Ancient Winter Solstice Celebrations
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year - and some even argue that it's the coldest - but why is that? And what exactly does the winter solstice represent?
On or about December 21st or 22nd, there is an exact moment when half of the Earth is tilted farther away from the sun than it is during its entire yearly orbit. With less sunlight reaching the Earth, the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year. While some people believe that it is the coldest day of the year, it is important to note that there is a difference between a season and a solstice. Typically, the coldest temperatures will not peak until January, depending on where you live. Scientists and meteorologists base the first day of winter off temperature, so the winter season is the meteorological first day of winter, while the solstice is the astronomical first day.
The winter solstice is not merely marked by the cold and dark; it signifies brighter days ahead. All around the world and throughout history, cultures celebrate the winter solstice because the days that follow will be longer and filled with more daylight. Here's a closer look at some of the world's most noteworthy winter solstice traditions, past and present:
Pagan Winter Solstice
The Pagan celebration of the winter solstice is one of the oldest known in the world. In ancient times, the lives of Northern Europeans revolved around the seasons and weather, or in other words, the sun. They believed the sun to be a wheel that changed the seasons, and it is believed, according to Norse mythology, that the word 'houl' for wheel is where 'yule' came from. Today's festive tradition of decorating the Yule (Christmas) tree comes from the pagan solstice.
Northern Europeans would make sacrifices to the gods for crops, light bonfires, slaughter cattle, and drink wine and ale as the last celebration before the winter officially began.
Druid & Celtic Winter Solstice
Before Christianity came about, Celtic priests would cut mistletoe from oak trees to give as a blessing. To the Celtics and Druids, oak trees were sacred, and the mistletoe symbolized life in winter months. The Druids and Druidic priests maintained the tradition of lighting the Yule log to banish evil spirits and bring good luck. They kept it lit for twelve days, the time which they believed the sun stood still in winter.
Ancient Roman Winter Solstice
The ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agricultural bounty, which ran for a week starting December 17th. To the Romans, winter solstice marked the rebirth of the year, so it was a time where they disregarded social norms and rules and closed down the city so everyone could celebrate. Peasants commanded the city, men dressed as women, and masters as servants who served their slaves. During Saturnalia, they lit candles in honor of the pagan bonfire traditions, gave gifts of imitation fruit, held processions, and decorated houses with greenery.
After some time, Saturnalia became impossible to sustain and Pagan traditions evolved, but as Christianity also grew, the religion absorbed many of the same ancient customs we still follow today. These old winter solstice traditions that celebrated the sun's return influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Hanukkah and Christmas.
Yet, just as meteorologists noted the difference between a season and a solstice, these ancient traditions and cultures help us remember there is still a crucial distinction between a solstice and Christmas. Today the winter solstice is still celebrated worldwide, from Soyal, a solstice celebration of Zuni and Hopi Indians in Northern Arizona, to Dong Zhi, a festival in China marked by family time, reflection of the year behind them, and enjoyment of the fruits of their labor.
In Scandinavia, St. Lucia's day is a festival of lights. This festival that now honors the Christian martyr, St. Lucia, incorporates early Norse solstice traditions, such as the lighting of fires to ward off spirits during the longest, darkest night.
While you might not get a chance to travel for a festival this year, in honor of the winter solstice, you can always walk outside at noon that day and look at your shadow. Once the North Pole is tilted away from the sun, you will cast the longest shadow you have all year.
Regardless of your physical environment or whether you choose to honor the winter solstice this year, you might be experiencing a general disconnect to the seasons and nature. Those that foster and maintain a deeper connection with the earth and nature typically feel more calm, happy, grounded, and present.
What you'll need to host your own winter solstice celebration at home:
Winter herbs such as cinnamon, sage, rosemary, hawthorn, thyme, cedar, pine, and mistletoe.
Crystals like amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, and clear quartz.
Candle or bonfire to represent light.
A notebook or a piece of paper to write down reflections and set intentions for the year ahead.
Herbs for the Winter Solstice
We look to herbs for their comfort and relaxing properties during the Winter Solstice. Winter is a time of rest and reflection, but in today's world, it is often filled with stress from the holiday season and end-of-year deadlines. Including herbs in our winter routines is a beautiful way to reconnect with nature while assisting our bodies and minds to rest.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.): Cinnamon is a holiday classic, but do you know why it's so popular this time of year? Cinnamon was commonly used as a protective herb in Yule tradition to defend the home and provide good luck, as well as to represent fire and light.
Cinnamon is a herb that is drying, hot, and stimulating. It is frequently used to stop bleeding and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon can be a good carminative in modest amounts, but too much may induce intestinal irritation.
Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis): This time of year, bay leaves are a popular cooking herb. Today, we utilize them to enhance the aroma and flavor of our meals; however, this herbal ally was previously used for manifestation rituals and winter solstice ceremonies.
Bay leaf has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities and is an excellent digestive aid, decreasing bloating and gas.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.): Hawthorn is indicated for the emotional and physical heart, helping to open the heart to forgiveness and healing. An ideal herb to use during this period of reflection. Its medicinal uses include diuretic, cardioprotective, trophorestorative, and anti-inflammatory.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): The solstice represents the slow return of light; rosemary is a warming aromatic herb, often associated with the sun. As an essential oil, its nervine properties help to clear the mind and uplift the spirit.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme is an ally we should all have in our pantry is an excellent antimicrobial that is full of vitamin C. It is especially useful in the winter when respiratory tract infections are common.
Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage is a popular kitchen herb; its carminative properties help to ease gas and burping. It is also commonly used in many ceremonies as a cleansing herb.
Crystals for Winter Solstice Celebrations and Rituals
Many people may be feeling cooped up and restless as we approach the winter solstice - crystals are fantastic partners that can help us shift our energy in a more positive direction.
Amethyst is one of our favorite crystals at herbs & owls; it brings courage, inner force, and alignment.
Citrine brings sunshine into the dark winter days and is associated with abundance, joy, and clarity.
Keep rose quartz on hand if you're feeling anxious or stressed, especially throughout the holiday season.
Use crystals while meditating, have them around you while working, or make a crystal grid.