Winter Solstice Background Winter solstice is the point where the earth is furthest from the sun. Every day after the solstice marks more light and longer day light until the apex reaches at the Summer Solstice. It symbolizes rebrirth, when the light starts to emerge and overcome the dark. In ancient European practices it symbolized the rebirth of the Sun God or Oak King/Oak God. While most people focus on New Years Eve for goal setting, the Winter Solstice is the key time for new patterns. By focusing our intent and goals and prayers, we can ride the power of the season change. The special time of year symbolizes rebirth and planning for the future. It really is most important time of year to plan and set goals. It is a universal spiritual reminder of rebirth, as new light and new life begins again. Ancient History The Winter Solstice is one of the oldest celebrations of human kind, going back long before any written records. We know this partly by the special align of all ancient sacred sites that align themselves with either the Summer or Winter Solstice. The Mayans, all Native Americans, Celts, Nordic tribes, Siberian natives, Chinese, Teutonic (northern European), Egyptians and virtually every known ancient culture focused on this time. It is interesting that some sites were devoted to the Summer or Winter Solstice. One Celctic example is the fact Summer Solstice is aligned at Stonehenge, while winter equinox is aligned at Newgrange. Newgrange is one of the most interesting ancient archeology sites. It is an ancient celtic tomb dating back 5200 years, predating the pyramids. The morning sun of the solstice briefly shines on the door to this ancient tomb, that is otherwise in darkness everyday of the year. The alignment represents the sun impregnanting earth. Brighid is the bearer of the flame of inspiration, which penetrates the darkness of the mind and soul, just as the light of the reborn sun penetrates the darkest time of the year. Winter equinox represents battle between Oak King and Holly King. Oak king is god of waxing light. Holly king is god of waning light. Each year the oak king wins the battle and the sun is reborn. If the Holly king won, then the Earth would not reborn in Spring. The practice of the yule time log, using holly and mistletoe all relate to these ancient practices. Interesting Traditions The customs of the Winter Solstice vary greatly. Later Christian invaders adapted most the symbols and some of the practices into what is now known as Christmas time celebrations, including the date also. The solstice was one of the few ancient holidays were incense would be fumigated in every room of the house and also the barns. Since lifestock was vital for life, the barns should never be forgotten. Wassailing Traditions where the head of the farm/household would bless the fruit trees with a prayer. Wine or apple cider is poured on them. Toasting the trees “wassailed” with hot spiced cider. This is where the practice of hot apple cider comes from. The fields were often burned on the Winter Solstice, a tradition many Europeans still carry on to this day. Gifts of clove spiked apples and oranges in baskets of evergreen boughs. Evergreen boughs brought into house. Were symbol of immortality since they were always green. Holly and Ivy decorated the inside and outside of house to invite in Nature Spirits for the celebration as mistletoe was hung over the door to protect the family for the year. Traditionally for every kiss under mistletoe, a berry was removed. The berries represented the seed of the Divine. House filled with evergreens was thought to attract positive nature spirits who would stay with you till spring. Yule log was highlight of the whole celebration. It had to be from landowner’s property or given as a gift. Decorated with seasonal greenery, dashed with apple cider, dusted with wheat flour. A small piece of last years log was kept to start the new year’s fire. It is placed in the fireplace and burned. Can take and write all new year’s goals in red ink on a piece of paper, tie to log with red yarn. One can adorn with evergreen boughs. The log was suppose to burn all night. It was ceremoniously put out on the twelvfth day. This is where the twelve days of Christmas started. Even more interesting is that the 12 days of Christmas was part of an ancient weather forecasting system. The first day of Christmas predicted the weather for January, the second day of Christmas the weather for February, etc. There is some variance, as ash or oak was the traditional log, depending on which culture. Ash in Germanic cultures. Oak in Celtic cultures. Another yule log tradition is to take a smaller oak or pine limb. Flatten the top. Drill three candleholders. One red, green and white. Decorate with evergreen boughs, dust with flour, can add clove buds too. Many Celtic traditions are still kept alive, one example of how many old pagan traditions were kept alive and still regionally practiced in modern Christian setting. The horn dance was done through town with pagan like antlers on. Still done at Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire church in Ireland today, even though it is an old pagan traditional. The dance is performed by eight priests dancing, a symbol of infinity.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 22:44:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015