happy winter solstice

The winter solstice is here! That’s right- the ancient celebration that morphed into the biggest consumeristic experience of the year! It is the ancient celebration that cmas is based on- as the ancient roman powers that be assimilated pagan customs into their version of Christianity (much like the borg.) so what exactly is the winter solstice?

A solstice occurs twice a year, whenever Earth’s axis tilts the most toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to be farthest north or south at noon. The name is derived from Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstice, the Sun stands still in declination, that is, its movement north or south is minimal. The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense as the date (day) that such a passage happens. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are related to the seasons.

The ancients were much more in tune with nature than we- so they based their celebrations around natural patterns. They were also on a lunar calendar and measured time a wee bit differently than we do today. Many of the customs that we have adapted and adopted and lumped together as cmas traditions actually stem from ancient customs from around Europe:

Alban Arthuan
The winter solstice, observed on December 21, was the shortest day of the year. The name ‘Arthuan’ is interesting in relation to Arthurian legend, as King Arthur was believed to have been born on the Winter Solstice in Castle Tintagel in Cornwall. Alban Arthuan (”The Light of Arthur”), also was referred to as Yule, Mabon, Jul, Saturnalia, or Christmas. This feast took place on December 21 and marked the longest, darkest night of the year. Alban Arthuan was a festival of peace and a celebration of waxing solar light. Many honored the forthcoming Sun child by burning an oaken Yule log, and honored the Goddess in her many Mother aspects. The Father God was also honored in various forms: as Santa Claus, the Old Sky God, Father Time, and the Holly King.

So, the bottom line for me is- this is a time of reflection and celebration- of nature, of relationships, and of peace. Happy winter solstice to all!