The winter solstice is the period when the longest night is observed in the northern hemisphere of the Earth. In some areas of Russia, the length of the day on this day can be reduced to approximately 3.5 hours.
From the moment of the autumnal equinox, the duration of daylight time decreases every day. This happens until December 21. The solstice symbolizes the peak of the rule of "powers of darkness." Starting from the next day, the celestial body will daily rise higher above the horizon until the onset of the spring equinox.
BC, this phenomenon occurred on December 25. It is noteworthy that this date is the birthday of numerous mythical heroes in various traditions. The winter solstice is the day after which the "powers of light" regain power over the world.
It is interesting that the beliefs, traditions and symbolism of many peoples are associated with this natural phenomenon. A little bit about it.
The Celtic cross, for example, reflects the natural cycle of the Sun. One of the starting points in it is the winter solstice
Legends of ancient Babylon say that it was on this day that the god Nimrod left sacred gifts under an evergreen tree.
The ancient Chinese associated the increase in daylight hours with the rise of the "masculine power" of nature. The winter solstice symbolized the beginning of a new cycle, so this day was considered sacred. On this day, the Chinese did not work: trading shops were closed, people gave gifts to each other. On the festive table, according to tradition, there should be porridge made from glutinous rice and beans. It was believed that these dishes drove away evil spirits and diseases.
In Taiwan, on the day of Dongzhijie (the name of the holiday), a ritual of "sacrifice" was held: the ancestors were presented with a cake with 9 layers. On this day, on the island it is customary to sculpt sacred animals from rice dough and arrange feasts.
The Indian name for the holiday is Sankranti. The onset of the holy day is celebrated by lighting bonfires, which symbolize how the sun's heat warms the earth frozen over the winter.
The Slavs also observed changes in nature and symbolically depicted natural cycles in their beliefs. On the solstice in Russia celebrated the New Year. Traditions ordered our "ancestors" to light a fire on this day, saluting the "powers of light", and to bake a loaf. The celebration of the deity of Kolyada symbolized the beginning of the next cycle.
By the sixteenth century, a rite appeared in Russia, during which the main bell ringer was to come to the tsar and inform him that "the sun turned for the summer." As an incentive, the head of state granted the “messenger” financial reward.
The Scots that day rolled down the street a barrel, which was previously smeared with burning resin. The rotation made the burning structure look like a heavenly body, in honor of which a ritual was carried out.
The deities of the peoples of the world have different names, but in all corners of the planet the winter solstice symbolizes renewal, the beginning of a new cycle. Nature itself on this day orders to rejoice in the return of the "powers of light."
