The winter solstice, also known as the hibernal solstice, is the point in the northern hemisphere where the sun is at the farthest southern point in the sky. Usually, the winter solstice takes place on either Dec. 21 or 22. Due to the position of the sun, the winter solstice is the longest night and shortest day of the year.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “When the winter solstice happens in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted about 23.4° (23°27′) away from the Sun. Because the Sun’s rays are shifted southward from the Equator by the same amount, the vertical noon rays are directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn (23°27′ S).” The winter solstice marks the beginning of the astronomical season of winter.
The winter solstice has been celebrated as a major astronomical event throughout history and across cultures. Here are some winter solstice celebrations from around the world and the history behind them.
St. Lucia’s Day
St. Lucia’s Day is a Scandinavian festival celebrated in Sweden, Norway and in some parts of Finland. While this holiday is not a direct celebration of the winter solstice, it is celebrated on Dec. 13 and marks the being of the Christmas season in Scandinavian countries.
St. Lucia or St. Lucy is one of the earliest Christian martyrs having been killed in Italy in the third century. St. Lucia is considered to be the patron saint of light and sight. Thus, her feast day is celebrated with light displays, including candles and bonfires.
Saturnalia
Saturnalia is a Roman pagan holiday that was held to honor the god of agriculture and time, Saturn. Saturnalia festivities were held between Dec. 17 and 24.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “A mock king was chosen (Saturnalicius princeps); the seasonal greeting io Saturnalia was heard everywhere. The closing days of the Saturnalia were known as Sigillaria, because of the custom of making, toward the end of the festival, presents of candles, wax models of fruit, and waxen statuettes which were fashioned by the sigillarii or manufacturers of small figures in wax and other media. The cult statue of Saturn himself, traditionally bound at the feet with woolen bands, was untied, presumably to come out and join the fun.”
Saturnalia festivities have been described as similar to modern Mardi Gras celebrations. The Saturnalia festivals were marked by days off of work, gambling, feasting and gift exchanges. Along with Germanic Yuletide traditions, many modern Christmas traditions stem from Saturnalia festivities, including light displays and gift giving. Additionally, some Saturnalia traditions may be the origins of New Year celebrations.
