Winter Solstice celebration

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Winter Solstice
A Fire Kept Burning Through the Longest Night of the Year
Also called	Midwinter, DōngZhì, Solar New Year, Soyal, Yalda, Yule
Observed by	Various Cultures, Ancient and Modern
Type	Cultural, Seasonal, Astronomical
Significance	Marks the Astronomical beginning of winter, Interpretation Varies from Culture to Culture, but most Hold a Recognition of Rebirth.
Date	The Solstice of Winter December 21 or 22 (NH) June 21 or 22 (SH)
2007 date	December 22 (UTC North) June 21 (UTC South)
2008 date	December 21 (UTC North) June 20 (UTC South)
Celebrations	Festivals, Spending Time with Loved Ones, Feasting, Singing, Dancing, Fire in the Hearth
Related to	Winter Festivals and the Solstice

The Winter Solstice, historically known as Midwinter, occurres around December 21 or 22 each year in the Northern hemisphere, and June 21 or 22 in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the shortest day and the longest night of the year, when the sun is at its greatest distance from the equatorial plane. Worldwide, interpretation of the event varies from culture to culture, but most hold a recognition of rebirth, involving festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations. Many cultures celebrate or celebrated a holiday near (within a few days) of the winter solstice; examples of these include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, and many other festivals of light.

Contents 1 Date 2 History 2.1 Psychological explanation for Holiday Synchronisity 3 Observances 3.1 Amaterasu Observance, Requiem of the Dead (7th century Japan) 3.2 Beiwe Festival (Sámi of Northern Europe) 3.3 Chaomos (Kalash of Pakistan) 3.4 Christmas (4th century Rome, Christian) 3.5 Deuorius Riuri, Novo Hel (Gaul) 3.6 Deygān (Proto-Indo-Iranian) 3.7 DōngZhì Festival (East Asia and Vietnam) 3.8 Goru (Dogon of Mali) 3.9 Hogmanay (Scotland) 3.10 Hertha ritual (Germania) 3.11 Inti Raymi (Inca, Peru) 3.12 Karachun (Ancient Western Slavic) 3.13 Koleda (Ancient Eastern Slavic and Sarmatian) 3.14 Lenæa (Ancient and Hellenistic Greece) 3.15 Lucia Feast (Ancient Swedish, Scandinavian Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox) 3.16 Mean Geimrech (Pre-Celtic) 3.17 Midvinterblót (Swedish Pagan) 3.18 Modranicht, Modresnach (Anglo-Saxon, Germanic) 3.19 Osiris Death / Horus Birth / Isis Festival (Ancient Egypt) 3.20 Rozhanitsa Feast (12th century Eastern Slavic Russian) 3.21 Sacaea (Babylonia) 3.22 Sanghamitta Day (Buddhist) 3.23 Saturnalia (Ancient Greek, Roman Republic) 3.24 Sol Invictus Festival (3rd century Roman Empire) 3.25 Soyal (Sunni and Hopi of North America) 3.26 Wayeb (Maya) 3.27 Winter Solstice, Wintersonnenwende, the Solstice, Long Night (secular) 3.28 Yaldā, Şabe Cele (2nd millenium BCE Persian, Zorastrian, Iranian) 3.29 Yule, Yuletide, Jul, Juletide, Julefest, Jól, Géol (Druidic, Teutonic, Norse, Germanic) 3.30 Yule, Midwinter (Neopagan, Neodruidic, New Age, secular) 3.30.1 Alban Arthan (Neodruidic, Ancient Welsh) 3.30.2 Jól, Yule (Ásatrúan) 3.30.3 Yule (Wiccan) 3.30.4 Yule, Jul (secular) 3.30.4.1 Yule 3.30.4.2 Jul 3.31 Zagmuk (Babylonia) 4 See also 5 Sources

