Winter Solstice has an interesting history

The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is the beginning of astronomical winter. The term "solstice" means "sun stands still." This day has been a holiday since ancient times and many cultures developed traditions to observe the day.

Winter solstice celebrations date back to the Neolithic period. The Neolithic period began around 10,200 B.C. Early evidence of winter solstice observations to name a few are found at Newgrange, Ireland; Stonehenge, Southern England; and the Temple of Karnak, Egypt. At Newgrange the monument is aligned with the winter solstice sunrise where the carvings inside the chamber are illuminated for 17 minutes. The Stonehenge circle of stones is aligned with the winter solstice sunset. Winter solstice is one of the few times during the year when the public is allowed to enter the circle. The Temple of Karnack was built more than 4000 years ago and aligns with the winter solstice.

According to history.com, ancient humans saw the shortening of the days and were terrified that one day there would be no more daylight left. They developed celebrations to entice the sun to come back. Since ancient cultures were rooted in agriculture, the winter solstice marked the time of year when farmers harvested their herds to avoid feeding them over the winter. Their families also harvested many of the herbs and dried grains and fruits to last through the long winter. Many feast traditions accompanied this work.

The winter solstice is very interesting to study and short descriptions of a few of the traditions and celebrations follow:

Roman Holidays: The romans held several celebrations around this time of year. Saturnalia, a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, was a weeklong celebration in the days leading up to the winter solstice. The observance was hedonistic and famous for the food and plentiful drink. Another feast at this time of year was Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. On Dec. 25, the birthday of Mithra was commemorated. This holiday was later blended with Sol Invictus, god of the “unconquered sun.”

Yule: An ancient Scandinavian celebration was Yule. The return of the sun was recognized by the burning of the Yule log. Large logs would be set on fire at one end. The people would feast until the log burned out. The feast might last as long as 12 days.

The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new piglet or calf that would be born during the coming year.

St. Lucia’s Day: Another Scandinavian festival honors St. Lucia, an early Christian martyr. Many Norsemen converted to Crristianity around 1000 A.D. To off set the longest night of the year, girls in Scandinavia wear white dresses with red sashes and wreaths of candles on their heads. Lucia carried forbidden food to imprisoned Christians and used this method to light her way.

Native American Traditions: The Zuni regard the winter solstice as the beginning of the year. It is marked with a ceremonial dance called Shalako. The Pekwin, or “Sun Priest” traditionally announces the exact moment of itiwanna, the rebirth of the sun, with a long, mournful call. Four days of dancing ensue. New dancers are chosen for the following year and the yearly cycle begins. The Hopi have a similar ritual. Soyal, the Sun Chief takes on the duties of the Zuni Pekwin, announcing the setting of the sun on the solstice. An all-night ceremony then begins. The Hopi sun-watcher is not only important to the winter solstice tradition, but his observation of the sun also governed the planting of crops.

There are interesting historical facts about the winter solstice. One of the little known facts strikes one as odd. The Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth on the winter solstice of 1620. It is now wonder that they found it difficult to survive until the astronomical spring of the March equinox. Take a few moments and read a little about this interesting holiday.

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