The Winter Solstice takes place on December 21st this year. It marks the longest night of the year, the Holly King is at full strength. It also marks the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun. After this day, we will gradually have more and more daylight. In Druid tradition, the Winter Solstice is thought of as a time of death and rebirth when Nature’s powers and our own souls are renewed. It marks the moment in time when the Old Sun dies (at dusk on the 21st of December) and when the Sun of the New Year is born (at dawn on the 22nd of December). The birth of the New Sun is thought to revive the Earth’s aura, giving a new lease on life to spirits and souls of the dead. According to Celtic myth, the solstice marked a great battle each year between the Oak King who represented the light, and the Holly King who represented the dark. Each year the Oak King would finish victorious at the winter solstice, and daylight would slowly return to the island, until it was time to do battle again at the Summer Solstice. However, celebrating the Winter Solstice goes back to prehistoric times. The Síd in Broga or Newgrange, was built around 3200 BC in precise alignment with the rising sun over the solstice each winter. This mysterious monument is older than Stonehenge and testament to the importance of this time of year for our ancient ancestors. 

In Norse tradition, Yule was celebrated for 12 days, starting on the eve of the Winter Solstice. This is how the 12 days of Christmas came to be. They would decorate, feast, and dance. Evergreens were cut and brought indoors to symbolize life, rebirth and renewal. Holly was often used to decorate because of its prickliness it was thought to capture or ward off evil spirits before they could enter a home and cause harm. The custom of burning the Yule Log began with the ancient Scandinavians who burned a huge log, felled from and Ash tree, to honor the God Thor. The Yule log was never completely burned. The log would be lit from the leftover log from the previous year which had been carefully stored away for protection and good fortune. Thor was believed to bring the warmth and fertility of the Sun back. The tradition the Yule goat, or Julbock, also come from Thor. Thor was known to have two goats that he would feast on every night and every morning they would rise again. The Yule goat helped "Santa" deliver presents. The Goddess Frigg's story of mistletoe also tells a story of death and rebirth. Frigg, the Goddess of Home and Hearth, Motherhood and Childbirth and the wife of Odin was also known for her gift of prophesy. Though, she was known to never tell others of the visions she received. One night she had a vision of her son Baldr, the God of Light, being killed. Baldr was loved by all but Frigg was not about to take any chances. So she asked every living creature and plant to promise not to harm Baldr. While she was doing this she spotted a small, frail mistletoe. She thought it so harmless that she didn't bother asking it not to harm her son. Unfortunately, Loki, the God of Mischief, was spying. Satisfied with herself, Frigg called a huge gathering and challenged everyone to attempt to kill Baldr. Stones, arrows, and blades were thrown at him but they all bounced off, leaving him unharmed. Sly Loki noticed Hodr, the Blind God and Baldr's brother, not partaking in the games. When he asked Hodr why he wasn't playing Hodr replied because he cannot see were Baldr stands. So Loki offered to help point his arrow in Baldr's direction, but before he did so, he dressed Hodr's arrow with mistletoe. When the mistletoe laced arrow hit Baldr, he fell and died. It was said the entire world wept at his loss and Odin begged Hel to allow Baldr to come back, yet she refused. Frigg then announced mistletoe would now be known as a plant of love and light all all who pass under it would kiss.

The earliest trace of Santa is thought to be Odin. Odin is known to the Norse as the Allfather and God of War, Magic, and Wisdom. During Yule, Odin was said to lead the Wild Hunt through the sky. Later, Santa was associated with Saint Nicholas, a real historical figure. This 4th-century Christian bishop was of Greek descent and lived in Turkey. By the Middle Ages, many European Christian children were left gifts on the evening of December 5, allowing them to wake up and open their presents in honor of Saint Nicholas’s feast day on December 6. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, repentant thieves, prostitutes, children, brewers, unmarried people, and students. He had a legendary habit of secret gift-giving.

In early America, the tradition of burning Bayberry candles was born. During colonial times, it was frequently used to make candles because it didn't become rancid like lard. Bayberry candles are traditionally burned on Christmas Eve and the New Year to invite in a prosperous and blessed New Year. There is an old saying, "A bayberry candle burned to the socket brings joy to the heart and gold to the pocket." Native Americans also used Bayberry to protect against the dead.

The Winter Solstice was celebrated around the world by just about every civilization. The theme for this time the year is always the same. Death and rebirth, celebrating the victory of the Light, calling in prosperity for the New Year, dancing, merriment, and gift giving. The Indians of northern Arizona celebrated Soyal. There would be ceremonies and rituals that included purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. The Persians celebrated Yalda. It was seen as the victory of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Milthra. Families celebrate together with special foods and stay awake all night long to welcome the morning sun. The ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia had games and feasts and gift-giving for several days. It was a festival held from December 17th through the 23rd to honor the God Saturn. Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights held for eight nights. Each night a candle is lit on the menorah. There are special foods, games, and gift giving.

How ever you celebrate the Winter Solstice may your festivities be full of Light, Love, Laughter, and Blessings!