| Winter Solstice | |
 Fire kept burning through the longest night of the year |
|
| Also called | Midwinter, DōngZhì, Yule, Şabe Cele/Yalda, Soyal, Teḳufat Ṭebet, Şeva Zistanê, Solar New Year, Longest Night |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Various cultures, ancient and modern |
| Type | Cultural, Seasonal, Astronomical |
| Significance | Astronomically marks the beginning of shortening nights and lengthening days, interpretation varies from culture to culture, but most hold a recognition of rebirth |
| Date | The Solstice of Winter December 21 or December 22 (NH) June 21 or June 22 (SH) |
| 2007 date | December 22 (UTC North) June 21 (UTC South) |
| 2008 date | December 21 (UTC North) June 20 (UTC South) |
| 2009 date | December 21 (UTC North) June 21 (UTC South) |
| Celebrations | Festivals, spending time with loved ones, feasting, singing, dancing, fire in the hearth |
| Related to | Winter Festivals and the Solstice |
| year | Solstice June |
Solstice Dec |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| day | time | day | time | |
| 2007 | 21 | 18:06 | 22 | 06:08 |
| 2008 | 20 | 23:59 | 21 | 12:04 |
| 2009 | 21 | 05:45 | 21 | 17:47 |
| 2010 | 21 | 11:28 | 21 | 23:38 |
| 2011 | 21 | 17:16 | 22 | 05:30 |
| 2012 | 20 | 23:09 | 21 | 11:11 |
| 2013 | 21 | 05:04 | 21 | 17:11 |
| 2014 | 21 | 10:51 | 21 | 23:03 |
The winter solstice occurs at the instant when the Sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equatorial plane from the observer. The Dōngzhì Festival or Winter Solstice Festival ( Chinese: 冬至 Pinyin: dōng zhì; "The Extreme of Winter" is one of the most Yule is a winter festival historically celebrated primarily in northern Europe but now celebrated in many other countries in various forms Shabe Yaldā ( or Shabe Chelle ( is an Iranian festival originally celebrated on the Northern Hemisphere's longest night of the year that is on the Soyal is the winter solstice ceremony of the Zuni and the Hopi (Hopitu Shinumu The Peaceful Ones, also known as the Hopi Indians Solstices occur twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes Winter is one of the four Seasons of Temperate zones Calculated astronomically, it begins on the Solstice and ends on the Equinox Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian Events 1790 - The Turkish fortress of Izmail is stormed and captured by Suvorov and his Russian armies Northern Hemisphere is the half of a Planet that is North of the Equator —the word hemisphere literally means 'half ball' Events 524 - Godomar, King of the Burgundians defeats the Franks at the Battle of Vézeronce. Events 217 BC - Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV of Egypt defeats Antiochus III the Great of the Seleucid kingdom. Southern Hemisphere is the half of a Planet that is South of the Equator —the word hemisphere literally means 'half ball' Events 1790 - The Turkish fortress of Izmail is stormed and captured by Suvorov and his Russian armies Events 524 - Godomar, King of the Burgundians defeats the Franks at the Battle of Vézeronce. Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian Events 451 - Battle of Chalons: Flavius Aetius ' defeats Attila the Hun. Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian Events 524 - Godomar, King of the Burgundians defeats the Franks at the Battle of Vézeronce. This is an incomplete list of festivals and holidays that take place during the Winter in the Northern hemisphere, especially those commemorating the season. Solstices occur twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes The Sun (Sol is the Star at the center of the Solar System. The equator (sometimes referred to colloquially as "the Line") is the intersection of the Earth 's surface with the plane perpendicular to the Depending on the shift of the calendar, the event of the winter solstice occurs some time between December 20 and December 23 each year in the northern hemisphere, and between June 20 and June 23 in the southern hemisphere, during either the shortest day or the longest night of the year, which is not to be confused with the darkest day or night or the day with the earliest sunset or latest sunrise. Solstices occur twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Events 962 - Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city Northern Hemisphere is the half of a Planet that is North of the Equator —the word hemisphere literally means 'half ball' Events 451 - Battle of Chalons: Flavius Aetius ' defeats Attila the Hun. Events 1180 - First Battle of Uji, starting the Genpei War in Japan 1305 - The Flemish Southern Hemisphere is the half of a Planet that is South of the Equator —the word hemisphere literally means 'half ball' Though the Winter Solstice lasts an instant, the term is also used to refer to the full 24-hour period.
Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time. Lists of holidays The words holiday or vacation have related meanings in different English-speaking countries and continents but will usually refer to one of A festival is an event usually and ordinarily staged by a local community which centers on some unique aspect of that community A ritual is a set of actions often thought to have Symbolic value the performance of which is usually prescribed by a Religion or by the Traditions Celebrations are a Chocolate collection made by Mars Incorporated, comprising miniature versions of favorite Mars - produced bars [2]
The seasonal significance of the Winter Solstice is varied, since it is sometimes said to astronomically mark either the beginning or middle of a hemisphere's Winter. Astronomy (from the Greek words astron (ἄστρον "star" and nomos (νόμος "law" is the scientific study Winter is one of the four Seasons of Temperate zones Calculated astronomically, it begins on the Solstice and ends on the Equinox Winter is a subjective term, so there is no scientifically established beginning or middle of winter but the Winter Solstice itself is clearly defined within a second. Subjectivity refers to a subject's perspective particularly feelings beliefs and desires Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning " Knowledge " or "knowing" is the effort to discover, and increase human understanding
The word solstice derives from Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), Winter Solstice meaning Sun standstill in winter. Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome.
Date
Calendrically, in most countries the time of the winter solstice is considered as midwinter. This is evident in calendars as far back as Ancient Egypt, whose system of seasons was gauged according to the flooding of the Nile. Ancient Egypt was an Ancient Civilization in eastern North Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now For Celtic countries, such as Ireland, the calendarical winter season has traditionally begun November 1 on All Hallows or Samhain. Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Samhain (ˈsaʊn or /ˈsɑːwɪn/ Irish /ˈsˠaunʲ/ from the Old Irish samain) is the word for November in a few Gaelic languages Winter ends and spring begins on Imbolc or Candlemas, which is February 1 or 2. Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the Irish calendar, celebrated among Gaelic peoples and some other Celtic cultures either at the beginning The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus, and falls on or around 2 February. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Events 962 - Translatio imperii: Pope John XII crowns Otto I Holy Roman Emperor, the first Holy Roman Emperor This calendar system of seasons may be based on the length of days exclusively. Most East Asian cultures define the seasons by solar terms, with Dong zhi at the winter solstice as the middle or "extreme" of winter. A solar term is one of 24 points in traditional East Asian Lunisolar calendars that matches a particular astronomical event or signifies some natural phenomenon The traditional East Asian calendars divide a year into 24 Solar terms (節氣 This system is based on the sun's tilt. Some midwinter festivals have occurred according to lunar calendars and so took place on the night of Hōku (Hawaiian, the full moon closest to the winter solstice). A lunar calendar is a Calendar that is based on cycles of the Moon phase. And many European solar calendar midwinter celebrations still centre upon the night of December 24 leading into the December 25 in the north, which was considered to be the winter solstice upon the establishment of the Julian calendar. A solar calendar is a Calendar whose dates indicate the position of the earth on its revolution around the Sun (or equivalently the apparent position of the sun moving Events 563 - The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by Earthquakes Events 274 - Roman Emperor Aurelian The Julian calendar, a reform of the Roman calendar, was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC and came into force in 45 BC (709 Ab urbe condita In Jewish culture, Teḳufat Tevet, the day of the winter solstice, is historically known as the first day of the "stripping time" or winter season. Tekufot (singular tekufah, Hebrew: תקופות) are the four seasons of the year recognized by the Talmudical writers Persian cultures also recognize it as the beginning of winter. To best understand Iran and its people one must first attempt to acquire an understanding of its ancient culture
Since 45 BCE, when the 25th was established in the Julian calendar as the winter solstice of Europe, the difference between the calendar year (365. Year 45 BC was the year the Julian calendar went into effect According to this calendar it was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar The Julian calendar, a reform of the Roman calendar, was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC and came into force in 45 BC (709 Ab urbe condita 2500 days) and the tropical year (365. A tropical year (also known as a solar year) is the length of time that the Sun takes to return to the same position in the cycle of seasons as seen from Earth 2422 days) moved the day associated with the actual astronomical solstice forward approximately three days every four centuries until 1582 when Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar bringing the northern winter solstice to around December 21. Pope Gregory XIII (January 7 1502 &ndash April 10 1585 born Ugo Boncompagni, was Pope from 1572 to 1585 Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian Yearly, in the Gregorian calendar the solstice still moves around a bit, but in the longterm, only about one day per 3000 years. The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used Calendar in the world today
The figures above show the differences between the Gregorian calendar (Figure 1: using 1 leap year per 4 years) and Persian Jalāli calendar (Figure 2: using the 33-year arithmetic approximation) in reference to the actual yearly time of the winter solstice of the northern hemisphere, the December solstice. The Iranian calendar or Solar Hejri (تقویم هجری شمسی؛ سالنمای هجری خورشیدی Taqwim Hejri Shamsi Salanmay Hejri Khurshidi) is an astronomical The Y axis is "days error" and the X axis is Gregorian calendar years. Each point represents a single date on a given year. The error shifts by about 1/4 day per year, and is corrected by a leap year every 4th year regularly, and in the case of the Persian calendar also one 5 year leap period to complete a 33-year cycle, keeping the Persian winter solstice holiday on the same day every year.
