration for many cultures. It is a time to mark the return of the sun, the lengthening of the days, and the hope that comes after darkness. In some cultures, the Winter Solstice is a time to honor the gods of the sun. In others, it is a time to celebrate the changing seasons. And more so in modern times, it is a time to simply gather with family and friends and enjoy the winter weather.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the Winter Solstice, it is a time to reflect on the darkness of winter and the hope of the coming spring. It is a time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the gift of life.
As the cold creeps in and the night draws near, let us recall that after this, the longest night of the year, the light will return, the wheel will turn, and the earth will soon see spring again.
Winter Solstice in History & What it Means
Prior to the 16th century, wintertime famine was a regular occurrence in Europe. Most cattle were slaughtered during this period so that they would not have to be fed during the winter. The feed was instead used to feed the farmers and people. This is the reason why many of the celebrations that take place during this time of year center around feasting and merriment, as meat was plentiful.
Winter Solstice celebrations featured rituals of light and fire to counteract winter's gloomy atmosphere and acknowledge brighter days ahead. Ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Chinese customs celebrated the Sun's rebirth or the triumph of light over darkness. Winter festivals were also common in Greece and Rome.
On December 17, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a week-long party in honor of the god Saturn. Feasting and gift-giving were part of the festivities, but to honor the agricultural god, they also decorated with greenery and hung tin ornaments on bushes and trees.
The Winter Solstice is a significant component of Yule, but it is also celebrated independently based on cultural and religious beliefs.
Yule is the time when the “dark half” of the year ends and the “light half” begins. In pre-Christian Scandinavia, the Feast of Juul, or Yule, was a 12-day celebration of the rebirth of the sun. Feasts, caroling, drinking, and dancing are common Yule traditions. The burning of the Yule Log was thought to ward off evil spirits.
One of Odin’s many names is Jolnir, which means Yule One. People used to stay indoors because it was said that Odin would ride through the night with The Wild Hunt to collect the souls of the dead and no one wanted to be accidentally abducted. In honor of Freyr, the god of harvest and fertility, the Yule Boar was eaten. Odin and his aspects of death and transition are honored at this time, as is Freyr with the envisionment of a new year of growth and promise.
Many current Christmas customs are rooted in the ancient holiday of Yule and other early celebrations of the Winter Solstice. Even many Christians observe these customs, such as burning the Yule log, decorating trees, and singing carols, which can be traced back to Norse traditions. We can assume that through the years and years and years of celebrations combining and morphing, we ended up with the more well-known modern celebrations of Christmas. Even Hannakah is celebrated as a festival of light.
How to Celebrate This Winter
Regardless of the name, the Winter Solstice is a time for joy, hope, peace, and new beginnings. It is a time for people of all backgrounds to gather with family and loved ones. While most modern Yule celebrations are rooted in Paganism, the Winter Solstice has been celebrated in some form by nearly all cultures and faiths.
The return of the Sun can be used to transform our life for the better. Celebrate what brings us joy, no matter what that may be. It is also a time to acknowledge hardships and either adjust to them or let them go. This is an excellent time to release negative energies and self-limiting beliefs.
Capricorn Season begins around this time. It brings with it patience, discipline, and determination. We can begin directing these energies in a constructive way and use that power to keep our sights on our purpose.
The upcoming year is a perfect time to manifest our desires. Create a plan of action for what we want to achieve in the year ahead. Setting boundaries will help us to create space for enjoyment and a positive outlook on the future. Be bold, get organized, and make things happen! Embrace joy and gratitude.
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