Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is the astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year and is called the “shortest day of the year.” The solstice itself actually occurs at an exact moment, when the hemisphere is tilted as far away from the Sun as it can be.

Why is the Winter Solstice important?

Winter solstice celebrations have a rich history around the world. There are many cultures that hold feasts and celebrate holidays around the winter solstice, often with fire and light. Some of the modern-day festivals celebrated around the world are:

• Dongzhi – a festival celebrated in China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. Families gather to celebrate the increase in positive energy with traditional food and togetherness. The festival’s origins can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony.
• Shab-e Yalda – an Iranian festival. Friends and family gather to feast and read poems of Hâfez and stories from the epic poem Shâhnâmeh until the sun rises, banishing evil and announcing the arrival of goodness. Eating mixed nuts and red fruits such as pomegranates and watermelon are traditional on this night as they symbolize the red of dawn and the dominance of light henceforth.
• Shalako – a ceremony of the Zuni peoples (New Mexico). Six individuals are chosen to perform a dance throughout the night to encourage the sun on its pathway to make the days longer again.
• Soyal – a ceremony of the Hopi peoples (northern Arizona). During this 16-day celebration, Hopi welcome protective spirits with singing, chanting, dancing, and prayers to turn the sun to its summer path.
• Stonehenge gathering – In England, people dress up to welcome the dawn and witness the magical occurrence of the sun rising through the stones.
• Toji – a traditional practice in Japan that focuses on health and good luck. Fires are created on Mount Fuji to encourage the return of the sun.
• Yule – Scandinavians (people who live in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) gather for a multi-day feast when ancient people would welcome the return of the sun god.

Learn more about Winter Solstice

Want to learn more about Winter Solstice? Check out the Almanac’s Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Facts, Folklore, and More!