History and cultural significance
Astronomical events, which during ancient times allowed for the scheduling of mating, sowing of crops and metering of winter reserves between harvests, show how various cultural mythologies and traditions have arisen. On the night of winter solstice, as seen from a northern sky, the three stars in Orion's belt align with the brightest star in the eastern sky Sirius to show where the Sun will rise in the morning after winter solstice. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky with a visual Apparent magnitude of &minus1 Until this time, the Sun has exhibited since summer solstice a decreasing arc across the Southern sky. Solstices occur twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes On winter solstice, the Sun ceases to decline in the sky and the length of daylight reaches its minimum for three days, during which the sun does not move on the horizon. After such a time, the Sun begins its ascent into the northern sky and days grow longer. Thus the interpretation by many cultures of a sun reborn and a return to light. This return to light is again celebrated at the vernal equinox, when the length of day equals that of night. An equinox is the event of the Sun passing over the Earth's equator in its annual cycle
The solstice itself may have remained a special moment of the annual cycle of the year since neolithic times. The Neolithic (from Greek νεολιθικός — neolithikos from νέος neos, "new" + λίθος lithos This is attested by physical remains in the layouts of late Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeological sites like Stonehenge in Britain and Brú na Bóinne (New Grange) in Ireland. The term Bronze Age refers to a period in human cultural development when the most advanced Metalworking (at least in systematic and widespread use included techniques for Stonehenge is a Prehistoric Monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about west of Amesbury and north of Salisbury Newgrange (Dún Fhearghusa is one of the Passage tombs of the Brú na Bóinne complex in County Meath, one of the most famous The primary axes of both of these monuments seem to have been carefully aligned on a sight-line framing the winter solstice sunrise (New Grange) and the winter solstice sunset (Stonehenge). The winter solstice may have been immensely important because communities were not assured to live through the winter, and had to be prepared during the previous nine months. Starvation was common in winter between January to April, also known as the famine months. Starvation (also called inanition) is a severe reduction in Vitamin, Nutrient, and Energy intake and is the most extreme form of A famine is a widespread shortage of food that may apply to any Faunal species which phenomenon is usually accompanied by regional Malnutrition, Starvation In temperate climates, the midwinter festival was the last feast celebration, before deep winter began. Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was nearly the only time of year when a supply of fresh meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time. Wine is an Alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of Grape juice Beer is the world's oldest and most widely consumed Alcoholic beverage and the third most popular drink overall after water and tea Fermentation in Food processing typically refers to the conversion of Sugar to Alcohol using Yeast under Anaerobic conditions The concentration of the observances were not always on the day commencing at midnight or at dawn, but the beginning of the pre-Romanized day, which falls on the previous eve. Midnight is literally "the middle of the night" In most systems it is when one day ends and the next begins when the date changes Dawn refers to the Twilight before Sunrise. It is recognized by the presence of weak sunlight while the sun itself is still below the horizon Evening is the period in which the daylight is decreasing between the late Afternoon and night, around the time when Dinner is taken [3]
Explanations for parallel traditions
Symbolic
Since the event is observed as the reversal of the Sun's ebbing presence in the sky, concepts of the birth or rebirth of sun gods have been common and, in cultures using winter solstitially based cyclic calendars, the year as reborn has been celebrated with regard to life-death-rebirth deities or new beginnings such as Hogmanay's redding, a New Years cleaning tradition. The Sun (Sol is the Star at the center of the Solar System. Characteristics A tide is a repeated cycle of sea level changes in the following stages Over several hours the water rises or advances up a beach in the flood "Sun god" redirects here For the Ramsey Lewis album see Sun Goddess (album. The category life-death-rebirth deity also known as a "dying-and-rising" or "Resurrection" Deity is a convenient means of classifying the many divinities Hogmanay ( pronounced &mdash with the main stress on the last syllable is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the The New Year is an event that happens when a Culture celebrates the end of one Year and the beginning of the next year Also reversal is another usual theme as in Saturnalia's slave and master reversals. Saturnalia is the feast with which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn
Migration and appropriation
Many outside traditions are often adopted by neighboring or invading cultures. Some historians will often assert that many traditions are directly derived from previous ones rooting all the way back to those begun in the cradle of civilization or beyond, much in a way that correlates to speculations on the origins of languages. The cradle of civilization is any of the possible locations for the emergence of Civilization. The origin of language ( glottogony) is a topic that has attracted considerable speculation throughout human history
Therapeutic
Even in modern cultures these gatherings are still valued for emotional comfort, having something to look forward to at the darkest time of the year. This is especially the case for populations in the near polar regions of the hemisphere. The Arctic is the Region around the Earth 's North Pole, opposite the Antarctic region around the South Pole. The depressive psychological effects of winter on individuals and societies are for the most part tied to coldness, tiredness, malaise, and inactivity. Psychology (from Greek grc ψῡχή psȳkhē, "breath life soul" and grc -λογία -logia) is an Academic and A society is a Population of Humans characterized by patterns of relationships between individuals that share a distinctive Culture and Institutions Malaise is a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness an "out of sorts" feeling often the first indication of an infection or other disease Winter weather, plus being indoors causes negative ion deficiency which decreases serotonin levels resulting in depression and tiredness. The weather is a set of all the phenomena occurring in a given Atmosphere at a given Time. An ion is an Atom or Molecule which has lost or gained one or more Valence electrons giving it a positive or negative electrical charge Serotonin (ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnən ( 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a Monoamine Neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic Neurons In the fields of Psychology and Psychiatry, the terms depression or depressed refer to both expected and pathologically chronic or severe [4]
Also, insufficient sunlight in the short winter days increases the secretion of melatonin in the body, off balancing the circadian rhythm with longer sleep. Melatonin is a naturally occurring Hormone found in most animals including humans and some other living organisms including Algae. Exercise, light therapy, increased negative ion exposure (which can be attained from plants and well ventilated flames, burning wood or beeswax) can reinvigorate the body from its seasonal lull and relieve winter blues by decreasing melatonin secretions, increasing serotonin and temporarily creating a more even sleeping pattern. Light therapy or phototherapy consists of exposure to daylight or to specific wavelengths of light using Lasers, LEDs Fluorescent lamps, An ion is an Atom or Molecule which has lost or gained one or more Valence electrons giving it a positive or negative electrical charge For the rock song by Nirvana see Beeswax (song. Beeswax is a natural Wax produced in the bee hive of Honey bees of the genus
Midwinter festivals and celebrations occurring on the longest night of the year, often calling for evergreens, bright illumination, large ongoing fires, feasting, communion with close ones, and evening physical exertion by dancing and singing are examples of cultural winter therapies that have evolved as traditions since the beginnings of civilization. In Botany, an Evergreen plant is a plant having leaves all year round The Holocene is a Geological epoch which began approximately 10000 years ago (about 8000 BC Such traditions can stir the wit, stave off malaise, reset the internal clock and rekindle the human spirit. Wit is a form of intellectual Humour. A wit (person is someone skilled in making witty remarks [5]
Observances
The following is an alphabetical list of observances believed to be directly linked to the winter solstice. For other Winter observances see List of winter festivals. This is an incomplete list of festivals and holidays that take place during the Winter in the Northern hemisphere, especially those commemorating the season. :
Amaterasu celebration, Requiem of the Dead (7th century Japan)
In late seventh century Japan, festivities were held to celebrate the reemergence of Amaterasu or Amateras, the sun goddess of Japanese mythology, from her seclusion in a cave. The 7th century is the period from 601 to 700 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian / Common Era. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. or is in Japanese mythology a sun goddess and perhaps the most important Shinto. The 7th century is the period from 601 to 700 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian / Common Era. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. or is in Japanese mythology a sun goddess and perhaps the most important Shinto. "Sun god" redirects here For the Ramsey Lewis album see Sun Goddess (album. Japanese mythology is a system of beliefs that embraces Shinto and Buddhist traditions as well as agriculture-based Folk religion. Tricked by the other gods with a loud celebration, she peeks out to look and finds the image of herself in a mirror and is convinced by the other gods to return, bringing sunlight back to the universe. Requiems for the dead were held and Manzai and Shishimai were performed throughout the night, awaiting the sunrise. The Requiem (from Latin requiem, accusative case of requies, rest or Requiem Mass (informally a funeral Mass also known formally (in Latin as the Manzai (漫才 is a style of Stand-up comedy in Japan, which usually involves two performers—a straight man ( tsukkomi) and a Aspects of this tradition have continued to this day on New Years. [6]
Beiwe Festival (Sámi of Northern Fennoscandia)
- See also: Beiwe
