Winter Solstice

I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
‘We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,’
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.

Oliver Herford

The winter solstice is the time when one half of the earth is farthest away from the sun. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere this usually occurs on December 21st or 22nd. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, it usually occurs on June 20 or 21.

Okay that’s the scientific explanation in a nutshell. But how and why is this event celebrated?

The winter solstice has been honored and celebrated by many cultures, religions and spiritual traditions. The time of greatest darkness encourages gatherings of loved ones and celebrations of rebirth and the return of the light. Christmas was originally based on Pagan traditions. Winter solstice has been celebrated in various ways by different names by different cultures for thousands of years.

Okay, so that’s what I found doing research on the winter solstice. I did not feel I should write this, because I didn’t think I knew enough about it and asked for a volunteer. When no one offered I did my research and came up with the above.

Then Spirit gently guided me to realize that I do understand winter. Living in a tourist area most people love the summer. But for me winter is my favorite time of year. When people ask a puzzled why? I say because it gets quiet. The tourists and part timers go home, the constant building and remodeling stops, big trucks stop showing up and crowding our roads. The loud parties stop and it gets quiet.

During this quiet time winter pulls us inward. Not only into our physical home, but into our internal spiritual home. The other holidays occuring during his time distract us and try to pull us away from what really matters, but we need to observe this time of darkness for the rest, quiet and peace it offers us.

This year let’s use this time of cold and darkness to stop and reflect, spend some time in introspection and setting intentions. Honor the season by taking time to honor your stillness.

For More Information:

Kids National Geographic https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/winter-solstice

https://nypost.com/article/winter-solstice-meaning/

Check out celebration ideas here: