December Solstice

Growing up I celebrated Christmas, the religious holiday, with my family, but as I grew up and decided I would form my own spirituality I began celebrating December (winter) Solstice.  I honor the cycles and the seasons that remind us of the ever changing flow of life that we are part of.  Obviously, you cannot get rid of Christmas in today’s society but, I put my effort in celebrating and having a Solstice party.

Sunday, December 21st was the Winter Solstice.  And just like the past 7 years, we hosted a Winter Solstice dinner party at our house for our good friends that celebrate it as well.  It is great to have friends that have similar beliefs and enjoy celebrating aspects of the earth….we also have a summer solstice party too! :D

At our party we celebrate the “light” coming back to the world.  After the solstice the days begin to get longer and nights get shorter, meaning the sun will be out longer.  At our celebration we make a big dinner, similar to the one I used to make when celebrating Christmas, give gifts, usually have a campfire and engage in conversation all night. 

Even though we have good friends that understand what the Winter Solstice is about, I often get questions from students in my yoga class or other acquaintances what it is.  Here are a few common questions I get-
What is the December (winter) Solstice?  The winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon where the sun in in the furthest part of the southern sky.   It is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. After the winter solstice the days begin to get longer and the nights get shorter.  It is the first (unofficial) day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer in the Southern.  Below is a map of the world during the time of the solstice.




Is it related to Christmas?  Some believe it is because there is no date in the bible that specifically says December 25 was the birth of Christ.  The December solstice is tied to many cultures and events including the Mayan apocalypse scare that marked the end of their calendar.

Do you decorate for the solstice? Yes we do.  We decorate the house with evergreens and wreaths representing the rebirth of the circle of life.  We decorate the house with candles, lights, mirrors, prisms, and everything that creates light to welcome back the light.



The winter solstice is a magical time when we acknowledge our incredible earth and the change in seasons.  Even though the winter solstice has past, make your calendars to celebrate the summer solstice on June 21, 2015.

Happy Solstice!

Namaste

Anita