Hi Friends,
Happy December, Happy Holidays, Happy first day of Winter!
Today is the winter solstice, the day when the sun travels its shortest path across the sky, giving us the shortest day of the entire year and the longest night. Around the world there are many traditions and rituals that celebrate the winter solstice. Do you do anything special to mark the day?
The word “solstice” is comes from two Latin words: “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand). In some places, the wiinter solstice is also known as “The Day the Sun Stands Still.”
In the northern hemisphere during ancient times when keeping track of the days and seasons was done by way of the moon and when winter equalled a time of hardship when many died of starvation, the winter solstice was celebrated with a huge midwinter festival. According to Wikipedia, ” Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was almost the only time of year when a plentiful supply of fresh meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time. ”
Many cultures today use it as a day to celebrate the natural world. In some places time is set aside to reflect on the old year and to look forward to the new year.
One tradition that I especially love and will participate in with friends this evening is to gather by a fire or candlelight, turning off all other lights. In the silence of the evening, we take turns reading or sharing winter stories or poems and then each of us writes on a piece of paper a hope or wish for the new year or something we want to let go of. We fold the papers and then, one by one we throw them into the fire, sometimes choosing to share with the group our thoughts, or sometimes choosing to keep them a secret. Either way it is a nice way to mark the coming of winter and to get through the longest night of the year!
I leave you with a poem, a Native American Blessing. Author unknown.
Winter Solstice Blessings
May the longest night and the shortest day, bring rest to your mind and soul, I pray.
May you find guidance and may you find peace,
as the cycle of light will slowly increase.
Embrace the magic that the darkness bears,
breathe deep in the chill and swift in the air.
May you always be blessed with the light from within,
And may well-being be yours as the new cycle begins.
However you spend the day, I hope you make time for a few things that bring a smile to your face. Happy Winter Solstice!
Such a great post. My shared wish is that we all bond in our appreciation of nature in all of its complexities
Thanks. That’s a great wish, thanks for sharing!