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Winter Solstice

Sun Worshiping in Winter

Thursday, December 21st marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the day of the year with the shortest amount of daylight and the longest duration of darkness. After the 21st, the days slowly get longer.

Throughout history, many cultures celebrated the winter solstice, specifically the return of the sun and darkness turning into light. Worldwide, interpretations vary, but many regard this as a time of rebirth, marking it with festivals, holidays, rituals, and gatherings. Agrarian cultures relied on the power of the sun to nurture their crops.

Following are some ways that people around the globe have embraced the return of the sun.

In Scandinavia, the Feast of Juul incorporated fire to symbolize the heat, light, and life-giving properties of the sun. Celebrants burned a Juul or Yule log in honor of Thor, the god of thunder. Part of the log was kept for good luck and as kindling for the following year. The custom of lighting a Yule log at Christmas time is believed to have originated in the bonfires associated with this feast.

Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival that honored Saturn, the god who held jurisdiction over agriculture. The festival began on December 17th and lasted for seven days. The time was marked with a period of role reversal and suspension from discipline. Wars were interrupted, courts were closed, and grudges and quarrels were forgotten.

Welcoming the return of longer days, China’s Dongzhi solstice celebration translates to “Winter Arrives.” The origins of the festival relate to the Chinese concept of yin and yang, which represents harmony and balance. Although it isn’t an official holiday, Dongzhi is a joyous occasion and a time for families to gather to celebrate the year that already passed and share good wishes for the upcoming year.

Toji is Japanese for winter solstice. Traditions include eating kabocha and indulging in warm fragrant baths scented with yuzu fruit, which is said to ward off colds and promote health.

Iranians celebrate the festival of Shab-e Yalda, which means “Night of Birth.” This occasion recognizes the birth of Mithra, the goddess of light and her victory over darkness. Since ancient Persians believed that evil forces were dominant on this night, they gathered together to protect one another. To ward off any bad luck, they remained awake all night and read poetry—especially the works of Hafiz.

For more on Hafiz, read Poems from the Divan of Hafiz and Hafiz, The Prince of Persian Lyric Poets. For more on Mithra, explore The Mysteries of Mithra.

By Regina Molaro