So yesterday was the official day of celebration for Winter Solstice. I apologize for missing the specific date but I wanted to pass on my well wishes to all those who celebrate this wonderful, peaceful, accepting holiday/tradition. I didn't know much about the celebration so I did some studying for this post. I hope you find some things in this short essay that you didn't know before and find a new respect for a great holiday with a long, proud history.May the year to come bring many happy days to everyone. This is a time of celebrating rebirth of the seasons as from now on the days will get longer. The celebration of rebirth during the Winter Solstice is also because it represents the end of one year and the beginning of another, Stonehenge is a perfect marker of this event.
Another extremely interesting site that marks the Solstice is Newgrange, a megalithic structure in Ireland which is estimated to be 5,000 years old which is older then Stonhenge by about 1,000 years and even older then the Great Egyptian Pyramids!!! It is a tomb that lights up with the allignment of the sun of the Winter Solstice and is believed to symbolize the rising of the dead into the Heavens upon the rays of the sun.
Since many didn't survive the cruel winters within the ancient communities, the Solstice was (and still is) a time to reflect on the previous year, celebrate surviving another year, give thanks for the many benefits received and look forward to the arrival of spring, pregnant with possibilities. Is it any wonder then that spring was/is linked to the goddess veneration and celebration of sexuality, what a beautiful and sacred time.
There is a Taoist element to this time of year as well. It can be seen in the East Asian celebration Dongzhi or Toji Festival which celebrates the balance and harmony between dark and light, sun and darkness. It is usually celebrated around 21 December.
These are but just a few of the Winter Solstice type celebrations, it is venerated throughout the world which places it as one of the most popular and widespread holidays of all humanity.
May all realize harmony during this time of year and look forward to a new year of happiness, joy, good health and much love for all people.
~Peace to all beings~
