The Winter Solstice is upon us and with it the longest night and the shortest day of the year. The word solstice is from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere,” (to stand still.) Solstice refers to that moment when the sun pauses at the northern or southern points before reversing direction to create the shortest or longest day of the year.
Since the dawn of time, humans have marked the Winter Solstice by turning inward and reflecting, resting, and saving our energies. For many, this also involves a time of celebrations, gifts, music, and merriment to welcome the season. This year, the Winter Solstice occurs on Sunday, December 21 at 10:03 AM. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted the furthest away from the sun, thus the shortest day.
There are numerous rituals that are associated with the Winter Solstice. Many of them were first introduced in Europe before they were brought to North America by settlers. Koreans eat a red porridge to mark the season, while Nordic countries prefer burning yule logs. Paper lanterns are sometimes used to add cheer to a dark winter evening. Planting spring bulbs such as tulips, paperwhites or even garlic help to look forward to the growth of spring.
Terry and Nancy Swing, co-owners of Natures the Rock Shop in Bristol, are in the middle of what is one of their busy seasons. Their metaphysical shop is an interesting mix of crystals, jewelry, and books. Some are for sale; others are part of a collection by Nancy over many years and miles of travel.”
As to solstice celebrations and customs, there is a wide divergence of activities and there are no rights or wrongs. The Swings suggest you just do what seems right to you.
“There are many variations of the solstice celebrations,” says Terry. “Some prefer to begin the season with the full moon prior to the solstice, and others on the night of the solstice itself.”
CEREMONIAL GARB – Clothing colors for those who wish to use it as part of their rituals are usually red, white, and jewel tones for the winter, while in summer earthy tones are common. Sapphire, navy, and black are symbolic of the night sky. Historically, women in Europe wore white dresses with red belts. They are usually made of natural fabrics and decorated with plants and flowers.
DRUM CIRCLES – Many participate in drum circles to release their energy and accompany meditations or ritual chanting. There is no prior experience necessary, and drums can be of any size.
FIRE – Set up an outdoor bonfire, or if you prefer the indoors. use the fireplace. If there is none in the house, a collection of small candles will suffice. Oak, maple, ash, and birch are good choices to burn with less smoke and creosote buildup in the chimney.
GREENS – Try festooning the house with evergreens like holly (symbolizes Earth’s beauty in winter), and mistletoe (for peace and happiness), or hellebores (Christmas roses in several colors). Long strands of ivy (faithfulness, healing and marriage), and birch for new beginnings. Other popular seasonal plants are Poinsettias, Christmas cactus and sagebrush.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND AROMATICS – Diffusers with essential oils will scent an entire house nicely. Frankincense has a pine and lemony scent, and looks like pale yellow droplets. Myrrh is a gum resin used in perfumes and dries to a crumbly red chunk. According to tradition, frankincense and myrrh were among the gifts given to the Christ Child by the Three Wise Men.
SMUDGING – Using sage to smudge the house is very traditional. Grandfather White Sage is a very common sage as many believe it has cleansing properties. Sage emits an earthy, herbaceous scent. The plant is dried then tied into bundles, which are lit and the smoke is passed around the rooms of the house. It is not necessary to burn large amounts. Introduce energy by declaring your positive intentions for the space. After the ritual, place the sage in a fire-proof dish until it burns out completely.
Nancy Swing is a geologist by trade. “I’ve collected rocks and minerals since I was three years old,” she says. One ritual Nancy suggests involves the use of dark colored minerals such as black tourmaline, obsidian and onyx to absorb negative energy.
“You can cleanse the dark minerals of that negativity by placing them on a piece of selenite and leaving them out overnight,” she said. “Selenite is all around us and is used in construction. People crush it to make wallboard for housing, so it’s very common to find.”
The ancient Saturnalia was first celebrated by the Romans with parties and huge meals and is closely connected to the many rituals surrounding the Christian Christmas. In some circles the social order was reversed for one night with slaves allowed to celebrate as well as they were treated as equals for the moment.
The best part of the Winter Solstice? Create your own rituals and celebrations.
Enjoy the season with a cup of ginger or chai tea, or eat pomegranates. Throw a bucket of water out the front door to evict all bad spirits and purification. (Note: My parents lived in Havana, Cuba and joked that some of that water landed on hapless tourists walking in the streets below.) Start a fire or burn some candles. Turn off all the lights in the house and reflect on the darkness and the upcoming spring. Write down a wish or perhaps a plan for the coming months – and throw it into the fire, paying close attention to your thoughts and releasing all into the flames.
Spring will not be far behind.