Because of when the holiday occurred - near the winter solstice - Saturnalia celebrations are the source of many of the traditions we now associate with Christmas, such as wreaths, candles, feasting and gift-giving. “ Saturnalia, held in mid-December, is an ancient Roman pagan festival honouring the agricultural god Saturn. Businesses and schooling stopped, and slaves were invited to join the festivities as guests. It was a week-long festival in honour of the solstice. Saturnalia is perhaps one of the more well-known historical celebrations in western European history, as it shapes a lot of the way we celebrate Christmas today. Yule was celebrated from the winter solstice through to January, with large logs (yule logs) being set aflame to sustain the warmth through the feasting and celebrations, and welcome back the light. Yule traditions vary widely, but generally, it was to be expected there would be feasting, carolling and general merriment. Since before recorded history, people have celebrated and held rituals around the Winter Solstice, and the ‘return to the light’.įire and light are recurring themes throughout the solstice celebrations, with Yule as one of the oldest winter festivals – a pre-christian celebration originating in Scandinavia. This marks the beginning of astronomical winter. From there it starts to move back towards the sun. We think of the solstice as being a day-long event, but it is actually fleeting – it occurs at the moment that the hemisphere is tilted as far away from the sun as it can be. Remember that the stillness of winter invites us to rest and retreat.įor those of you who find the season tough, let the solstice serve as your reminder that the hardest part is done – from here on, the evenings are getting longer, and brighter days are on the way! Solstice traditions Whatever your feelings towards winter, go easy on yourself, as it is a time when we’re often pulled in a lot of different directions. Humanity has in the past done what many animals do, retreating into cosy dwellings where they sustained themselves on foods harvested late in autumn.įor some people, winter is a joy-filled wonderland, for others it is cold, dark and depressing. ![]() It’s a time to be inspired by the long, quiet nights, and still landscapes, as we softly and quietly turn our focus inward. ![]() It is the counterpart and opposite of the June 21st summer solstice and brings us to the final part of the year – a reminder that the wheel keeps turning as we move from darkness towards the light, and once more look ahead to spring.Īs it’s the day with the fewest hours of daylight, it’s the shortest day, and the longest night. ![]() December 21st is the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere.
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