The calendar we are used to says that the year begins on the first of January and is divided into 12 months. But nature has its own laws, which, unfortunately, are poorly coordinated with astronomy. However, our ancestors knew and honored the laws of nature. the most important holiday in the annual cycle, the winter solstice was considered - when will it be in 2019 and what practices are recommended for everyone? Read the details in this article.
What happens on this day?
First of all, let's figure out what the winter solstice is. On this day we can observe the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Magic time, isn't it? Our ancestors did not doubt it.
Holiday dates:
- December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere (these are all countries above the equator);
- June 20 or 21 - in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, most countries of Latin America, etc.).
The exact date depends on the year, it's all about the calendar shift due to leap years.
In 2019, the winter solstice will occur on December 22 at 07:19 am Moscow time. If you live in another region, you can calculate the time yourself, knowing Moscow.
On this day, the Sun reaches its lowest position. Further, at the end of December and January, it rises higher above the horizon, making daylight hours longer.
In astrology, on this day the Sun moves from the zodiac sign Sagittarius to the sign Capricorn, and the astrological winter begins (the period of the signs Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces).
Since Capricorn is associated with planning, at this time it is advisable to think over and write down goals for the coming year. Consider what is really important to you and what you want to get rid of.
Our ancestors saw the solstice as a time of rebirth, hope, and a joyful start on the path to solar abundance.
Some call the holiday the winter equinox. However, this is not true. The equinox occurs in spring and autumn, in March and September, when day equals night. And in winter and summer - solstices.
Table of winter solstices until 2025
| Year | Date and time in Moscow |
| 2019 | December 22 07:19 |
| 2020 | December 21 13:02 |
| 2021 | December 21 18:59 |
| 2022 | 22 December 00:48 |
| 2023 | December 22 06:27 |
| 2024 | December 21 12:20 |
| 2025 | December 21 18:03 |
What is special about the solstices and equinoxes? See more about the astronomical meaning of this amazing phenomenon in the video:
Rites and rituals
Many rituals are recommended to be performed on the day of the solstice. The fact is that this is the shortest and most mysterious day of the year. When a colossal amount of energy is generated in nature, but it does not manifest itself clearly, but is hidden in the dark corners of the longest night.
Before carrying out any rituals (a few days before the holiday), it is necessary to carry out a major cleaning in the entire apartment or house:
- Wash everything, even the most secluded corners.
- Put things in order, put things in their places.
- Clear out the pantry and decide what you need and what you don't.
- Collect unwanted items and give to those in need.
Through such actions, you will clear space in your life for something new and joyful.
Let go ritual
- Write down on paper all the negative and bad things that happened during the year - what you want to get rid of or forget.
- Say the appropriate words that you must choose for yourself. For example: "I forgive and let go of everything that happened" or "I leave these events in the past, let them go and never return."
- Now burn a sheet of paper, imagining how your sorrows are burned in the fire. And along with the smoke, problems disappear.
- Feel free.
Ritual for the fulfillment of a wish
A wish is made at dawn:
- Stand facing the east - look in the direction where the reborn Sun rises.
- Thank the Sun for all the good things in your life and ask for help in the coming season.
- Make a wish - try to mention as many details as possible.
- Imagine that the wish has already come true. What do you feel? Let your imagination paint happy pictures.
On this holiday, it is good to make wishes that involve the renewal of life, the attraction of something new. It is also recommended to drink ginger tea during the day.
If your desire involves saving money, then the ideal option would be to open a savings bank account on the day of the solstice or the next day. By doing this, you will not only think about what you want, but also take the first step towards realization. Which is very important.
Ritual for cleansing
Held in the bathroom:
- Fill the tub with warm water.
- Be sure to add sea salt, because she takes all the negativity. But it is better to refuse foam on this day.
- Arrange a few candles in the bathroom (odd number), turning off the electric lights.
- Prepare pleasant music for relaxation. It can be the sounds of nature, religious chants, ethnic music, and so on.