[edit] Date

UTC Date and Time of
Solstice

year	Solstice June		Solstice Dec
	day	time	day	time
2007	21	18:06	22	06:08
2008	20	23:59	21	12:04
2009	21	05:45	21	17:47
2010	21	11:28	21	23:38
2011	21	17:16	22	05:30
2012	20	23:09	21	11:11
2013	21	05:04	21	17:11
2014	21	10:51	21	23:03

The astronomical event of the Winter solstice, occurring sometime between December 20 and 23 each year in the northern hemisphere, and between June 20 and 23 in the Southern Hemisphere, is the shortest day and the longest night of the year, marking the beginning of winter when the sun is at its greatest distance from the equatorial plane. The name Winter Solstice means Sun set still in winter or the dead of winter. Some Midwinter festivals have occurred according to lunar calendars and so, often took place on Höku night (Hawaiian), the night of the full moon closest to the winter solstice. And many solar calendar Midwinter celebrations still centre upon December 25th, which was the winter solstice upon the establishment of the Julian calendar. The difference between the Julian calendar year (365.2500 days) and the tropical year (365.2422 days) moved the day associated with the actual astronomical solstice forward approximately three days every four centuries until Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar bringing the solstice to around December 21st. In the Gregorian calendar, the solstice moves around a bit but in the long term it moves only about one day in 3000 years.

[edit] History

The solstice itself has remained a special moment of the annual cycle of the year since neolithic times. The winter solstice was immensely important because communities were not assured to live through the winter, and had to be prepared during the previous nine months. Starvation was common in winter between January to April, also known as the famine months. The winter solstice festival was the last feast celebration, if it could be managed, before deep winter began. The concentration of the observances were not always on the day commencing at midnight or at dawn, but the pre-Roman beginning of the day, which falls on the previous eve.

[edit] Psychological explanation for Holiday Synchronisity

Even in modern cultures these gatherings are still valued for emotional comfort, having something to look forward to at the darkest time of the year. The depressive psychological effects of winter on individuals and societies for that matter, are for the most part tied to coldness, tiredness, malaise, and inactivity. Winter weather, plus being indoors causes negative ion deficiency which increases serotonin levels resulting in depression and tiredness. Also, getting insufficient light in the short winter days increases the secretion of melatonin in the body, off balancing the circadian rhythm with longer sleep. Studies have proven that exercise, light therapy, increased negative ion exposure (which can be attained from plants and well ventilated flames burning wood or beeswax) can reinvigorate the body from its seasonal lul and relieve winter blues by shortening the melatonin secretions, decreasing serotonin and temporarily creating a more even sleeping pattern. Midwinter festivals and celebrations occurring on the longest night of the year, often calling for evergreens, bright illumination, large ongoing fires, feasting, communion with close ones, and evening physical exertion by dancing and singing are examples of cultural winter therapies that have endured as traditions since the beginnings of civilization. Such traditions can stir the wit, stave off malaise, reset the internal clock and rekindle the human spirit.^[1][2]

[edit] Observances

[edit] Amaterasu Observance, Requiem of the Dead (7th century Japan)

Main article: Amaterasu

In late seventh century Japan, festivities were held to celebrate the reemergence of Amaterasu or Amateras (Hindu), the sun goddess of Japanese mythology, from her seclusion in a cave. Tricked by the other gods with a loud celebration, she peeks out to look and finds the image of herself in a mirror and is convinced by the other gods to return, bringing sunlight back to the universe. Requiems for the dead were held and Manzai and Shishimai were performed throughout the night, awaiting the sunrise. Aspects of this tradition have continued to this day on New Years.^[3]

[edit] Beiwe Festival (Sámi of Northern Europe)

The indigenous people of Finland, the Saami, worship Beiwe, the sun-goddess. "She travels with her daughter, Beiwe-Neia, through the sky in an enclosure of reindeer bones, bringing back the green plants for the reindeer to feed upon. On the winter solstice, her worshipers sacrifice white female animals and thread the meat on sticks which they bent into rings and tied with bright ribbons. They also smear their door posts with butter so Beiwe can eat the rich food and begin her recovery".^[4]

[edit] Chaomos (Kalash of Pakistan)