The Saami, indigenous people of Finland, Sweden and Norway, worship Beiwe, the sun-goddess of fertility and sanity. The Sami people are the Indigenous people of northern Europe inhabiting Sápmi, which today encompasses parts of northern Sweden, Norway Fennoscandia and Fenno-Scandinavia are geographic and geological terms used to describe the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Kola Peninsula, Karelia Beiwe is the spring and Sun goddess of fertility and sanity worshipped by the Sami, the indigenous people of Finland. Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional She travels through the sky in a structure made of reindeer bones with her daughter, Beiwe-Neia, to herald back the greenery on which the reindeer feed. On the winter solstice, her worshipers sacrifice white female animals, and with the meat, thread and sticks, bed into rings with ribbons. They also cover their doorposts with butter so Beiwe can eat it and begin her journey once again. [7]
Choimus, Chaomos (Kalash of Pakistan)
In the ancient traditions of the Kalash people of Pakistan, during winter solstice, a demigod returns to collect prayers and deliver them to Dezao, the supreme being. The Kalash ( Nuristani: Kasivo) or Kalasha, are an ethnic group of the Hindu Kush mountain range residing in the Chitral district Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and The Kalash ( Nuristani: Kasivo) or Kalasha, are an ethnic group of the Hindu Kush mountain range residing in the Chitral district Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and The term " demigod " meaning "half-god" is used to describe mythological figures whose one parent was a god and whose other parent was human "During this celebrations women and girls are purified by taking ritual baths. The men pour water over their heads while they hold up bread. Then the men and boys are purified with water and must not sit on chairs until evening when goat's blood is sprinkled on their faces. Following this purification, a great festival begins, with singing, dancing, bonfires, and feasting on goat tripe and other delicacies". [8]
Christmas, Natalis Domini (4th century Rome, 11th century England, Christian)
Christmas or Christ's Mass is one of the most popular Christian celebrations as well as one of the most globally recognized midwinter celebrations. A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the God Incarnate or Messiah, Yeshua of Nazareth, later known as Jesus Christ. God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. This article is about the concept of a Messiah in religion notably in the Christian Islamic and Jewish traditions Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) Nazareth (ˈnæzərəθ (נָצְרַת Hebrew Natz'rat or Natzeret, الناصرة an-Nāṣira or an-Naseriyye) is the capital and largest The birth is observed on December 25, which was the winter solstice upon establishment of the Julian Calendar. Events 274 - Roman Emperor Aurelian Banned by the Catholic Church in its infancy as a pagan practice stemming out of the Sol Invictus celebrations,[9] Christians revitalized its recognition as an authentic Christian festival in various cultures within the past several hundred years, preserving much of the folklore and traditions of local pagan festivals. Paganism (from Latin paganus, meaning "country dweller rustic" is a word used to refer to various religions and religious beliefs from across the world So today, the old festivals such as Jul, Коледа and Karácsony, are still celebrated in many parts of Europe, but the Christian Nativity is now often representational of the meaning. For depictions in painting and sculpture see Nativity of Jesus in art. This is why Yule and Christmas are considered interchangeable in Anglo-Christendom. Yule is a winter festival historically celebrated primarily in northern Europe but now celebrated in many other countries in various forms English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States Christendom usually refers to Christianity as a territorial phenomenon Universal activities include feasting, midnight masses and singing Christmas carols about the Nativity. The term Midnight Mass or midnight mass can refer to A Church service that happens at midnight A Christmas Eve church A Christmas carol (also called a Noël) is a carol ( Song or Hymn) whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas, or the winter Good deeds and gift giving in the tradition of St. Nicholas by not admitting to being the actual gift giver is also observed by some countries. Saint Nicholas (Άγιος Νικόλαος, Agios Nikolaos, "victory of the people" is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, a Christian Saint Many observe the holiday for twelve days leading up to the Epiphany. The Twelve Days of Christmas, and the associated evenings of those twelve days (Twelve-tide are the festive days beginning the evening of Christmas Day ( December 25 Epiphany ( Greek for "to manifest" or "to show" is a Christian Feast day which celebrates the "shining forth" or revelation of
Deuorius Riuri (Gaul)
Deuorius Riuri was the annual great divine winter feast, observed by the Coligny Calendar. Gaul (Gallia was the Roman name for the region of Western Europe comprising present day northern Italy, France, Belgium, western The Gaulish Coligny Calendar was found in Coligny, Ain, France ( near Lyon in 1897 along with the head of a bronze statue of The lunisolar Coligney Midwinter returned to solar alignment every two and a half years. [10]
Deygān (Zoroastrian)
The last day of the Persian month Azar is the longest night of the year, when the forces of Ahriman are assumed to be at the peak of their strength. Zoroastrianism (ˌzɔroʊˈæstriəˌnɪzəm is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings "Ahriman" redirects here For other uses see Ahriman (disambiguation. The next day, the first day of the month Dey, known as khoram ruz or khore ruz (the day of sun) belongs to God (Ahura Mazda). Ahura Mazda ( ae Ahura Mazdā) is the Avestan language name for a divinity exalted by Zoroaster as the one uncreated Creator Since the days are getting longer and the nights shorter, this day marks the victory of Sun over the darkness. The occasion was celebrated in the ancient Persian Deygan Festival dedicated to Ahura Mazda, and Mithra on the first day of the month Dey. This article is about the Zoroastrian Yazata Mithra (Miθra For other divinities with related names see the general article Mitra. [11]
DōngZhì Festival, Tōji Festival (East Asia, Vietnam, and Buddhist)
The Winter Solstice Festival or The Extreme of Winter (Chinese and Japanese: 冬至; Korean: 동지; Vietnamese: Đông chí) (Pinyin: Dōng zhì), (Rōmaji: Tōji) is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during the dongzhi solar term on or around December 21 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest; i. The Dōngzhì Festival or Winter Solstice Festival ( Chinese: 冬至 Pinyin: dōng zhì; "The Extreme of Winter" is one of the most is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities This article is mainly about the spoken Korean language See Hangul for details on the native Korean writing system Vietnamese ( tiếng Việt, or less commonly Việt ngữ) formerly known under French colonization as Annamese ( see Annam) Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use The romanization of Japanese or ( is the use of the Latin alphabet to write the Japanese language. The traditional East Asian calendars divide a year into 24 Solar terms (節氣 A solar term is one of 24 points in traditional East Asian Lunisolar calendars that matches a particular astronomical event or signifies some natural phenomenon Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian e. , on the first day of the dongzhi solar term. The origins of this festival can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin and yang ( is used to describe how seemingly opposing forces are bound together intertwined and interdependent in the After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in. The philosophical significance of this is symbolized by the I Ching hexagram fù (復, "Returning"). The I Ching ( Wade-Giles) or “Yì Jīng” ( Pinyin) also called “Classic of Changes” or “Book of Changes” is one of the oldest of the The King Wen sequence (文王卦序 of the Yi Jing (易經 is a series of sixty-four binary figures ( Hexagrams, each composed of 6 lines either unbroken This is a list of I Ching hexagrams 1-32. Hexagrams 33-64 can be found at the List of I Ching hexagrams 33-64. Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get togethers (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese communities overseas) is the making and eating of Tangyuan (湯圓, as pronounced in Cantonese; Mandarin Pinyin: Tāng Yuán) or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tāngyuán is a Chinese food made from Glutinous rice flour Glutinous rice flour is mixed with a small amount of water to form balls and is then cooked and served Standard Cantonese is the standard variant of the Cantonese (Yuet language Standard Mandarin, also known as Standard Spoken Chinese, is the official modern Chinese spoken language used in mainland China and Taiwan Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use
Goru (Dogon of Mali)
Goru is the (December) winter solstice ceremony of the Pays Dogon of Mali. The Dogon are a group of people living in the central plateau region of Mali, south of the Niger bend near the city of Bandiagara in the Mopti Mali, officially the Republic of Mali (République du Mali is a Landlocked nation in Western Africa. The Dogon are a group of people living in the central plateau region of Mali, south of the Niger bend near the city of Bandiagara in the Mopti Mali, officially the Republic of Mali (République du Mali is a Landlocked nation in Western Africa. It is the last harvest ritual and celebrates the arrival of humanity from the sky god, Amma, via Nommo inside the Aduno Koro, or the "Ark of the World". The Nommo are ancestral spirits (sometimes referred to as deities worshipped by the Dogon tribe of Mali. [12]
Hogmanay (Scotland)
