The Shortest Day

The Winter Solstice: A Cosmic Turning Point

By: Amy Cain Sousa

For thousands of years humans have gazed in wonder at the sun. Our fascination, reverence and celebration of its solstices are etched into ancient monuments and evident in countless archeological discoveries. As we step into December, let’s pause to ponder the winter solstice – a celestial event that holds the promise of hope, renewal and goodwill.

The winter solstice, which occurs around December 21st, marks a pivotal moment in the Earth’s annual journey around the sun. On this day, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year, officially heralding the arrival of winter. For astronomers and avid sky-watchers, the solstice is a key event in the calendar. However, its significance extends far beyond the realm of astronomy, reaching into the heart of human history and culture.

Ancient California: The Ohlone Connection

Long before the Spanish missions and modern civilization shaped the landscape of California, the Ohlone people, also known as the Costanoan, inhabited the Central Coast of the state. Their ancestral homeland spanned from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Big Sur coast. In “The Ohlone Way,” Malcolm Margolin provides a glimpse into the spiritual world of these ancient hunter-gatherers. Their connection to the sun, especially during the winter solstice, was profound. To honor the sun, they offered gifts of meal, beads, shells, and whiffs of tobacco smoke. (They perceived tobacco as a reflection of their own fondness for the plant, uniting them in a shared nature with the sun.) It’s just one example of the Ohlone’s deep reverence for the celestial events that guided their lives.

Celebrating Yule: A Festival of Hope and Renewal

In diverse cultures worldwide, the winter solstice has been a catalyst for celebration, echoing the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of renewal during the darkest days of the year. For many, the winter solstice is a time to embrace Yule, a traditional winter festival steeped in history and meaning.

Yule embodies the concept of rebirth as the sun begins its gradual ascent in the sky, symbolizing hope during the winter’s darkest moments. This festival has transcended time, with its roots deep in the ancient traditions of numerous cultures. Yule often features customs like lighting candles, decorating evergreen trees, and sharing feasts, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

Yule vs. Yuletide: A Subtle Distinction

The terms “Yule” and “Yuletide” are frequently used interchangeably, but there exists a subtle distinction between them. “Yule” refers specifically to the historical festival celebrated around the winter solstice. It harkens back to the ancient practices of the Norse and other cultures, which embraced the return of the sun’s light as a symbol of hope and renewal. On the other hand, “Yuletide” is a broader term encompassing the entire holiday season, including Christmas and New Year’s. During Yuletide, the focus is on spreading merriment, goodwill, and festivity. It brings people together in a shared celebration of warmth and togetherness.

Embracing the Solstice Spirit

As we reflect on the beauty and significance of the winter solstice, it becomes evident that this celestial event transcends boundaries of time and culture. The solstice is an annual reminder that our lives, like the Earth’s journey around the sun, are cyclical. It encourages us to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, embrace the promise of renewal, and unite in the spirit of hope and togetherness.

Whether you find solace in the ancient traditions of the Ohlone people, the Yule celebrations of old, or the festive spirit of Yuletide, the winter solstice invites us to connect with the world around us and recognize the enduring cycles of life. In a world often marked by change and uncertainty, the solstice remains a timeless symbol of celebrating light – and life itself. 

SUGGESTED WINTER READING 

Susan Cooper, a renowned British fantasy author collaborated with American illustrator Carson Ellis to create “The Shortest Day,” a beautifully illustrated children’s book that brings Cooper’s winter solstice poem to life in a way that celebrates both Yule and Yuletide.