In the ancient traditions of the Kalash people of Pakistan, during winter solstice, a demigod returns to collect prayers and deliver them to Dezao, the supreme being. "During this celebrations women and girls are purified by taking ritual baths. The men pour water over their heads while they hold up bread. Then the men and boys are purified with water and must not sit on chairs until evening when goat's blood is sprinkled on their faces. Following this purification, a great festival begins, with singing, dancing, bonfires, and feasting on goat tripe and other delicacies".^[5]

[edit] Christmas (4th century Rome, Christian)

Main article: Christmas

Christmas or Christ's Mass is one of the youngest, most popular Christian celebrations as well as one of the most globally recognized midwinter celebrations. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the God Incarnate or Messiah, Yeshua of Nazareth, later known as Jesus Christ. The birth is observed on December 25th, what was the winter solstice upon establishment of the Julian Calendar in 45 BC. Banned by the Catholic Church in its infancy as a pagan practice stemming out of the Sol Invictus celebrations, Christmas was revitalized as an authentic Christian festival in various cultures within the past several hundred years after having already appropriated much of the folklore and traditions of the Jul festivals. So much so that, Jul is still regarded as its name in much of Europe, though the meaning and date differ. Yule and Christmas are considered interchangeable in English Christendom.

[edit] Deuorius Riuri, Novo Hel (Gaul)

Deuorius Riuri was the annual great divine winter feast, observed by the Coligny Calendar. The lunisolar Coligney Midwinter returned to solar alignment every two and a half years. The Gaulish celebration later became known as Novo Hel, or new sun, which is known today as Noel.^[6][7]

[edit] Deygān (Proto-Indo-Iranian)

See: Yalda

The last day of the Persian month Azar is the longest night of the year, when the forces of Ahriman are assumed to be at the peak of their strength. While the next day, the first day of the month Dey known as khoram rooz or khore rooz (the day of sun) belongs to Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom. Since the days are getting longer and the nights shorter, this day marks the victory of Sun over the darkness. The occasion was celebrated in the ancient Persian Daygan Festival dedicated to Ahura Mazda, on the first day of the month Dey.

[edit] DōngZhì Festival (East Asia and Vietnam)

Main article: Dōngzhì Festival

The Winter Solstice Festival or The Extreme of Winter (Chinese and Japanese: 冬至; Korean: 동지; Vietnamese: Đông chí) (Pinyin: Dōng zhì), (Rōmaji: Tōji) is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during the dongzhi solar term on or around December 21 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest; i.e., on the first day of the dongzhi solar term The origins of this festival can be traced back to the Yin and Yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in. The philosophical significance of this is symbolized by the I Ching hexagram fù (復, "Returning"). Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get togethers (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese communities overseas) is the making and eating of Tangyuan (湯圓, as pronounced in Cantonese; Mandarin Pinyin: Tāng Yuán) or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion.

[edit] Goru (Dogon of Mali)

Goru is the winter solstice ceremony of the Dogon tribe of Mali. It is the last harvest ritual and celebrates the arrival of humanity from the sky god, Amma, via Nommo inside the Aduno Koro, or the "Ark of the World".^[8]

[edit] Hogmanay (Scotland)

Main article: Hogmanay

The New Years Eve celebration of Scotland is called Hogmanay. The pagan Hogmanay celebrations were originally brought to Scotland by the invading Vikings who celebrated the Winter Solstice. With the application of the Gregorian calendar, the new year holiday became December 31st. The most widespread national custom is the practice of first-footing which starts immediately after midnight. This involves being the first person (usually tall and dark haired) to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbor and often involves the giving of symbolic gifts such as salt (less common today), coal, shortbread, whisky, and black bun (a fruit pudding) intended to bring different kinds of luck to the householder. Food and drink (as the gifts, and often Flies cemetery) are then given to the guests.^[9]

[edit] Hertha ritual (Germania)