- Lie down in the bath. Imagine that your body is heavy, filled with the worries of the outgoing year.
- Now visualize that water and salt take away all your problems. And every moment your body becomes lighter.
- Flush the water, imagining that everything bad goes with it. Rinse under the shower.
After performing the ritual, you will feel a true renewal at the level of body and soul.
Winter Solstice Festival in different cultures
Our distant ancestors were guided by natural phenomena and the movement of the Sun when calculating time periods. The winter solstice point was significant for the construction of such historical structures as:
- Stonehenge in the UK;
- Newgrange in Ireland.
Their main axes are oriented to sunrise and sunset on the solstices.
Ancient Roman Saturnalia
In ancient Rome, on the days of the solstice, they celebrated the feast of Saturnalia in honor of the god Saturn. The celebration lasted from 17 to 23 December. By this time, all agricultural efforts were completed. And people could indulge in celebration and fun.
It was customary to temporarily stop public affairs, send schoolchildren on vacation. It was even forbidden to punish criminals.
Slaves sat at the same table with the masters and were freed from daily work. There was a symbolic equalization of rights.
Crowds of celebrating walked in the streets. Everyone praised Saturn. On the days of Saturnalia, a pig was slaughtered as a sacrifice, and then they began to have fun. There was a tradition of gift exchange, which later moved to the modern Christmas and New Year.
Yule among the ancient Germans
This is a medieval holiday, one of the main ones of the year. It was celebrated with great pomp. The word "yule" was called the longest night of the year, which fell on the winter solstice.
It was believed that on this day the King of Oak was reborn, he warmed the frozen earth and gave life to the seeds in the soil, which were stored for a long winter, so that by spring they would germinate and give a harvest.
People kindled fires in the fields. It was customary to drink the alcoholic drink cider. Children went from house to house with gifts. Baskets were woven from the branches of evergreens and ears of wheat, and apples and cloves were folded into them, which were sprinkled with flour.
Apples are a symbol of the sun and immortality, and wheat is a symbol of a good harvest. Flour meant light and success.
The houses were also decorated with branches of trees: ivy, holly, mistletoe. It was believed that this helps to call the spirits of nature to join the holiday. Spirits could bestow a happy life on the household.
On the holiday of Yule, the burning of a ritual log, the decoration of the Yule tree (the prototype of the New Year tree) and the exchange of gifts were carried out. The image of a log has been preserved in many countries to this day.
Holiday in Christianity
In Christianity, Christmas is celebrated these days. In the Catholic tradition, it comes on December 24, when the Sun, after passing its lowest point, is “reborn” again and rises higher.
It is believed that when Christianity replaced paganism, the new Christian holidays merged with pagan ones. So Christmas appeared in its modern form with a decorated Christmas tree and gifts for relatives and friends. Indeed, in fact, this is the celebration of the birth of Christ, but it is celebrated very similarly to the medieval Yule.
In Orthodoxy, due to the use of the Julian calendar, the date is 2 weeks behind the solstice, the Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 7th. However, historically it is the same date. It's just that over the course of two thousand years, the solstice point has shifted by half a month.
Holiday in Slavic culture
The Slavs celebrated the day of Karachun, the harsh deity of winter. They believed that Karachun brings winter cold to the earth, plunging nature into a winter sleep.
Another name for the deity is Korochun, which means "the shortest." The winter solstice preceded the rebirth of the Sun.
Bonfires were burned everywhere, which were designed to help the Sun triumph over death and be reborn. After Karachun, the nights were waning, and the daylight hours were getting longer.
Subsequently, this deity turned into Frost - a gray-haired old man, from whose breath bitter frosts begin, and rivers are covered with ice. The Slavs believed that if Frost hit a hut with a staff, the logs would crack.
Frost does not like those who are afraid of him and hide, complain about the cold and quickly get cold. But for those who are not afraid of him, he gives rosy cheeks, strength of mind and good mood. This is reflected in the fairy tale "Morozko".
Video
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and is of great importance. Our ancestors honored this time, watched the weather to predict whether the next year would be fruitful.