The New Years Eve celebration of Scotland is called Hogmanay. Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Hogmanay ( pronounced &mdash with the main stress on the last syllable is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year's Eve is on December 31, the final day of the Gregorian year and the day before New Year's Day. The name derives from the old Scots name for Yule gifts of the Middle Ages. The early Hogmanay celebrations were originally brought to Scotland by the invading and occupying Norse who celebrated a solstitial new year (England celebrated the new year on March 25). Events 1199 - Richard I is wounded by a crossbow bolt while fighting France which leads to his death on April 6. In 1600, with the Scottish application of the January 1st New year and the churches persistent suppression of the solstice celebrations, the holiday traditions moved to December 31. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC Events 406 – Vandals, Alans and Suebians cross the Rhine, beginning an invasion of Gallia. The festival is still referred to as the Yules by the Scots of the Shetland Islands who start the festival on December 18th and hold the last tradition (a Troll chasing ritual) on January 18th. Yule is a winter festival historically celebrated primarily in northern Europe but now celebrated in many other countries in various forms Shetland (formerly spelled Zetland, from etland; Old Norse non Hjaltland; Sealtainn is an Archipelago off the northeast coast of A troll is a fearsome member of a race of creatures from Norse mythology. The most widespread Scottish custom is the practice of first-footing which starts immediately after midnight on New Years. First-Footing, in British Folklore, especially that of the north and Scotland, is the first person who crosses the threshold after midnight at the end of This involves being the first person (usually tall and dark haired) to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbor and often involves the giving of symbolic gifts such as salt (less common today), coal, shortbread, whisky, and black bun (a fruit pudding) intended to bring different kinds of luck to the householder. Shortbread is a type of Biscuit ( Cookie) which is traditionally made from one part white sugar, two parts Butter, and three parts oatmeal Whisky (uisge-beatha or whiskey (uisce beatha or fuisce) refers to a broad category of Alcoholic beverages that are distilled from fermented Food and drink (as the gifts, and often Flies cemetery) are then given to the guests. Flies Graveyard or Flies Cemetery are nicknames used in various parts of the United Kingdom for sweet pastries filled with Currants or Raisins [13]
Inti Raymi (Inca, Peru)
The Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun was a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in honor of the sun god Inti. Peru (Perú Piruw Piruw officially the Republic of Peru ( reˈpuβlika del peˈɾu is a country in western South America. The Inti Raymi ("Festival of the Sun" was a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in honor of the god Inti. The Inca Empire (or Inka Empire) was the largest empire in Pre-Columbian America. According to the Inca mythology, Inti was the Sun god, as well a patron deity of Tahuantinsuyu. It also marked the winter solstice and a new year in the Andes of the Southern Hemisphere. The Andes form the world's longest exposed Mountain range. They lie as a continuous chain of highland along the western coast of South America. Southern Hemisphere is the half of a Planet that is South of the Equator —the word hemisphere literally means 'half ball' One ceremony performed by the Inca priests was the tying of the sun. In Machu Picchu there is still a large column of stone called an Intihuatana, meaning "hitching post of the sun" or literally for tying the sun. Machu Picchu (Machu Pikchu "Old Peak" 'mɑtʃu 'piktʃu is a Pre-Columbian Inca site located 2400 meters (7875 ft above sea level The ceremony to tie the sun to the stone was to prevent the sun from escaping. The Spanish conquest, never finding Machu Picchu, destroyed all the other intihuatana, extinguishing the sun tying practice. The Spanish colonization of the Americas was Spain 's conquest settlement and rule over much of the Western hemisphere. The Catholic Church managed to suppress all Inti festivals and ceremonies by 1572. Since 1944 a theatrical representation of the Inti Raymi has been taking place at Sacsayhuamán (two km. Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Sacsayhuamán (also known as Saksaq Waman is an Inca walled complex near the old city of Cusco, at an altitude of 3701 m from Cusco) on June 24 of each year, attracting thousands of local visitors and tourists. ||} Cusco (also spelled Cuzco, and in the local Quechua language as Qusqu 'qos Events 972 - Battle of Cedynia, the first documented victory of Polish forces takes place Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel The Monte Alto culture may have also had a similar tradition. Monte Alto is an Archaeological site on the Pacific Coast in what is now Guatemala. [14] [15]
Junkanoo, Jonkonnu, John Canoe (West Africa, Bahamas, Jamaica, 19th-century North Carolina)
Junkanoo, in the Bahamas, Junkunno or Jonkanoo, in Jamaica, is a fantastic masquerade, parade and street festival, believed to be of West African origin. West Africa or Western Africa is the Westernmost Region of the African Continent. The Bahamas, officially the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is an independent sovereign English -speaking country consisting of two thousand Cays and Jamaica (ˈdʒəˈmeɪkə} is an Island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length and as much as in width situated in the Caribbean Sea. The 19th century of the Common Era began on January 1, 1801 and ended on December 31, 1900, according to the Gregorian calendar North Carolina ( is a state located on the Atlantic Seaboard in the southeastern United States Jonkonnu, Junkanoo Jonkanoo, Jankunu, John Canoe or Johnkankus is a musical street masquerade, believed to be of West It is traditionally performed through the streets towards the end of December, and involves participants dressed in a variety of fanciful costumes, such as the Cow Head, the Hobby Horse, the Wild Indian, and the Devil. The term costume can refer to Wardrobe and dress in general or to the distinctive style of dress of a particular people class or period A hobby horse (or hobby-horse) is a child's Toy Horse, particularly popular during the days before cars The Devil is the The parades are accompanied by bands usually consisting of fifes, drums, and coconut graters used as scrapers, and Jonkanoo songs are also sung. Fife ( Gaelic: Fìobha) is a Council area of Scotland, situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth, with inland A drum kit (also drum set or trap set) is a collection of Drums Cymbals and sometimes other Percussion instruments such as cowbells The Coconut Palm ( Cocos nucifera) is a member of the Family Arecaceae (palm family A grater is a kitchen utensil used to grate foods into fine strips or crumbs A similar practice was once common in coastal North Carolina, where it was called John Canoe, John Koonah, or John Kooner. John Canoe was likened to the wassailing tradition of medieval Britain. Wassailing is the practice of people going door-to-door singing Christmas carols In modern times it is most commonly known through reference in various traditional Christmas Great Britain during the Middle Ages (from the 5th century withdrawal of Roman forces from the province of Britannia Both John Canoe and wassailing bear strong resemblance to the social inversion rituals that marked the ancient Roman celebration of Saturnalia. Saturnalia is the feast with which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn
Karachun (Ancient Western Slavic)
Karachun, Korochun or Kračún was a Slavic holiday similar to Halloween as a day when the Black God and other evil spirits were most potent. The West Slavs are Slavic peoples speaking West Slavic languages. Halloween, or Hallowe’en, is a Holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Chernobog (also spelled Crnobog, Czernobóg, Černobog or Zernebog from the Russian Чернобог, each name meaning "black It was celebrated by Slavs on the longest night of the year. On this night, Hors, symbolising the old sun, becomes smaller as the days become shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, and dies on December 22nd, the December solstice. For the town in Armenia see Hors Armenia. Hurs or Hors (from a Scythian Khursun) is the Slavic Events 1790 - The Turkish fortress of Izmail is stormed and captured by Suvorov and his Russian armies He is said to be defeated by the dark and evil powers of the Black God. In honour of Hors, the Slavs danced a ritual chain-dance which was called the horo. Traditional chain-dancing in Bulgaria is still called horo. The state of Bulgaria (България transliterated bg-Latn ''Balgaria'' The country preserves the traditions (in ethnic name language and alphabet of the First Bulgarian In Russia and Ukraine, it is known as khorovod. Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Ukraine (Україна Ukrayina, /ukrɑˈjinɑ/ is a country in Eastern Europe. Khorovod (хоровод хоро танок карагод kara'ɣod korowód is a Slavic art form a combination of a Circle dance and chorus singing On December 23rd Hors is resurrected and becomes the new sun, Koleda. Events 962 - Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city Kolyada or koleda (Cyrillic коляда коледа колада is the original Slavic word for Christmas, still used in modern Bulgarian On this day, Western Slavs burned fires at cemeteries to keep their departed loved ones warm, organized dinings in the honor of the dead so as they would not suffer from hunger and lit wooden logs at local crossroads. The West Slavs are Slavic peoples speaking West Slavic languages.
Koleda, Коляда, Sviatki, Dazh Boh (Ancient Eastern Slavic and Sarmatian)
In ancient Slavonic cultures, the festival of Kaleda began at Winter Solstice and lasted for ten days. The East Slavs are a Slavic ethnic group, the speakers of East Slavic languages. The Sarmatians, Sarmatae or Sauromatae ( Old Iranian Sarumatah 'archer' Σαρμάτες In Russia, this festival was later applied to Christmas Eve but most of the practices were lost after the Soviet Revolution. Christmas Eve, December 24, is the day before Christmas Day, the celebrated birthday of Jesus. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 Each family made a fire in their hearth and invited their personal household Gods to join in the festivities. Children disguise themselves on evenings and nights and as Koledari, visited houses and sang wishes of good luck, like Shchedryk, to hosts. Koledari ( Bulgarian and Macedonian: коледари from common Slavic Koleda, " Christmas " is the Bulgarian Shchedryk (from the Ukrainian word shchedryy; "bountiful" is a Ukrainian shchedrivka, or New Year's carol As a reward, they were given little gifts, a tradition called Kolyadovanie, much like the old wassailing or mummers Tradition. Wassailing is the practice of people going door-to-door singing Christmas carols In modern times it is most commonly known through reference in various traditional Christmas [16][17]
Lenæa, Brumalia (Ancient and Hellenistic Greece, Roman Kingdom)