Early Germans considered the Norse goddess, Hertha or Bertha, the goddess of Domesticity and the home. They baked yeast cakes shaped like shoes, which were called Hertha's slippers, and filled with gifts. "During the Winter Solstice houses were decked with fir and evergreens to welcome her coming. When the family and serfs were gathered to dine, a great altar of flat stones was erected and here a fire of fir boughs was laid. Hertha descended through the smoke, guiding those who were wise in saga lore to foretell the fortunes of those persons at the feast".^[10]

[edit] Inti Raymi (Inca, Peru)

Main article: Inti Raymi

The Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun was a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in honor of the sun god Inti. It also marked the Winter solstice and a new year in the Andes of the Southern Hemisphere. One ceremony performed by the Inca priests was the tying of the sun. In Machu Picchu there is still a large column of stone called an Intihuatana, meaning "hitching post of the sun" or literally for tying the sun. The ceremony to tie the sun to the stone was to prevent the sun from escaping. The Spanish conquest, never finding Machu Picchu, destroyed all the other intihuatana, extinguishing the sun tying practice. The Catholic Church managed to suppress all Inti festivals and ceremonies by 1572. Since 1944, a theatrical representation of the Inti Raymi has been taking place at Sacsayhuamán (two km. from Cusco) on June 24 of each year, attracting thousands of local visitors and tourists.^[11][12]

[edit] Karachun (Ancient Western Slavic)

Main article: Karachun

Karachun, Korochun or Kračún was a Slavic holiday similar to Halloween as a day when the Black God and other evil spirits are most potent. It was celebrated by pagan Slavs on the longest night of the year. On this night, Hors, symbolising old sun, becomes smaller as the days become shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, and dies on December 22nd, the winter solstice. It is said to be defeated by the dark and evil powers of the Black God. On December 23rd Hors is resurrected and becomes the new sun, Koleda. Modern scholars tend to associate this holiday with the ancestor worship. On this day, Western Slavs burned fires at cemeteries to keep their loved ones warm, they organized dinings in the honor of the dead so as they would not suffer from hunger. They also lit wooden logs at local crossroads.

[edit] Koleda (Ancient Eastern Slavic and Sarmatian)

In ancient Slavonic cultures, the festival of Kaleda began at Winter Solstice and lasted for ten days. In Russia, this festival was later applied to Christmas Eve but most of the practices were lost after the Soviet Revolution. Although the Slavonic name comes from the sun god Kolyada, it was in honor of Lada, the Goddess of love, Spring, youth and fertility. She was said to be reborn each year at this time. Each family made a fire in their hearth and invited their personal household Gods to join in the festivities. Children disguise themselves on evenings and nights and as mummers, visited houses and sang wishes of good luck, like Shchedryk, to hosts. As a reward, they were given little gifts, much like the old wassailing Tradition.^[13][14]

[edit] Lenæa (Ancient and Hellenistic Greece)

Main article: Lenaia

In Mycenaean Greece, the exclusively female midwinter ritual, Lenaea or Lenaia, was the Festival of the Wild Women. In the forest, A man or bull representing the harvest god, Dionysus, was torn to pieces and eaten by Maenads. Later in the ritual, a baby, representing Dionysus reborn, was presented. By Classical Greece, the human sacrifice had been replaced by that of a goat and the women's role had changed to that of funeral mourners and observers of the birth. By the 5th century BCE the ritual had become a Gamelion festival for theatrical competitions, often held in Athens in the Lenaion theater.

[edit] Lucia Feast (Ancient Swedish, Scandinavian Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox)

Lucia or Lussi Night happened on December 13, what was supposed to be the longest night of the year. The feast was later appropriated by the Catholic Church in the 16th century as St. Lucia Day. It was believed in the folklore of Sweden that if people, particularly children, did not cary out their chores, the female demon, the Lussi or Lucia die dunkle would come to punish them.^[15]

[edit] Mean Geimrech (Pre-Celtic)

In Ireland's calendars, the solstices and equinoxes all occur at about midpoint in each season. While the Solstices were not as important to the ancient Irish as the major fire festivals; Lughnasadh (August 1); Beltane (May Day, May 1); Imbolc (February 1- Bridgit); and Samhain (November 1, Halloween), many believe there was celebration. Of the Solstices and Equinoxes, the Winter Solstice was the most important, since it marked the rebirth of the sun after the shortest day. The passage and chamber of Newgrange, a tomb in Ireland, are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise. A shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box over the entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber. The dramatic event lasts for 17 minutes at dawn from the 19th to the 23rd of December.

