Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, is the shortest day and longest night of the year. In much of the world today its rituals have been incorporated into Christmas, but disillusionment with the over-commercialisation of Christmas inspires many people to re-examine the ancient rituals.
Ancient Celtic Festival
Winter Solstice occurs on the 21st December, although astronomically speaking, the true date differs from year to year. This year it occurs on the 22nd December. Like other Celtic festivals, for example Samhain, now Halloween, its ancient meanings have long been forgotten by the general public.
The ancient Celtic term for Winter Solstice is Alban Arthuan, says Rosemary Roberts in10 Minute Celtic Spirituality (Fair Winds Press, 2003). It was a festival of peace to celebrate the coming of the light.
Celebrating the Sun God's Birth
As Christmas honours the birth of Christ, Winter Solstice celebrates the rebirth of the Sun God, son of the Goddess. In ancient times, people were more intimately connected with the cycles of nature. The worship of the Sun is understandable in light of our reliance on its warmth for food and life itself.
Mistletoe and Winter Solstice
Mistletoe, still a central part of Christmas celebrations, grew only rarely on oak trees, sacred to the Druids, explains T.D. Kendrick in The Druids (Random House, 1927). Mistletoe is associated with peace and goodwill, both values that today still surround this time of year.
The mistletoe would be ritually cut using a golden sickle, in a ceremony shortly after Winter Solstice. It would then be divided up into sprigs and dispersed to the people, who hung it over their doors for protection.
The Tradition of the Yule Log
The tradition of the Yule log also began with the Druids. The log was lit to banish evil spirits, defeat darkness and bring good luck for the coming year. Yule logs would smoulder for twelve days before another ceremony was held to put them out. A part of the log was kept to be strapped to the plough the next spring to bless the land, and another piece was taken to light the next Yule's log.
The Yule Holly and Ivy
Sprigs of holly and ivy were traditionally brought into the home to celebrate Winter Solstice. They are both evergreen plants, symbolising the eternal nature of the sun, which never dies, but merely sleeps during the winter months.
How to Celebrate Winter Solstice Today
Celebrating Winter Solstice is a wonderful way to bring back the spirit that is often missing from Christmas today. The Yule focus on family togetherness and the union of all humankind, can be achieved in many different ways. Here are some suggestions from Brighter Blessings and Circle Sanctuary.
- Instead of buying gifts, make some together on Yule Day.
- Go on a nature walk in a nearby forest. Look for a Yule Log for the fireplace or a smaller one simply to decorate the home. Look for natural decorations such as ivy, mistletoe, and pinecones, taking care to only pick what has already fallen.
- Collect evergreens to make a Yule Wreath. Place this wreath in a visible location such as the front door.
- Create a ritual out of decorating the Yule Log, using home-made decorations, e.g. sunbursts, and the natural plants gathered during the nature walk.
- While sitting around the burning Yule Log, share the stories of Winter Solstice. Each member of the family throws some dried holly sprigs into the fire, saying a farewell to the old year.
- Have a Solstice Feast, including a cake with a sun image on it. Each person can light a candle on the cake and make a wish for the coming year.
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