In 2017, the shortest day will be December 21st. This is the time when the Sun takes a course for the summer and begins to gradually increase the length of the day. A significant event for our ancestors was necessarily celebrated by kindling fires to drive away the winter cold and help the Sun return to the sky.
The shortest day of the year: traditions and signs
The longest night of the year was special for our ancestors. It was believed that at this time the deity of death, or Karachun, commands the winter cold, frosts are especially fierce and a sudden snowstorm can begin. At this time, the Sun energetically charged the space. It was believed that on this day the fate of people changes, and life begins from a new leaf.
If the bright Sun shines on the street, and it is frosty on the street, then by the New Year the frost will get stronger. If it's cloudy outside a large number of frost lies on trees and shrubs, then to new year holidays you can expect a thaw and cloudy weather.
A calm day promised a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables. Hoarfrost on trees, shrubs and houses pleased our ancestors, because it promised a wonderful harvest that would allow us to live through the next icy winter without any problems.
People helped the Sun to restore its strength to fight the winter time. Large bonfires were lit everywhere, and burning wheels were run down the slopes to disperse the winter darkness. The youth made snowmen and snowmen, which were then smashed with snowballs to drive away the annoying cold.
In Slavic culture, the New Year was celebrated on the day of the winter solstice, they glorified the forces of light that conquered darkness and cold.
On the day of the winter solstice, you can make cherished wishes, write notes with wishes, ask the Sun for help in their fulfillment.
On the shortest day of the year, our ancestors got rid of negativity, threw away old things, dismantled nooks and closets to get rid of everything that was not useful to them. Old furniture and wooden utensils with clothes were burned at the stake, thus getting rid of ailments.
Don't forget about the forest gods. They brought pies and fresh bread, poured sweet drinks to appease the forest spirits in the hope of a rich harvest from fruit trees.
In the modern world, you can also celebrate the winter solstice by lighting a fire. Write notes with the wishes of what you would like to get rid of, throw it into the flame. Throw away all the rubbish, and what can be burned, put on fire without regret.
On the day of the winter solstice, everyone can make their deepest desire, get rid of bad habits and start a new, happy life. You can attract well-being with the help of ancient rituals, which were traditionally held on the longest night of the year. We wish you good luck and prosperity, and do not forget to press the buttons and
With the advent of spring, it becomes noticeable that the sun rises higher above the horizon at noon and later disappears behind it in the evening. Finally, at the beginning of summer, the luminary reaches its highest point - the summer solstice comes. date of the long day per year depends on the hemisphere and the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs on June 20, if there are 365 days in a year, and on June 21, if there are 366. And in the Southern Hemisphere, in a leap year, the longest day will come on December 22, and in a normal year - December 21.After the longest day comes the shortest night. According to old Slavic beliefs, it was a magical time: the strength of useful plants increased many times over, suitors were certainly shown to the girls who gave fortune. Swimming before this day was strictly forbidden, as it was believed that in the water. On the summer solstice, the devils left the water until the beginning of August, so they bathed and doused themselves with water all day.
When pagan traditions were supplanted by Christian ones, this holiday was called the day of John the Baptist. And since John baptized by dipping in water, it turned out to be the day of Ivan Kupala. Planted on the fertile soil of ancient beliefs, the holiday has taken root and has come down to our days as a dousing.
day in the old calendar summer solstice and Midsummer's Day coincided, but according to the new style, the holiday shifted to July 7th.
Winter solstice
After the summer solstice, the day begins. Gradually, the Sun reaches its lowest point of ascent. In the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day of the year occurs on December 21 or 22, and in the Southern Hemisphere on June 20 or 21, depending on whether it is a leap year or not. After the longest night, the countdown begins - now the day will begin to arrive before the summer solstice, and after it - again decrease to the winter one.The winter solstice was celebrated even in primitive communities, when, before the long winter, people slaughtered all the cattle that they could not feed, and arranged a feast. Later this day received a different meaning - the awakening of life. Most famous holiday solstice - medieval Yule among the Germanic peoples. On the night after which the sun begins to rise higher, fires were burned in the fields, crops and trees were consecrated, and cider was brewed.