In the Aegean civilizations, the exclusively female midwinter ritual, Lenaea or Lenaia, was the Festival of the Wild Women. Events By place Greece May — King Xerxes I of Persia marches from Sardis and onto Thrace The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre located in Paris is the world's most visited art museum a historic monument and a national museum of France The term ancient Greece refers to the period of Greek history lasting from the Greek Dark Ages ca The Hellenistic period of European history was the period between the death of Alexander the Great (Alexander III of Macedon in 323 BC and the annexation The Roman Kingdom ( Latin: Regnum Romanum) was the monarchical Government of the city of Rome The Lenaia was an annual festival with a Dramatic competition but one of the lesser festivals of Athens and Ionia in Ancient Greece. Brumalia was an Ancient Greek solstice festival honoring Dionysus, generally held on December 25. Aegean civilization is a general term for the Bronze Age Civilizations of Greece and the Aegean. In the forest, a man or bull representing the god Dionysus was torn to pieces and eaten by Maenads. In Classical mythology, Dionysus or Dionysos (in Greek, Διόνυσος or Διώνυσος; associated with Roman Later in the ritual a baby, representing Dionysus reborn, was presented. Lenaion, the first month of the Delian calendar, derived its name from the festival's name. By classical times, the human sacrifice had been replaced by that of a goat, and the women's role had changed to that of funeral mourners and observers of the birth. In the context of the art architecture and culture of Ancient Greece, the classical period corresponds to most of the 5th and 4th centuries Wine miracles were performed by the priests, in which priests would seal water or juice in a room overnight and the next day they would have turned into wine. The miracle was said to have been performed by Dionysus and the Lenaians. By the 5th century BCE the ritual had become a Gamelion festival for theatrical competitions, often held in Athens in the Lenaion theater. The 5th century BC started the first day of 500 BC and ended the last day of 401 BC. Gamelion is an independent developer of video games and entertainment applications for mobile devices PC and consoles The festival influenced Brumalia, an ancient Roman solstice festival honoring Bacchus, generally held for a month and ending December 25. Brumalia was an Ancient Greek solstice festival honoring Dionysus, generally held on December 25. Ancient Rome was a Civilization that grew out of a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC In Classical mythology, Dionysus or Dionysos (in Greek, Διόνυσος or Διώνυσος; associated with Roman Events 274 - Roman Emperor Aurelian The festival included drinking and merriment. The name is derived from the Greek word bruma, meaning "shortest day", though the festivities almost always occurred at night. [18] [19] [20]
Lucia, Feast of St. Lucy (Ancient Swedish, Scandinavian Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox)
Lucia or Lussi Night happened on December 13, what was supposed to be the longest night of the year. Beings of Scandinavian folklore Perhaps most abundant are the stories about the race of Trolls ' a cunning and deceitful people living in the forestlands Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the teachings of the sixteenth-century German reformer Martin Luther The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest single Christian Communion in the world Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life The feast was later appropriated by the Catholic Church in the 16th century as St. Lucy's Day. Saint Lucy's Day ( Sankta Lucia, Saint Lucia is the Church Feast day dedicated to St It was believed in the folklore of Sweden that if people, particularly children, did not carry out their chores, the female demon, the Lussi or Lucia die dunkle would come to punish them. History The concept of folklore developed as part of the 19th century ideology of Romantic nationalism, leading to the reshaping of oral traditions to serve modern ideological [21]
Makara Sankranti (India and Nepal, Hindu)
Makara Sankranti, celebrated at the beginning of Uttarayana, is the only Hindu festival which is based on the celestial calendar rather than the lunar calendar. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Nepal (नेपाल) is a Landlocked country in South Asia. A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical Sankranthi, or Sankranti ( Sanskrit: मकर संक्रान्ति, is a Festival that signifies the beginning of the harvest season for For the kite-flying festival see Makar Sankranti Uttarāyana (उत्तरायन is the six month period between Makar Sankranti The zodiac having drifted from the solar calendar has caused the festival to now occur in mid-January (see precession of equinoxes). Zodiac denotes an annual cycle of twelve stations along the Ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun across the heavens through the Constellations that divide the ecliptic In Astronomy, Precession refers to the movement of the rotational axis of a body such as a planet with respect to Inertial space. In Tamil Nadu it is celebrated as the festival of Pongal. Tamil Nadu ( Tamil:, Country of the Tamils, t̪ɐmɨɻ n̪aːɽɯ is one of the 28 states of India. Thai Pongal (தைப்பொங்கல் is a Harvest festival equivalent to a Thanksgiving event celebrated by Tamils across the world The day before Pongal, the last day of the previous year, they celebrate Bhogi. In Assam it is called Magh Bihu (the First day of Magh), in Punjab Lohri and in Maharshtra it is called Makar Sankranti and is celebrated by exchanging balls of sesame candy (Til Gul) and requesting each other to be as sweet as the candy balls for the next year. Assam) ( Assamese: অসম Ôxôm) is a northeastern state of India with its capital at Dispur, a suburb of the city It is called Makara Sankrant because the sun enters the zodiacal sign of Capricorn on 14th January (Makar meaning Capricorn). It is celebrated with much pomp in Andhra Pradesh, where the festival is celebrated for three days and is more of a cultural festival than an auspicious day as in other parts of India. In some parts of India, the festival is celebrated by taking dips in the Ganga or another river and offering water to the Sun god. The Ganges (ˈgænʤiːz also Ganga, Devanāgarī: hi गंगा in most Indian languages) is the major river in the Indian subcontinent The dip is said to purify the self and bestow punya. Merit ( Sanskrit puṇya, Pāli puñña) is a concept in Buddhism, and particularly in Theravada In many countries, families fly kites from their roofs all day and into the night. In Assam on Bihu Eve or Uruka families build house-like structures called bhelaghar and separate large bhelaghar are built by the community as a whole. Assam) ( Assamese: অসম Ôxôm) is a northeastern state of India with its capital at Dispur, a suburb of the city The Bhelaghar is a hut -type Cottage made of Hay of the harvest field and is an indispensable part of the uruka night of Bhogali Bihu Different sorts of twine are tied around fruit trees. Traditionally, fuel is stolen for the final ceremony, when all the bhelaghar are burned. Their remains are then placed at the fruit trees. Special puja is offered as a thanksgiving for good harvest. This article is about Hinduism. Puja or "pooja" may also refer to certain devotional practices performed by Balmikis Buddhists (see Since the festival is celebrated in midwinter, the foods prepared for this festival are such that they keep the body warm and give high energy. Laddu of til made with jaggery is specialty of the festival. Laddu or Laddoo ( Hindi: लड्डू Urdu: لڈو is an Indian sweet that is often prepared to celebrate festivals or household events such [22]
Meán Geimhridh, Celtic Midwinter (Celtic, Ancient Welsh, Neodruidic)
Meán Geimhridh (Irish tr: midwinter) or Grianstad an Gheimhridh (Ir tr: winter solstice) is a name sometimes used for hypothetical midwinter rituals or celebrations of the Proto-Celtic tribes, Celts, and late Druids. The term Celtic calendar is used to refer to a variety of calendars used by Celtic-speaking peoples at different times in history Welsh mythology, the remnants of the Mythology of the pre Christian Britons, has come down to us in much altered form in medieval Welsh manuscripts Neo-druidism or neo-druidry (referred to simply as Druidry by some adherents is a form of modern Spirituality or Religion that promotes Phonological reconstruction Consonants The phonological changes from Proto-Indo-European to Proto-Celtic Consonants may be summarised as follows Celts (ˈkɛlts or /ˈsɛlts/, see Names of the Celts A druid was a member of the priestly and learned class in the ancient Celtic societies In Ireland's calendars, the solstices and equinoxes all occur at about midpoint in each season. Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world An equinox is the event of the Sun passing over the Earth's equator in its annual cycle A season is one of the major divisions of the Year, generally based on yearly periodic changes in Weather. The passage and chamber of Newgrange (Pre-Celtic or possibly Proto-Celtic 3,200 BCE), a tomb in Ireland, are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise. Newgrange (Dún Fhearghusa is one of the Passage tombs of the Brú na Bóinne complex in County Meath, one of the most famous A shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box over the entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber. The dramatic event lasts for 17 minutes at dawn from the 19th to the 23rd of December. The point of roughness is the term for the winter solstice in Wales which in ancient Welsh mythology, was when Rhiannon gave birth to the sacred son, Pryderi. Welsh mythology, the remnants of the Mythology of the pre Christian Britons, has come down to us in much altered form in medieval Welsh manuscripts In the Mabinogion of Welsh mythology Rhiannon is the horse goddess reminiscent of Epona from Gaulish religion. Pryderi is the son of Pwyll and Rhiannon in Welsh mythology, and a king of Dyfed.
Wren day (Celtic, Irish, Welsh, Manx)
- For an unknown period, Lá an Dreoilín or Wren day has been celebrated in Ireland, the Isle of Man and Wales on December 26. The term Celtic calendar is used to refer to a variety of calendars used by Celtic-speaking peoples at different times in history Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world The Isle of Man (Ellan Vannin ˈɛlʲən ˈvanɪn or Mann (Mannin) is a self-governing Crown dependency, located in the Irish Sea at the geographical Wren day also known as Wren's day, Hunt the Wren Day or The Hunting of the Wrens ( Lá an Dreoilín) is celebrated on December 26, The Isle of Man (Ellan Vannin ˈɛlʲən ˈvanɪn or Mann (Mannin) is a self-governing Crown dependency, located in the Irish Sea at the geographical Events 1481 - Battle of Westbrook - Holland defeats troops of Utrecht. Crowds of people, called wrenboys, take to the roads in various parts of Ireland, dressed in motley clothing, wearing masks or straw suits and accompanied by musicians supposedly in remembrance of the festival that was celebrated by the Druids. Wrenboys (Lucht an dreoilín are Mummers who celebrate the Wren (also pronounced as the Wran) in various parts of Ireland on St A druid was a member of the priestly and learned class in the ancient Celtic societies Previously the practice involved the killing of a wren, and singing songs while carrying the bird from house to house, stopping in for food and merriment. The wrens are Passerine birds in the mainly New World family Troglodytidae.
Alban Arthan (Neodruidic)
- In England, during the 18th century, there was a revival of interest in Druids. Neo-druidism or neo-druidry (referred to simply as Druidry by some adherents is a form of modern Spirituality or Religion that promotes In Neo-druidism, Alban Arthan is a seasonal festival at the Winter solstice. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland The 18th century lasted from 1701 to 1800 in the Gregorian calendar, in accordance with the Anno Domini / Common Era numbering system A druid was a member of the priestly and learned class in the ancient Celtic societies Today, amongst Neo-druids, Alban Arthan (Welsh tr. Neo-druidism or neo-druidry (referred to simply as Druidry by some adherents is a form of modern Spirituality or Religion that promotes light of winter but derived from Welsh poem, Light of Arthur) is celebrated on the winter solstice with a ritualistic festival, and gift giving to the needy.