[edit] Midvinterblót (Swedish Pagan)

Main article: Blót

In Sweden and many surrounding parts of Europe, pagans celebrated a Midvinterblot or mid-winter-blood, featuring both animal and human sacrifice. The blot was performed by Godhi, or priests, at certain cult sites, most of which have churches built upon them now. Midvinterblot paid tribute to the local gods, appealing to them to let go winter's grip. The pagan tradition was finally abandoned by 1200 CE, due to missionary persistence.

[edit] Modranicht, Modresnach (Anglo-Saxon, Germanic)

The Night of Mothers or Mothers' Night was an Anglo-Saxon and Germanic feast. It was believed that dreams on this night foretold events in the upcoming year. While it may originally have occurred the night before Samhain according to a lunar calender, it has moved around quite a bit in the year. By 730 CE, It was thought by Bebe to be observed by the Anglicans on the winter solstice. After the reemergence of Christmas in Britton it was recognized by many as the Third Day of Christmas.^[16][17]

[edit] Osiris Death / Horus Birth / Isis Festival (Ancient Egypt)

Over four thousand years ago, Egyptians celebrated the rebirth of the sun at this time of the year. They set the length of the festival at 12 days, to reflect the 12 divisions in their sun calendar. They decorated with greenery, using palms with 12 shoots as a symbol of the completed year, since a palm was thought to put forth a shoot each month. In ancient Egyptian mythology, the deity of death Osiris was killed and was entombed but reborn as Horus, the sun god, to his wife Isis. In the annual winter solstice ceremony, this event was ritually reenacted by priests. At his moment of death, the priests brought out an image of an infant, indicating his immediate rebirth as Horus.

[edit] Rozhanitsa Feast (12th century Eastern Slavic Russian)

In twelfth century Russia, the eastern Slavs worshiped the winter mother goddess, Rozhnitsa, offering bloodless sacrifices like honey, bread and cheese. Bright colored winter embroideries depicting the antlered goddess were made to honor the Feast of Rozhanitsa in late December. And white, deer shaped cookies were given as lucky gifts. Some Russian women continued the observation of these traditions into the 20th century.^[18]

[edit] Sacaea (Babylonia)

Sacaea was the annual renewal festival of the Babylonians and was later adopted by the Persians. The festivals were characterized with a subversion of order leading up to the new year. Masters and slaves interchanged, a mock king was crowned and masquerades clogged the streets.^[19]

[edit] Sanghamitta Day (Buddhist)

Sanghamitta is in honor of the Buddhist nun who brought a branch of the Bodhi tree to SriLanka where it has flourished for over 2,000 years.

[edit] Saturnalia (Ancient Greek, Roman Republic)

Main article: Saturnalia

Originally Celebrated by the Ancient Greeks as the Festival of Kronos, Saturnalia was the feast at which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn, which originally took place on 17 December, but expanded to a whole week, up to 23 December. A large and important public festival in Rome, it involved the conventional sacrifices, a couch (lectisternium) set out in front of the temple of Saturn and the untying of the ropes that bound the statue of Saturn during the rest of the year. Besides the public rites there were a series of holidays and customs celebrated privately. The celebrations included a school holiday, the making and giving of small presents (saturnalia et sigillaricia) and a special market (sigillaria). Gambling was allowed for all, even slaves; however, although it was officially condoned only during this period. It was a time to eat, drink, and be merry. The toga was not worn, but rather the synthesis, i.e. colorful, informal "dinner clothes"; and the pilleus (freedman's hat) was worn by everyone. Slaves were exempt from punishment, and treated their masters with disrespect. The slaves celebrated a banquet: before, with, or served by the masters. A Saturnalicius princeps was elected master of ceremonies for the proceedings. Saturnalia became one of the most popular Roman festivals which led to more tomfoolery, marked chiefly by having masters and slaves ostensibly switch places. The banquet, for example, would often be prepared by the slaves, and they would prepare their masters' dinner as well. It was license within careful boundaries; it reversed the social order without subverting it.