In Greek mythology, the lord of the underworld, Hades, was allowed to visit Olympus only two days a year - on the summer and winter solstices.
Later, Yule merged with the celebration of Christmas, adding pagan traditions to Christian traditions - for example, kissing under the mistletoe.
There are two solstices in a year - winter and summer, on these days the height of the sun above the horizon at noon is minimum or maximum.
The sun, on the day of the winter solstice, is at its lowest position above the horizon, in contrast to the summer solstice, when it is at its maximum.
This is the shortest day of the year - it will last a little less than seven hours, and the longest night and last as much as 17 hours. After the winter solstice, the day will slowly but surely increase, and the night will decrease.
Winter solstice
The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere occurs on December 21 or 22 - astronomers consider this day the beginning of astronomical winter, from which everything is slowly but surely approaching summer.
Duration solar year does not coincide with calendar time, since the moment of the solstice shifts annually.
The winter solstice, since prehistoric times, has been celebrated as an extremely important event - in many cultures, this day celebrated the birth of the Sun, and the beginning of a new year.
© photo: Sputnik / Igor Podgorny
The winter solstice, like the days of the summer solstice, spring and autumn equinoxes, is considered an important day in astrology - the Earth will get as close as possible to the Sun, which will also be located at the southern point of the ecliptic (an imaginary line along which the Sun moves among the stars during the year).
For ancient people who were engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding, and naturally completely dependent on nature, the winter revival of the sun was a very important event.
Since ancient times, people have studied natural cycles and, realizing that it is impossible to change them, from year to year they learned to live in accordance with the natural cycle in order to achieve harmony.
Each nation, as you know, compiled its own calendar, in which important events were celebrated. Since important rituals and rituals were performed these days, barriers between the world of people and spirits were erased, which means that it became possible to communicate with the other world.
© photo: Sputnik / Alexander Vilf
Being in close contact with nature, the ancient people were convinced that on the day of the winter solstice one can fulfill many cherished desires, radically change one's destiny, and even enlist the support of higher powers.
The holiday, according to tradition, began to be celebrated at night, before sunrise.
In different countries
The names of the holiday among different peoples, as well as the traditions of the celebration, were somewhat different. In pagan Europe, among the Germanic peoples, the winter solstice was called Yule - the holiday was a symbol of the mystery of the renewal of nature and the beginning of a new life.
On the night of the Yule holiday, as it was believed in ancient times, in Midgard (a world inhabited by people), all worlds converge, gods and goddesses descend to Earth, and trolls and elves talk to people.
Communicating with the Other World, people leave their bodies and temporarily join the riders of the Wild Hunt or become werewolves (werewolf) or other spirits.
On holidays, the Celts beautifully decorated their homes with spruce branches, which were hung over the main entrance, near interior partitions, in windows and by the fireplace. On this day, a ritual bonfire of oak logs was necessarily kindled, as if helping the birth of a new sun. And in the center of the house they put something round, symbolizing the luminary.
The birth of the sun god Mithra was celebrated on the winter solstice in Persia. According to tradition, he conquered winter and cleared the way for the coming spring.
In ancient China, it was believed that the male force of nature is growing stronger from this period and gives rise to a new cycle. The day of the winter solstice was considered a happy, successful day, which was worthily celebrated.
© AFP / TT NEWS AGENCY / MATS ASTRAND
On the day of the winter solstice, everyone, from a commoner to an emperor, rested and had fun, laid large tables laden with various dishes, went to visit and gave gifts to each other.
On this special day, an important role was assigned to sacrifices to the ancestors and the god of Heaven, they performed appropriate ceremonies and rituals in order to protect themselves from diseases and evil spirits. The winter solstice is one of the traditional Chinese holidays so far.