Midvinterblót (Swedish folk religion)
In Sweden and many surrounding parts of Europe, polytheistic tribes celebrated a Midvinterblot or mid-winter-sacrifice, featuring both animal and human sacrifice. Beings of Scandinavian folklore Perhaps most abundant are the stories about the race of Trolls ' a cunning and deceitful people living in the forestlands The blót ( Old Norse plural same as singular refers to Norse pagan sacrifice to the Norse gods and Elves. "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. Polytheism is belief in or worship of multiple Gods (usually assembled in a pantheon) together with associated Mythology and Rituals The blot was performed by goði, or priests, at certain cult sites, most of which have churches built upon them now. for the town in Nepal see Gothi Nepal A goði or gothi (plural goðar) is the Old Norse term for a Priest Midvinterblot paid tribute to the local gods, appealing to them to let go winter's grip. The folk tradition was finally abandoned by 1200, due to missionary persistence. Folk religion consists of Beliefs Superstitions and Rituals transmitted from generation to generation in a specific Culture. A missionary is a member of a Religion who works to convert those who do not share the missionary's faith someone who proselytizes.
Modranicht, Modresnach (Anglo-Saxon, Germanic)
The Night of Mothers or Mothers' Night was an Anglo-Saxon and Germanic feast. For their language see Anglo-Saxon language. Anglo-Saxon is the term usually used to describe the invading Tribes in the south The Germanic peoples are a historical group of Indo-European -speaking peoples originating in Northern Europe and identified by their use of the Germanic For their language see Anglo-Saxon language. Anglo-Saxon is the term usually used to describe the invading Tribes in the south The Germanic peoples are a historical group of Indo-European -speaking peoples originating in Northern Europe and identified by their use of the Germanic It was believed that dreams on this night foretold events in the upcoming year. While it may originally have occurred the night before Samhain according to a lunar calendar, it has moved around quite a bit in the year. Samhain (ˈsaʊn or /ˈsɑːwɪn/ Irish /ˈsˠaunʲ/ from the Old Irish samain) is the word for November in a few Gaelic languages By 730, It was thought by Bede to be observed by the Anglicans on the winter solstice. Events By Place Europe Charles Martel defeats the last independent dukedom of the Alamanni, and launches raids on the Saxons Bede (ˈbiːd (also Saint Bede, the Venerable Bede, or (from Latin Beda (beda (c Anglicanism is a tradition of Christian faith Churches in this tradition either have historical connections to the Church of England or have similar beliefs After the reemergence of Christmas in Britain it was recognized by many as one of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Early Modern Britain is the History of the island of Great Britain roughly corresponding to the 16th 17th and 18th centuries The Twelve Days of Christmas, and the associated evenings of those twelve days (Twelve-tide are the festive days beginning the evening of Christmas Day ( December 25 [23][24]
Perchta ritual (Germania, Alps)
Early Germans (c. Germania was the Latin Exonym for The central and eastern Alps of Europe are rich in traditions dating back to Pre-Christian ( pagan) times with surviving elements amalgamated from Germanic The German people (Deutsche are an Ethnic group, in the sense of sharing a common German culture, descent and speaking the German language as 500-1000) considered the Norse goddess, Hertha or Bertha to be the goddess of light, domesticity and the home. Events By Place Europe Possible date for the Battle of Mons Badonicus: Romano-British and Celts defeat an Anglo-Saxon Perchta or Berchta (English Bertha) also commonly known as Percht and other variations was once known as a Goddess in Southern They baked yeast cakes shaped like shoes, which were called Hertha's slippers, and filled with gifts. "During the Winter Solstice houses were decked with fir and evergreens to welcome her coming. When the family and serfs were gathered to dine, a great altar of flat stones was erected and here a fire of fir boughs was laid. Hertha descended through the smoke, guiding those who were wise in saga lore to foretell the fortunes of those persons at the feast". [25] There are also darker versions of Perchta which terrorize children along with Krampus. The central and eastern Alps of Europe are rich in traditions dating back to Pre-Christian ( pagan) times with surviving elements amalgamated from Germanic Many cities had practices of dramatizing the gods as characters roaming the streets. These traditions have continued in the rural regions of the Alps, and various similar traditions, such as Wren day, survived in the Celtic nations until recently. Wren day also known as Wren's day, Hunt the Wren Day or The Hunting of the Wrens ( Lá an Dreoilín) is celebrated on December 26, Celtic nations are areas of modern northwest Europe which identify themselves with the Celtic cultures specifically speakers of Celtic languages.
Rozhanitsa Feast (12th century Eastern Slavic Russian)
In twelfth century Russia, the eastern Slavs worshiped the winter mother goddess, Rozhnitsa, offering bloodless sacrifices like honey, bread and cheese. The East Slavs are a Slavic ethnic group, the speakers of East Slavic languages. Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Bright colored winter embroideries depicting the antlered goddess were made to honor the Feast of Rozhanitsa in late December. And white, deer-shaped cookies were given as lucky gifts. Some Russian women continued the observation of these traditions into the 20th century. [26]
Shabe Celle, یلدا , Yaldā (2nd millennium BCE Persian, Iranian)
Derived from a pre-Zoroastrian festival, Shabe Chelle is celebrated on the eve of the first day of winter in the Persian calendar, which always falls on the solstice. The 2nd millennium BC marks the transition from the Middle to the Late Bronze Age. The Persian Empire was a series of Iranian empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau, the original Persian homeland and beyond in Western Asia For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. Shabe Yaldā ( or Shabe Chelle ( is an Iranian festival originally celebrated on the Northern Hemisphere's longest night of the year that is on the The Iranian calendar or Solar Hejri (تقویم هجری شمسی؛ سالنمای هجری خورشیدی Taqwim Hejri Shamsi Salanmay Hejri Khurshidi) is an astronomical Yalda is the most important non-new-year Iranian festival in modern-day Iran and it has been long celebrated in Iran by all ethnic/religious groups. According to Persian mythology, Mithra was born at the end of this night after the long-expected defeat of darkness against light. This article is about the Zoroastrian Yazata Mithra (Miθra For other divinities with related names see the general article Mitra. "Shabe Chelle" is now an important social occasion, when family and friends get together for fun and merriment. Usually families gather at their elders' homes. Different kinds of dried fruits, nuts, seeds and fresh winter fruits are consumed. The presence of dried and fresh fruits is reminiscence of the ancient feasts to celebrate and pray to the deities to ensure the protection of the winter crops. Watermelons, persimmons and pomegranates are traditional symbols of this celebration, all representing the sun. Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ( Thunb) Matsum & Nakai family Cucurbitaceae) refers to both Fruit and Plant of a vine-like (climber This article refers to the edible fruit For the British construction company see Persimmon plc; for the racehorse see Persimmon (horse. The pomegranate ( Punica granatum) is a Fruit -bearing Deciduous Shrub or small Tree growing to between five and eight metres tall It used to be customary to stay awake Yalda night until sunrise eating, drinking, listening to stories and poems, but this is no longer very common as most people have things to do on the next day. During the early Roman Empire many Syrian Christians fled from persecution into the Sassanid Empire of Persia, introducing the term Yaldā, meaning birth, causing Shabe Yaldā to became synonymous with Shabe Chelle. Syriac Christianity is a culturally and linguistically distinctive community within Eastern Christianity. The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty or Sassanian Dynasty (ساسانیان) is the name used for the third Iranian dynasty and the second Persian empire [27]
Sanghamitta Day (Buddhist)
Sanghamitta is in honor of the Buddhist nun who brought a branch of the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka where it has flourished for over 2,000 years. The Bodhi Tree, also known as Bo (from the Sinhalese Bo was a large and very old Sacred Fig tree ( Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka ( Sinhalese:, இலங்கை known as Ceylon before 1972 is an Island Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices See also Ashoka Bhikkhuni Sri Maha Bodhi Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices The Bodhi Tree, also known as Bo (from the Sinhalese Bo was a large and very old Sacred Fig tree ( Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka ( Sinhalese:, இலங்கை known as Ceylon before 1972 is an Island
Saturnalia, Chronia (Ancient Greek, Roman Republic)
Originally celebrated by the ancient Greeks as Kronia, the festival of Chronos, Saturnalia was the feast at which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of Saturn, which originally took place on 17 December, but expanded to a whole week, up to 23 December. The Ancient Greek language is the historical stage in the development of the Hellenic language family spanning the Archaic (c The Roman Republic was the phase of the ancient Roman civilization characterized by a Republican form of government a period which began with the overthrow of the Saturnalia is the feast with which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn In Greek mythology, Chronos ( Ancient Greek:) in pre-Socratic philosophical works is said to be the personification of Time. A festival is an event usually and ordinarily staged by a local community which centers on some unique aspect of that community Rome ( Roma ˈroma Roma is the capital city of Italy and Lazio, and is Italy's largest and most populous city with more than 2 Saturn ( Latin: Saturnus) was a major Roman God of agriculture and harvest Events 546 - Gothic War (535–554: The Ostrogoths of King Totila Events 962 - Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city A large and important public festival in Rome, it involved the conventional sacrifices, a couch set in front of the temple of Saturn and the untying of the ropes that bound the statue of Saturn during the rest of the year. Saturn ( Latin: Saturnus) was a major Roman God of agriculture and harvest Besides the public rites there were a series of holidays and customs celebrated privately. A rite is an established ceremonious usually Religious act or Process art. The celebrations included a school holiday, the making and giving of small presents (saturnalia et sigillaricia) and a special market (sigillaria). Gambling was allowed for all, even slaves during this period. The toga was not worn, but rather the synthesis, i. This article is about the aviation term for the Roman garment see Toga. e. , colorful, informal "dinner clothes" and the pileus (freedman's hat) was worn by everyone. Slaves were exempt from punishment, and treated their masters with disrespect. The slaves celebrated a banquet before, with, or served by the masters. Saturnalia became one of the most popular Roman festivals which led to more tomfoolery, marked chiefly by having masters and slaves ostensibly switch places, temporarily reversing the social order. Roman holidays generally were celebrated to worship and celebrate a certain god or mythological occurrence and consisted of religious observances various festival traditions and usually In Greek and Cypriot folklore it was believed that children born during the festival were in danger of turning into Kallikantzaroi which come out of the earth after the solstice to cause trouble for mortals. A Kallikantzaros ( Greek: Καλλικάντζαρος pl Kallikantzaroi is a malevolent Goblin in Greek and Cypriot folk Tradition Some would leave colanders on their doorsteps to distract them until the sun returned. A colander is a type of sieve used in Cooking for separating Liquids and solids
Şeva Zistanê (Kurdish)
The Night of Winter (Kurdish: Şeva Zistanê) is an unofficial holiday celebrated by communities throughout the Kurdistan region in the Middle East. The Kurdish language (Kurdish Kurdî or کوردی is a term used for the language spoken by Kurds. History See also History of the Kurdish people Ancient period See also Hurrians, Guti, Mannaeans, Medes The night is considered one of the oldest holidays still observed by modern Kurds and was celebrated by ancient tribes in the region as a holy day. The holiday falls every year on the winter solstice. Since the night is the longest in the year, ancient tribes believed that it was the night before a victory of light over darkness and signified a rebirth of the sun. The sun plays an important role in several ancient religions still practiced by some Kurds in addition to its importance in Zoroastrianism.
