The winter solstice is an annual event that marks the first official day of winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, the solstice also signifies the point at which the Earth is the farthest from the sun. This celestial event has been celebrated for hundreds upon hundreds of years by people all over the planet. In fact, historical evidence suggests the rites and rituals of December holidays like Christmas first came from various solstice traditions and were reworked to fit new holidays as they arose.
To this day, people all over celebrate the winter solstice. Take a look at some of these fascinating facts about how people enjoy this holiday, and learn a bit about the international appreciation for this ancient and important day.
Winter’s First Light
Newgrange is a prehistoric monument located in Ireland. Experts believe this structure is one of the greatest and most important sites in the country, though few historians can agree on its original purpose. Still, it has seen a fair share of uses over the millennia. Older than both the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge, this monument sees a ton of activity when the time for the winter solstice comes about. This is primarily due to a popular lottery allowing winners the chance to enter the monument on the day of the solstice.
Because of the way the structure was built, the first rays of sun entering the monument during the solstice fill it with light in a strikingly captivating way. This phenomenon has attracted thousands of people each year, with experts reporting more than 33,000 people entering the lottery to experience the solstice from within Newgrange. Supposedly, the vision of the first rays of winter light is something of a spiritual phenomenon, which is why so many people vie for a chance to experience it firsthand.
A Warm Soak
Some winter solstice traditions take on a more practical approach. In Japan, for example, there is a very old tradition of welcoming the solstice by soaking in a hot bath. Typically, the baths are filled with yuzu fruits, which are citrus fruits that have a slight resemblance to grapefruit. According to tradition, taking a long soak in a hot bath with yuzu fruits is a great way to prepare for the cold days of winter ahead. The citrus in the fruit infuses the water with vitamin C and other healthy compounds to boost the immune system.
While many people throughout Japan take solitary baths at home, there are more public events that take place throughout the nation. Each city has some sort of public bath where citizens can go for a quick soak with yuzu fruit. Even some of the local zoos have taken to this tradition, allowing certain animals the opportunity to climb into a hot bath with the fruits. This ritual is a great way to welcome the solstice while simultaneously supporting a healthy immune system for the colder days on the horizon.
Something Scary
Though most people in America associate Santa with a jolly, giving fellow, there are other interpretations of this figure around the world. In Austria, many people believe in Krampus, who is a demonic counterpart to Santa Claus known to cause terror and spread fear. To welcome the solstice in Hollabrunn, Austria, people will dress like Krampus and run about the city trying to scare others. Some say this tradition helps to keep bad spirits from Hollabrunn, though most agree it seems primarily like a form of entertainment.
The solstice marks the beginning of winter. While most of the world acknowledges this event, each region has a different way of celebrating. Learning about various customs can help you discover your own unique way of paying heed to the coming season.