Current:Home > NewsIt's the winter solstice. Here are 5 ways people celebrate the return of light-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
It's the winter solstice. Here are 5 ways people celebrate the return of light
View Date:2024-12-23 15:50:57
It's officially the start of a new season. Winter solstice, which falls on Thursday in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. From now on, the days become longer and nights become shorter.
This year, the solstice occurs at 10:27 p.m. ET, the exact moment the Earth reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun.
But while for some it might be a reason to go to bed early, for many, the day calls for celebration. Since before recorded history, the winter solstice has traditionally meant a time of renewal and ritual for people all over the world.
Here are some ancient winter solstice celebrations from both hemispheres and how they're marked.
Shab-e Yalda
For centuries, Iranians around the world have gathered on winter solstice to celebrate Yalda, meaning birth or rebirth. The holiday dates back to the Zoroastrian tradition, and is believed to be a dedication to the sun god Mithra. Also celebrated in many Central Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, Yalda is a time when loved ones gather to eat, drink, and read poetry through the night and welcome the sun. Nuts and fruits such as pomegranates and watermelons are symbolic, as their red hues represent dawn and life. The holiday represents the victory of light over darkness.
Dongzhi
In Chinese, Dongzhi literally means "winter's arrival," and is one of the solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. The occasion signifies a turning point in the year when yin energy transitions to the positive energy of yang as the days grow longer. Traditionally celebrated as an end-of-harvest festival during the Han Dynasty, today it is an important time to spend with family and eat a hearty meal of tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) or dumplings, depending on what part of China one lives in.
Inti Raymi
Peru's winter solstice is celebrated in June and honors the Incan sun god Inti (Quechua for "sun"), the most revered god in the Inca religion. Banned during the first years of the Spanish conquest, the festival has since been resurrected and now takes place in the city of Cusco, once the center of the Incan Empire. Festivities include feasts and mock sacrifices that honor historic rituals.
Soyal
For the Native American Hopi tribe in the Southwest, the Soyal ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies of the year. December is the month when protective spirits called katsinas bring the sun back from its long slumber. Lasting up to 16 days, ceremonies include gift-giving, dancing, and storytelling, and are mostly performed in sacred underground chambers called kivas. The festival marks a time for prayer and purification.
Toji
In Japan, the winter solstice comes with several rituals and customs to welcome the return of the sun. One custom that dates back hundreds of years involves taking a hot bath with yuzu, a citrus fruit known for its healing properties. Other traditions include eating a winter squash called kabocha, and foods that contain the "n" sound (like udon), as they are believed to bring good luck.
veryGood! (118)
Related
- Georgia public universities and colleges see enrollment rise by 6%
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, At Last! Coffee!
- Austin Dillon clinches playoff spot in Richmond win after hitting Joey Logano
- Credit card debt: Inflation, interest rates have more Americans carrying balances over
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Take the Day Off
- Kate Middleton Makes Surprise Appearance in Royal Olympics Video
- When you 'stop running from it' and know you’ve outgrown your friend group
- Who is Yseult? French singer steals hearts to cap off Paris Olympics closing ceremony
- Mississippi governor intent on income tax cut even if states receive less federal money
- Early Harris-Walz rallies feature big crowds, talk of ‘joy’ and unsolicited GOP counterprogramming
Ranking
- Tony Hinchcliffe refuses to apologize after calling Puerto Rico 'garbage' at Trump rally
- Perseids to peak this weekend: When and how to watch the best meteor shower of the year
- Time to start house hunting? Lower mortgage rates could save you hundreds
- Austin Dillon clinches playoff spot in Richmond win after hitting Joey Logano
- Dallas Long, who won 2 Olympic medals while dominating the shot put in the 1960s, has died at 84
- Jury selection to begin for ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas investigative reporter
- New video proves Jordan Chiles inquiry was submitted in time, USA Gymnastics says
- Crews begin demolishing Texas church where gunman killed more than two dozen in 2017
Recommendation
-
SNL's Chloe Fineman Says Rude Elon Musk Made Her Burst Into Tears as Show Host
-
Best shooter ever: Steph Curry's spectacular finish secures Team USA another gold
-
Madonna’s 24-Year-Old Son Rocco Is All Grown Up in Rare Photos
-
Christina Hall Shares Update on Her Kids Amid Josh Hall Divorce
-
When does 'Dune: Prophecy' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch prequel series
-
Emma Hayes, USWNT send a forceful message with Olympic gold: 'We're just at the beginning'
-
Robert Tucker, the head of a security firm, is named fire commissioner of New York City
-
Horoscopes Today, August 10, 2024