In modern times, communities in the Kurdistan region still observe the night as a holiday. History See also History of the Kurdish people Ancient period See also Hurrians, Guti, Mannaeans, Medes Many families prepare large feasts for their communities and the children play games and are given sweets in similar fashion to modern-day Halloween practices.
Sol Invictus Festival (3rd century Roman Empire)
Sol Invictus ("the undefeated Sun") or, more fully, Deus Sol Invictus ("the undefeated sun god") was a religious title applied to at least three distinct divinities during the later Roman Empire; El Gabal, Mithras, and Sol. The 3rd century is the period from 201 to 300 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian / Common Era. The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun" or more fully Deus Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun God" was the late Roman state Sun god. The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial Elagabalus was a Syro - Roman Sun god. Cult Elagabalus was initially venerated at Emesa in Syria. The Mithraic Mysteries or Mysteries of Mithras (also Mithraism) was a Roman mystery religion which became popular among the military in the late A festival of the birth of the Unconquered Sun (or Dies Natalis Solis Invicti) was celebrated when the duration of daylight first begins to increase after the winter solstice, — the "rebirth" of the sun. The Sol Invictus festival ran from December 22 through December 25, which at that time was at the solstice. With the growing popularity of the Christian cults, Jesus of Nazareth came to be given much of the recognition previously given to a sun god, thereby including Christ in the tradition. Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) Nazareth (ˈnæzərəθ (נָצְרַת Hebrew Natz'rat or Natzeret, الناصرة an-Nāṣira or an-Naseriyye) is the capital and largest Christ is the English term for the Greek ( Khristós) meaning "the anointed " This was later condemned by the early Catholic Church for its pagan practices and for associating the Christ with the sun gods.
Soyal (Zuni and Hopi of North America)
Soyalangwul is the winter solstice ceremony of the Zuni and the Hopitu Shinumu, "The Peaceful Ones," also known as the Hopi Indians. The Zuni (also spelled Zuñi by the Spanish and in early 20th Century ethnological texts or Ashiwi (as the Zuni refer to themselves in their own The Hopi are Native American people who primarily live on the 12635 km² (2531 Soyal is the winter solstice ceremony of the Zuni and the Hopi (Hopitu Shinumu The Peaceful Ones, also known as the Hopi Indians The Zuni (also spelled Zuñi by the Spanish and in early 20th Century ethnological texts or Ashiwi (as the Zuni refer to themselves in their own The Hopi are Native American people who primarily live on the 12635 km² (2531 It is held on December 21, the shortest day of the year. Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian The main purpose of the ritual is to ceremonially bring the sun back from its long winter slumber. It also marks the beginning of another cycle of the Wheel of the Year, and is a time for purification. Pahos (prayer sticks) are made prior to the Soyal ceremony, to bless all the community, including their homes, animals, and plants. The kivas (sacred underground ritual chambers) are ritually opened to mark the beginning of the Kachina season. [28][29]
Teḳufat Ṭebet (Jewish)
Tekufah Tevet is one of four Tekufot (Hebrew: תקופות), solstices and equinoxes recognized by the Talmudical writers. PLEASE TAKE NOTE************ Tekufot (singular tekufah, Hebrew: תקופות) are the four seasons of the year recognized by the Talmudical writers Tevet ( Hebrew: טֵבֵת, Standard Tevet; Ashkenazi Teves; Tiberian An equinox is the event of the Sun passing over the Earth's equator in its annual cycle The Talmud ( Hebrew: he תַּלְמוּד is a record of Rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history Teḳufat Tevet, the winter solstice, the beginning of winter, or "'et ha-ḥoref" (stripping-time) was when Jephthah sacrificed his daughter . Tevet ( Hebrew: טֵבֵת, Standard Tevet; Ashkenazi Teves; Tiberian Jephthah (also spelled Jephtha; from Hebrew יפתח Yiftach / Yipthaχ is a character in the Hebrew Bible 's Book A long standing superstition is that on any of the Tekufot, water that was kept in vessels turned poisonous and must be thrown out. Some believed the poisoning could be prevented by placing iron in the water over the Tekufot. [30] This observation's solemnness is unlike the following holiday, Hanukkah. Hanukkah (חנוכה alt Chanukah) also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the This celebration carries much of the 'light' symbolism present in solstice-connected holidays and has become more prominent in western cultures as it has been influenced by Christmas traditions.
Wayeb (Maya)
Wayeb' or Uayeb, referencing the unlucky god N, were actually five nameless days leading up to the end of the Haab, the solar Maya calendar. The Maya civilization is a Mesoamerican Civilization, noted for the only known fully developed written language of the Pre-Columbian Americas The Haab' is part of the Maya calendric system used by peoples of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The Maya calendar is a system of distinct Calendars and Almanacs used by the Maya civilization of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and by It was thought to be a dangerous time in which there were no divisions between the mortal and immortal worlds, and deities were free to cause disaster if they willed it. To ward off the spirits, the Maya had a variety of customs they practiced during this period. For example, people avoided leaving their houses or grooming their hair. Calendar Round rituals would be held at the end of each 52 year round (coincidence of the three Maya calendars), 4 wayeb to 1 Imix 0 Pop, with all fires extinguished, old pots broken, and a new fire ceremony symbolizing a fresh start. In the Mesoamerican calendars, Calendar Round dates are composed by interlacing the dates of a 260-day period ( Tzolk'in in the Maya Calendar, Tonalpohualli The next Calendar Round will be on the winter solstice of 2012, beginning a new baktun. A baktun is 20 katun cycles of the ancient Maya Long Count Calendar. Haab' observations are still held by Maya communities in the highlands of Guatemala. Guatemala (República de Guatemala) is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west the Pacific Ocean to the southwest [31]
Yule, Jul, Jól, Joul, Joulu, Jõulud, Géol, Geul (Viking Age, Northern Europe, Anglospherean, and Germanic cultures)
Originally the name Giuli signified a 60 day tide beginning at the lunar midwinter of the late Scandinavian Norse and Germanic tribes. Yule is a winter festival historically celebrated primarily in northern Europe but now celebrated in many other countries in various forms Norse mythology comprises the indigenous pre-Christian religion, beliefs and Legends of the Scandinavian peoples including those who settled on Iceland Germanic paganism refers to the religious beliefs of the Germanic peoples preceding Christianization. The arrival of Juletid thus came to refer to the midwinter celebrations. By the late Viking Age, the Yule celebrations came to specify a great solstitial Midwinter festival that amalgamated the traditions of various midwinter celebrations across Europe, like Mitwinternacht, Modrasnach, Midvinterblot, and the Teutonic solstice celebration, Feast of the Dead. Viking Age is the term denoting the years from about 700 to 1066 in European history. A documented example of this is in 960, when King Håkon of Norway signed into law that Jul was to be celebrated on the night leading into December 25, to align it with the Christian celebrations. Events By Place Europe Edgar the Peaceable is crowned King of England. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional For some Norse sects, Yule logs were lit to honor Thor, the god of thunder. A Yule log, sometimes known as the Great Ashen Faggot, is a large log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas Thor ( Old Norse: Þórr) is the red-haired and bearded God of Thunder in Germanic paganism and its subset Norse paganism Feasting would continue until the log burned out, three or as many as twelve days. The indigenous lore of the Icelandic Jól continued beyond the Middle Ages, but was condemned when the Reformation arrived. Iceland, officially the Republic of Iceland ( ( Ísland or Lýðveldið Ísland ( The Protestant Reformation was a reform movement in Europe that began in 1517 though its roots lie further back in time The celebration continues today throughout Northern Europe and elsewhere in name and traditions, for Christians as representative of the nativity of Jesus on the night of December 24th, and for others as a cultural winter celebration on the 24th or for some, the date of the solstice. Northern Europe is a term for the northern part of Europe. The United Nations defines Northern Europe as (Finland A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth For depictions in painting and sculpture see Nativity of Jesus in art. [32][33]
Jul (Germanic Neopaganism)
- In Germanic Neopagan sects, Yule is celebrated with gatherings that often involve a meal and gift giving. Germanic Neopaganism, Heathenism or Heathenry is the modern revival of historical Germanic paganism. Yule is a winter festival historically celebrated primarily in northern Europe but now celebrated in many other countries in various forms Germanic Neopaganism, Heathenism or Heathenry is the modern revival of historical Germanic paganism. Further attempts at reconstruction of surviving accounts of historical celebrations are often made, a hallmark being variations of the traditional. However it has been pointed out that this is not really reconstruction as these traditions never died out - they have merely removed the Christian elements from the celebration and replaced the event at the solstice.
