Soyal: the longest winter solstice ceremony
The Hopi Soyal Ceremony is one of the longest running winter solstice celebrations in the USA. At this time of year, the Hopi people of Northern Arizona celebrate the Kachinas (Hopi spirit messengers) returning the sun to the world.
|
|
|
The time of the longest shadows
|
|
|
In 2019, the winter solstice for the Northern Hemisphere occurs on Saturday, December 21, at 11:19 p.m. EST.
|
|
The Winter Solstice has played an important role in cultures worldwide from ancient times until today. In fact, many of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals associated with Christmas are actually associated with Winter Solstice
Alban Arthan, Welsh for “Light of Winter,” It marks the moment in time when the Old Sun dies (at dusk on the 21st of December) and when the Sun of the New Year is born (at dawn on the 22nd of December)
The Feast of Juul was a festival observed in Scandinavia when fires were lit to symbolize the heat, light and life-giving properties of the returning Sun. A Yule—or Juul—log was brought in and burned on the hearth in honor of the Scandinavian god, Thor.
The Dongzhi Winter Solstice Festival is celebrated as a time for the entire family to get together to celebrate the past good year. As ancient Chinese thought, the yang, or muscular, positive things will become stronger and stronger after this day, so it should be celebrated. Dumplings are usually eaten.
Saturnalia – In Ancient Rome, the Winter Solstice festival referred to as Saturnalia began on December 17 and lasted for seven days. It was held to honor Saturnus, the Roman god of agriculture and harvest, and was characterized by the suspension of discipline and reversal of the usual order. Grudges and quarrels were forgiven, wars were postponed, and people engaged in carnival-like festivities.
|
|
The Sun 'Stands Still'
The term solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning 'the Sun stands still'. This is because on this day, the Sun reaches its southern-most position as seen from the Earth. The Sun seems to stand still at the Tropic of Capricorn and then reverses its direction. It's also common to call it the day the Sun turns around. To a Meteorologist winter began Dec 1, in the Chinese calendar it began Nov. 6, and on Jan 4 the Earth is on its Perihelion - the point on the Earth's orbit where it is closest to the Sun - a few weeks after the December Solstice in its elliptical orbit.
|
|
|
|
|
