Unraveling the Winter Solstice: What It Means and When to Expect the Year’s Longest Night
This astronomical event has been known to humanity since ancient times. According to old myths, on this day, when the energy of the life-giving Sun is at its lowest point, the powers of darkness reach their strongest and the line separating our realm from the underworld seems to fade away. Ancient traditions held that it was during this time that the sun god was born, an idea later taken advantage of by Christians. Thus, the celebration of the winter solstice was transformed into the Christian Christmas, shifting the focus from the sun deity’s birth to the birth of Jesus Christ.
Winter Solstice is acknowledged by cultures around the globe. In ancient Europe, it was referred to as Yule, which comes from the Norse word “jul,” meaning wheel. The Christian custom of decorating trees originates from these pagan festivities. Families would bring a live tree into their homes to keep the spirits of the woods warm during the frigid winter months. Small treats were hung from the tree as offerings for the spirits, and at the very top was placed a five-pointed star – pentagram, an emblem of the five elements. It’s been a long-standing practice to adorn homes with mistletoe, especially mistletoe from holy oak, which was believed to bring good fortune throughout the year.
The border between worlds is open
During the winter solstice, when the boundary between our world and the realm of the dead opens, the souls of the departed can roam freely. Therefore, it was customary among the Slavs to include the deceased family members at dinner, inviting their spirits before the meal and toasting in their honor. On this special day, ancestors may appear as unfamiliar visitors, so it is essential to greet all newcomers, even if they are unfamiliar. However, during the winter solstice, not only do the spirits of our loved ones, who generally look out for us, return but also various spirits from the underworld that could pose a risk to humans. The best protection was to stay close to a sacred fire, and many people also relied on the protective qualities of garlic.
Winter Solstice signifies a vital part of the yearly natural cycle. In a material sense, the Sun starts its journey toward longer days, marking a new phase of growth and revival. In a spiritual sense, it reminds us that old ways must fade away to allow new beginnings. Where can one fully appreciate this astronomical event optimally? Take a stroll to visit the largest Czech menhir, known as the Stone Shepherd, located near Slany, or hike up to Říp Mountain, journey to the South Bohemian Stonehenge in Holašovice, or explore the Lech Stone near Kourim. Other enigmatic locations, where ancient occurrences might have happened in past rituals, are the huge boulders near Zihle, and the impressive Cursed Monk near the village of Drahomyšle, known for its magical aura. The well-known King’s Table near Uherské Hradiště is enveloped in numerous legends, particularly those linked to the Great Moravian history of Central Pomerania. A forest filled with standing stones, wells, and stone rows can be discovered at Maple Rocks near Prčice. Watchful hikers will also come across a curious stone with a smiling face! What better place to honor the solstice than at Solstice Stones? These can be found deep in the woods close to Strážný in the Bohemian Forest. These stones align with the summer solstice based on the sunrise, and perhaps at these sites, you will sense the ancient energy that our ancestors once experienced.
The winter solstice indicates the start of the gradual end of long, dark days. From this point onward, daylight gradually increases.