[edit] Sol Invictus Festival (3rd century Roman Empire)

Main article: Sol Invictus

Sol Invictus ("the undefeated Sun") or, more fully, Deus Sol Invictus ("the undefeated sun god") was a religious title applied to at least three distinct divinities during the later Roman Empire; El Gabal, Mithras, and Sol. A festival of the birth of the Unconquered Sun (or Dies Natalis Solis Invicti) was celebrated when the duration of daylight first begins to increase after the winter solstice, — the "rebirth" of the sun. The Sol Invictus festival ran from December 22 through December 25. With the growing popularity of the Christian cults, Jesus of Nazareth came to adopt much of the recognition previously given to a sun god, there by, including Christ into the tradition. This was later condemned by the early Catholic Church for its pagan practices and for associating the Christ with the other sun gods.

[edit] Soyal (Sunni and Hopi of North America)

Main article: Soyal

Soyal is the winter solstice ceremony of the Zuni and the Hopitu Shinumu, "The Peaceful Ones", also known as the Hopi Indians. It is held on December 21st, the shortest day of the year. The main purpose of the ritual is to ceremonially bring the sun back from its long winter slumber. It also marks the beginning of another cycle of the Wheel of the Year, and is a time for purification. Pahos (prayer sticks) are made prior to the Soyal ceremony, to bless all the community, including their homes, animals, and plants. The kivas (sacred underground ritual chambers) are ritually opened to mark the beginning of the Kachina season.^[20][21]

[edit] Wayeb (Maya)

Wayeb' or Uayeb, referencing the unlucky god N, were actually five nameless days leading up to the end of the Haab, the solar Mayan calendar. It was thought to be a dangerous time in which there were no divisions between the mortal and immortal worlds, and deitys were free to cause disaster if they willed it. To ward off the spirits, the Maya had a variety of customes they practiced during this period. For example, people avoided leaving their houses or grooming their hair. Calendar Round rituals would be held at the end of each 52 year round (coincidence of the three Mayan calanders), 4 wayeb to 1 Imix 0 Pop, with all fires extinguished, old pots broken, and a new fire ceremony symbolizing a fresh start. The next Calander round will be on the winter solstice of 2012. Haab' observations are still held by Maya communities in the highlands of Guatemala.^[22]

[edit] Winter Solstice, Wintersonnenwende, the Solstice, Long Night (secular)

As a secular observance the event has gained much popularity. Recently, the observation entered mainstream culture, for example, several characters in The Weekenders animated tv Series celebrate "the Winter Solstice" and one can now find greeting cards for the event.^[23]

[edit] Yaldā, Şabe Cele (2nd millenium BCE Persian, Zorastrian, Iranian)

Main article: Yalda

Shab-e Yalda Festival also known as Shab-e Cheleh is celebrated on the eve of the first day of winter in the Iranian calendar, which is calibrated to always fall on the solstice. It celebrates the birth of Mithra, Sun god in the ancient Zoroastrian religion of Iran. It has continued to be celebrated to this day for a period of approximately 4000 years. Today "Shab e Cheleh" is an important social occasion, when family and friends get together for fun and merriment. Usually families gather at their elders homes. Different kinds of dried fruits, nuts, seeds and fresh winter fruits are consumed. The presence of dried and fresh fruits is reminiscence of the ancient feasts to celebrate and pray to the deities to ensure the protection of the winter crops.^[24]

[edit] Yule, Yuletide, Jul, Juletide, Julefest, Jól, Géol (Druidic, Teutonic, Norse, Germanic)

