As winter approaches the northern hemisphere, mark your diary for the winter solstice on December 22, occurring around 8:57 am. This annual event, characterised by the longest night and shortest day, holds astronomical, historical, and cultural significance. For millennia, people have observed this phenomenon and celebrated the 'return' of the Sun through various traditions across the globe. Here's a glimpse into some notable winter solstice celebrations from different regions.
Global Winter Solstice Observations
Dong Zhi in China: Known as the "arrival of winter," Dong Zhi is a prominent festival. Families gather to celebrate the upcoming year, and according to the Chinese calendar, it usually falls between December 21st and 23rd. Originating as a harvest's end celebration, families enjoy traditional dishes such as tang yuan or sticky rice balls.
Lucia’s Day in Scandinavia: Scandinavians honour St. Lucia's Day, a festival of lights rooted in Norse traditions of lighting bonfires during the solstice. In contemporary times, it pays homage to the Christian martyr St. Lucia, with girls donning white dresses, red sashes, and candle-adorned crowns.
Midwinter in Antarctica: Researchers stationed in Antarctica partake in solstice celebrations, given the extended cold season. As the southern hemisphere marks midwinter, the northern hemisphere enjoys its longest day. Festivities may include special meals, films, and handmade gifts.
Saturnalia and Ancient Rome: The Roman festival of Saturnalia, resembling modern Christmas celebrations, marked the end of the planting season near the winter solstice. This event featured games, feasts, and temporary societal role reversals, granting slaves a brief period of equality.
Inti Raymi in Peru: Taking place in June, Inti Raymi is an Incan ceremony honouring the Sun god, marking Peru's winter solstice. Historically, these celebrations involved feasts and sacrifices. Despite Spanish suppression, the tradition resurged in the 20th century, with symbolic sacrifices replacing actual ones.
Yalda in Iran: Yalda, or Shab-e Yalda, is an ancient Persian observance of the winter solstice, marking the end of the Persian month of Azar. Celebrated as the birth of the sun deity Mithra, families unite over dishes like pomegranates and nuts, awaiting the sun's return.
Soyal with the Hopi Tribe: The Hopi Tribe in Arizona observes Soyal, the winter solstice, with rituals, dances, and ceremonies. During this time, Hopi communities welcome kachinas, their mountain guardian spirits, using prayer sticks and engaging in various rites.
To summarise, the winter solstice crosses borders, uniting cultures around the world through various celebrations and traditions, each of which echoes humanity's age-old fascination with the cosmos.