Hindus call the winter solstice Sankranti. The holiday was celebrated the night before in the Sikh and Hindu communities - bonfires were lit, the flame of which resembled the rays of the Sun, which warm the earth after a cold winter.
The tradition of launching a burning wheel, symbolizing the solstice, existed in Scotland. To do this, the barrel was lubricated abundantly with resin, set on fire and let down the hill, the rotating movements of which resembled a fiery luminary.
Kolyada
Among the ancient Slavs, on December 21 - the day of the winter solstice, Kolyaden began - the first month of winter and the new year. On the same day, the Christmas of Kolyada, the incarnation of one of the main Slavic gods Dazhdbog (Dazhbog, Dazhbog), who embodied the Sun, was celebrated.
The Slavs celebrated Christmas and New Year, filled with fun, delicious food and magical rituals, for 21 days, thus trying to pass the cold dark winter.
They cooked kolivo for Christmas time - porridge with honey and raisins, and socheviki - sweet pies with cottage cheese and jam. Burning wheels were rolled on the streets and bonfires were lit to help the emerging winter sun, and the huts were decorated with dolls of the god Veles (the Slavic prototype of the modern Santa Claus) and the Snow Maiden.
Carolers - young boys and girls, went from house to house and sang carols (ritual songs with wishes for well-being) and received treats as a reward.
© photo: Sputnik / Igor Ageenko
The priests, on the first midnight of Kolyaden, sacrificed a duck, a piglet and other animals to Kolyada - all this was then present as a treat on Christmas tables.
As a gift to the owners of the forest, people hung bread on trees and poured sweet drinks on them - people believed that such actions would help to get a good harvest.
They put on Christmas new clothes and put on the table the best treat for the family gathered together. On this day, they baked a cake that resembled the same Sun in shape. People believed that the way you celebrate the New Year is the way you will spend it. People glorified the supreme deity as best they could - they sang and danced a lot.
The tradition of giving gifts to close people was special, as they believed that it was impossible to skimp on gifts in order to New Year endowed with generosity.
Traditions and rituals
In the traditions of different peoples, the celebration of the winter solstice has much in common - the main place has always been occupied by the customs of commemoration, attempts to win the favor of the forces that visited the world on the darkest night.
Many rituals of antiquity associated with the winter solstice have survived to this day. So, Christmas tree became the "heiress" of the main attribute of Yule - a decorated tree, symbolizing life.
The tradition of giving gifts, carols and treats on holy days reflect the ceremonies of sacrifice, and the bonfires, which were designed to protect and help in communication with spirits and mysterious forces, personify New Year's lights.
Material prepared on the basis of open sources
Don't be surprised if you feel like the next few days are going by too fast. This is normal, especially when you consider that December 21-22 are the darkest days of the year. The day (light part of the day) will last only about 8 hours. See the exact time below. December 14 was the earliest sunset. But there are good reasons for readers top tops info remained cheerful and spent the next period with interest.
The solstice was celebrated by pagans thousands of years ago. This is the day when the Sun is at its southernmost point. today is closely associated with Christmas traditions. Many people see this as a great metaphor: yes, the world looks pretty gloomy now, because the day is short, but remember that big, bright and sunny days will come very soon.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, as well as the official start of winter. The actual solstice is the moment when the sun shines longest in the south, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. The rising trend of day and night changes every year between December 20th and 23rd. Find out below how people celebrate this event.
The winter solstice is the main pagan holiday. Every year on the shortest day the fans pagan traditions are going. On the same days, people had a special attitude to the Christmas tree - the tree symbol of the winter solstice. Druids (priests of the ancient Celts) in their rituals also used evergreen trees, holly and mistletoe, as symbols of eternal life.
The idea of decorating trees during the festive season is said to have come from a combination of Druid rituals and Germanic traditions, which, according to legend, was started by Martin Luther. On Sunday (from 22 to 23), sunlight will please us the least amount of time - only 7 hours and 20 seconds. From now until June 21, 2020 (the date of the summer solstice), the days, to our joy, will gradually become longer.