Main article: Yule

Yule was a midwinter celebration of the late Scandinavian Norse and Germanic pagans. Its exact dates were not certain due, in part, to the complex variety of pagan races and scarce surviving calendars. In most cases it's thought to have occurred on a date believed at the time to be the winter solstice or the closest full moon to it. Originally the name Giuli signified a 60 day tide either beginning near midwinter or overarching it. Later, during the Viking Age, the name came to specify a great Midwinter festival that amalgamated the traditions of various midwinter celebrations across Europe, like Mitwinternacht, Modrasnach, Midvinterblot, and the Teutonic solstice celebration, Feast of the Dead. Yule is believed to have been one of eight celebrations comprising the Wheel of the Year. For some Pagan sects, Yule logs were lit to honor Thor, the god of thunder. Feasting would continue until the log burned out, three days or as many as twelve days. The Icelandic pagan Jól continued beyond the Middle Ages, but was frowned upon when the Reformation arrived. The celebration continues today throughout much of Europe in name and traditions, though now representative of the Christian Nativity. An example, being it was known to have included the sacrifice of a pig for the god Freyr, a tradition which survives in the Scandinavian Christmas ham as well as the decorating of Jul trees with ornamentation and homes with evergreenery. Today, Yule is largely reappropriated to various extents by many non-Christian groups.^[25]

[edit] Yule, Midwinter (Neopagan, Neodruidic, New Age, secular)

Main article: Modern Yule

In pre-Christian Europe, the Midwinter festival was a time for feasting, Yule-Joy, and dancing, and has been resurrected as a winter solstice tradition in our time, in parts of the world often where Europeans or people of European ancestry now reside. Contemporary Winter solstice gatherings are non-commercial, humble, mirthful and reverent affairs. One does not have to be of European ancestry to be welcome; gatherings are open to all peoples.

[edit] Alban Arthan (Neodruidic, Ancient Welsh)

Main article: Alban Arthan

Alban Arthan or the point of roughness is the term for the winter solstice in Wales, and in ancient Welsh mythology, when Rhiannon gave birth to the sacred son, Pryderi. In Neo-druidism, Alban Arthan is celebrated with a festival, and gift giving to the needy. The name derives from the writings of Iolo Morganwg.

[edit] Jól, Yule (Ásatrúan)

The Icelandic Ásatrú and the Asatru Folk Assembly in the US recognize the celebration as lasting for 12 days, beginning on the date of the winter solstice.^[26]

[edit] Yule (Wiccan)

In Wicca, a form of the holiday is observed as one of the eight solar holidays, or Sabbat. In most Wiccan sects, this holiday is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. In some other Wiccan sects the holiday is observed in a manner that commemorates the death of the Holly King identified with the wren bird (symbolizing the old year and the shortened sun) at the hands of his son and successor, the robin redbreast Oak King (the new year and the new sun that begins to grow).^[27]

[edit] Yule, Jul (secular)

[edit] Yule

The modern Yule, Yuletide or Yulefest is also currently a celebrated secular alternative to Christmas, commonly occurring on or near the Winter Solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere it is often celebrated on the Winter Solstice or some time through early July in which case it is sometimes called Christmas in July.

[edit] Jul

The contemporary Scandinavian Jul or Juletide does not distinguish between the Germanic Pagan feast, Christmas, the Secular Jul or Yule, and (quite possibly) the pre-Indo-European winter solstice celebration.

[edit] Zagmuk (Babylonia)

main article: Zagmuk

Adapting the Egyptian Osiris Celebrations, the Babylonians held the Zagmuk Festival. It Lasted 12 days overlapping the winter solstice or vernal equinox in its center peak. It was a festival held in observation of the sun god, Marduk's battle over darkness. The Babylonians held both land and river parades.^[28]

[edit] See also

• Winter Solstice (disambiguation)
• Solstice
• List of winter festivals
• Summer Solstice Celebration
• Festival of Lights
• Hanukkah
• Kwanzaa
• HumanLight
• Burning of the Clocks

[edit] Sources