- The Icelandic Ásatrú and the Asatru Folk Assembly in the US recognize Jól or Yule as lasting for 12 days, beginning on the date of the winter solstice. is Ásatrú ( Icelandic for " Æsir faith" auːsatruː in Old Norse; Norwegian Åsatru, Swedish The Asatru Folk Assembly or AFA is a US -based Ásatrú organization founded by Stephen McNallen in 1994. [34]
Yule (Wiccan)
- In Wicca, a form of the holiday is observed as one of the eight solar holidays, or Sabbat. Yule is a winter festival historically celebrated primarily in northern Europe but now celebrated in many other countries in various forms Wheel of the Year is a Wiccan and Neopagan term for the annual cycle of the Earth 's Seasons It consists of eight festivals spaced at approximately In most Wiccan sects, this holiday is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Although the name Yule has been appropriated from Germanic and Norsk paganism, elements of the celebration itself are of modern origin.
Zagmuk, Sacaea (Ancient Mesopotamia, Sumerian, Babylonian)
Adapting the Egyptian Osiris Celebrations, the Babylonians held the annual renewal or new year celebration, the Zagmuk Festival. Mesopotamia (from the Greek meaning "land between the rivers" is an area geographically located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers largely corresponding Babylonia was an Amorite state in lower Mesopotamia (modern southern Iraq) with Babylon as its capital Zagmuk is a Mesopotamian festival celebrated around the Vernal equinox, which literally means "beginning of the year" Babylonia was an Amorite state in lower Mesopotamia (modern southern Iraq) with Babylon as its capital It lasted 12 days overlapping the winter solstice or vernal equinox in its center peak. An equinox is the event of the Sun passing over the Earth's equator in its annual cycle It was a festival held in observation of the sun god Marduk's battle over darkness. Marduk ( Sumerian spelling in Akkadian: AMARUTU 𒀫 𒌓 "solar calf" perhaps from MERI The Babylonians held both land and river parades. A parade (also called march or marchpast) is a procession of people usually organized along a street often in Costume, and often accompanied by Fire Sacaea, as Berossus referred to it, had festivals characterized with a subversion of order leading up to the new year. Berossus (also Berossos or Berosus; Greek: Βήρωσσος was a Hellenistic -era Babylonian writer and astronomer who Masters and slaves interchanged, a mock king was crowned and masquerades clogged the streets. A masquerade ball (or bal masqué) is an event which the participants attend in Costume wearing a Mask. This has been a suggested precursor to the Festival of Kronos, Saturnalia and possibly Purim. Purim ( Hebrew: פורים Pûrîm " lots " related to Akkadian pūru) is a Jewish holiday that commemorates [35][36]
Ziemassvētki (Latvian, Baltic, Romuva)
In ancient Latvia, Ziemassvētki, meaning winter festival, was celebrated on December 24 as one of the two most important holidays, the other being Jāņi. Latvia ( Latvija officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region. The Baltic states (Balti riigid Baltijas valstis Baltijos valstybės or Baltic countries are three countries in Northern Europe, all members of the Romuva is a Baltic Pagan organization reviving the religious practices of the Lithuanian people before their Christianization. In ancient Latvia, Ziemassvētki ( Winter holiday) was a festival celebrated on December 24, which was one of the two most important holidays the Latvia ( Latvija officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region. Events 563 - The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by Earthquakes Jāņi (jaːɲi is a Latvian festival held in the night from 23 June to 24 June to celebrate the summer Solstice, the shortest night and longest Ziemassvētki celebrated the birth of Dievs, the highest god of Latvian mythology. Lithuanian Dievas, Latvian Dievs, Prussian Deiws, Yotvingian Deivas was the supreme god in the Baltic mythology The two weeks before Ziemassvetki are called Veļu laiks, the "season of ghosts. " During the festival, candles were lit for Dieviņš and a fire kept burning until the end, when its extinguishing signaled an end to the unhappiness of the previous year. During the ensuing feast, a space at the table was reserved for Ghousts, who was said to arrive on a sleigh. during the feast, certain foods were always eaten: bread, beans, peas, pork and pig snout and feet. Carolers (Budeļi) went door to door singing songs and eating from many different houses. The holiday was later adapted by Christians in the middle ages. It is now celebrated on the 24th, 25th and 26th of December and largely recognized as both a Christian and secular cultural observance. Lithuanians of the Romuva religion continue to celebrate a variant of the original polytheistic holiday. Lithuanians are the Baltic Ethnic group native to Lithuania, where they number a little over 3 million Romuva is a Baltic Pagan organization reviving the religious practices of the Lithuanian people before their Christianization. Polytheism is belief in or worship of multiple Gods (usually assembled in a pantheon) together with associated Mythology and Rituals
See also
Sources
- ^ United States Naval Observatory (01/28/07). This is an incomplete list of festivals and holidays that take place during the Winter in the Northern hemisphere, especially those commemorating the season. Hanukkah (חנוכה alt Chanukah) also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday celebrated primarily in the United States, honoring African-American heritage The New Year is an event that happens when a Culture celebrates the end of one Year and the beginning of the next year Thai Pongal (தைப்பொங்கல் is a Harvest festival equivalent to a Thanksgiving event celebrated by Tamils across the world HumanLight (sometimes Humanlight) is a Humanist winter holiday. The celebration Burning the Clocks is winter solstice festival that takes place each year in Brighton, UK. Solstices occur twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes Festive ecology explores the relationships between the Symbolism and the Ecology of the Plants, Fungi and Animals associated with Midsummer may simply refer to the period of time centered upon the summer solstice, but more often refers to specific European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice For other uses see Halcyon Days. The phrase Halcyon days is a literary commonplace in English language and culture signifying The amount of heat energy received at any location on the globe is a direct effect of sun angle of climate, as the angle at which Sunlight strikes the earth Earth's Seasons: Equinoxes, Solstices, Perihelion, and Aphelion, 2000-2020.
- ^ ReligiousTolerance.org
- ^ An Ancient Holiday History Channel
- ^ Yale-New Haven Psychiatric Hospital
- ^ Q&A on Bright Light Therapy Columbia University
- ^ University of Connecticut
- ^ School of the Seasons
- ^ Madsen, Loren. Despite Everything Davka.org
- ^ "Christmas", The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913. The Catholic Encyclopedia, also referred to today as the Old Catholic Encyclopedia, is an English-language Encyclopedia published by The Encyclopedia
- ^ Celtic Yule Rituals ADF Druid Fellowship
- ^ The Iranian, History
- ^ New York Metropolitan Museum
- ^ UK History
- ^ Mostrey, Dimitri InfoPeru.com
- ^ Minnesota University
- ^ Winter solstice Adventure Calendar
- ^ Koleda
- ^ Dies Alcyoniae: The Invention of Bellini's Feast of the Gods, by Anthony Colantuono College Art Association, Inc. The Art Bulletin. 1991. Vol. 73, No. 2, p. 246
- ^ Correspondences between the Delian and Athenian Calendars in the Years 433 and 432 B. C. , by Allen B. West. American Journal of Archaeology. 1934. Vol. 38, No. 1, p. 9
- ^ The Miracle of the Wine at Dionysos' Advent; On the Lenaea Festival, by J. Vürtheim The Classical Quarterly, 1920. Vol. 14, No. 2, p. 94
- ^ Griffith University, The Centre for Public Culture and Ideas
- ^ Margaret Read MacDonald (1992). The Folklore of World Holidays, Chapter: circa December 21.
- ^ Jones, Prudence & Pennick, Nigel. A History of Pagan Europe. Routledge; NY,NY (1997) pp. Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar 122-125.
- ^ Internet Sacred Texts Archive
- ^ Hottes, Alfred Carl, 1001 Christmas Facts and Fancies, NY: De La Mare, 1937. Year 1937 ( MCMXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
- ^ Kelly, Mary B. Goddesses and Their Offspring, NY: Binghamton (1990)
- ^ The Iranian, History
- ^ Bahti, Tom. Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) "Southwestern Indian Ceremonials". KC Publications (1970) p36-40. Year 1970 ( MCMLXX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. ]
- ^ HOPI: The Real Thing
- ^ Abudarham, Sha'ar ha-Teḳufot, p. 122a, Venice, 1566
- ^ Foster, Lynn V. Handbook to Life in the Ancient Mayan World. New York: Facts on File. (2002).
- ^ Jones, Prudence & Pennick, Nigel. A History of Pagan Europe. Routledge; NY,NY (1997) pp. Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar 122-125.
- ^ Samuels, Brian. Aspects of Australian Folklife
- ^ Asatru Folk Assembly
- ^ Ruano, Teresa Sacaea-Saturnalia. Candlegrove.com
- ^ Morrison, Dorothy. Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth. Llewellyn Publications (2000)
Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic