How the Winter Solstice Aligns with the Holidays

In this “corner of the year,” we have many “Holy”days and celebrations which contribute to a shift of energy, each in their own way. How great that we enter the season with Thanksgiving and then turn to nature’s gift to this season, the Winter Solstice.  So then, this week we experience the winter solstice, the shortest day, and the longest night, of the year, celebrated by many cultures around the world for centuries. This auspicious date arrives on or around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, and then 6 months later in the Southern Hemisphere.

Leading up to the Winter Solstice, the days are shortening, and in all of nature, there is an inward turn of energy. The dawn comes later, and the sunset arrives earlier. Nights get longer and colder.  

Then at the Winter Solstice, the reverse begins to happen. Each day after is a little longer, and the days begin to get lighter and brighter. Interestingly enough this follows what many faith traditions consider the season of lights.  The solstice has always been associated with rebirth—of the sun and of a new year and ironically falls just before the Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the celebration of the New Year.

From ancient times, Asian, Middle Eastern, North and South American cultures had, and still continue to have, festivals marking the rebirth of the sun at the Winter Equinox. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a celebration dedicated to the sun god Saturn, and acknowledged with charity and gift-giving. In the 4th century when the Romans converted to Christianity, they festival of the sun’s rebirth became a celebration of the son of God’s birth, Christmas.  When the Vikings became Christians, they continued Nordic solstice traditions denoting the symbolism of light and life in the midst of winter: evergreen trees, holly, and mistletoe,… These are wonderful points to ponder and appreciate in your meditation practice.

So this holiday season, consider reflecting on the history and symbolism of light, life, and renewed energy as your celebrate exactly that:  light and life, a wonderful way to welcome the new year and to evolve with renewed energy into the new year and a new decade. Use aromatherapy indoors to remember the gifts of the earth, support well-being and kindle reflective practices in yoga. Give and gift in ways that will honor and support life, the people you love and the people in need. Shine your light into the crevices that need you and your gifts as we all pause to appreciate and celebrate the transitions and relationships in life.