The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. It marks the day when the Northern Hemisphere experiences the least amount of daylight and the most amount of darkness. While many religious holidays in December have some connection to the winter solstice, most people do not realize or acknowledge this fact.
The Diversity of December Celebrations
December’s vast array of holidays is clear evidence of the extreme diversity within the United States and Canada. Nearly every major (and even some minor) religious affiliation has at least one holiday during this month. If you opted to celebrate them all, you could almost guarantee some form of celebration each day of December.
Some believe that winter solstice celebrations were created by Satan due to their roots in Paganism. However, Paganism has its origins in nature, not the Devil.
In ancient times, when life completely depended on the sun and the ability to grow food, the declining sunlight signaled the onset of cold and dark days. People feared the possibility of starvation if they didn’t plan appropriately. The elderly, to spare their families from consuming the limited food stores, would sometimes wander off to die. Clans and tribes would have nothing but hope that the darkness and cold wouldn’t last forever. The winter solstice became vital for morale, and as soon as people saw the slowly returning daylight, celebrations began. This typically happened within the first few days of the solstice.
Winter solstice celebrations usually occurred around December 25th, which is still connected to our modern-day Christmas celebrations. Ancient tribes and clans would feast and exchange gifts made during the long, cold winter months. It would be later that trees were decorated, and candles symbolized eternal life.
The winter solstice typically falls on December 21st or 22nd, but the exact time fluctuates each year. The winter solstice is acknowledged in almost every denomination and in many countries. Those in the Southern Hemisphere view the winter solstice as their summer solstice, and six months later, when the Northern Hemisphere celebrates the summer solstice, the roles are reversed.
The Romans once referred to this holiday as the “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun,” creating a celebration around children, new life, and new hope. The festival grew into a gigantic celebration, with towns, villages, and homes participating. Feasts were shared with slaves, who were allowed to speak and act freely for one day.
Mummer traditions, where individuals mask themselves and parade around visiting friends and relatives, were developed. This tradition continues today, especially in Newfoundland and with the Mummer’s Parade on New Year’s Day in the United States.
Despite attempts by religious organizations to suppress it, the winter solstice eventually became the center of numerous religious holidays, and many original Pagan traditions were incorporated. In England and the early United States, both Christmas and winter solstice celebrations were banned for a time, as they were seen as anti-religious. However, this ban didn’t last long, and once lifted, the holidays took on less of a religious form and more of a worldly or secular nature.
For most Americans, the winter solstice is a day like any other. There is very little celebration tied to this day. However, despite the lack of major festivities, the day still brings lightened hearts, as everyone knows the days will begin to lengthen, and the darkness will soon fade as the sun returns. Though definitely worth celebrating, most traditional celebrations are conducted during the Christmas holiday.
