The winter solstice occurs when either of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun, the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year, when the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky.Usually December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days. Many cultures recognise this as a time of rebirth, a time to celebrate with festivals, gatherings & rituals.
In Penzance they celebrate this every year at Montol.
We like to celebrate it with quieter events
– see winter solstice 2021 / winter solstice 2022 / winter solstice 2023
Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been seen as a significant time of year in many cultures, and has been marked by festivals and rituals. It marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun.
The moon occurring in December is known as the ‘Frost’ (or Cold Time) Moon.
Folk-Lore Customs and Traditions
The Yule Log – a large log known as the Yule log would be burnt on the fire at the Winter Solstice. If the Yule log was kept burning bright for the twelve days that the Sun was thought to stand still for, then it (the Sun) would be persuaded to move again, and make the days grow longer and good fortune would ensue. If a Yule Log went out, then there would be terrible luck. The remains of the log were kept to light the next years log.
The Holly & The Ivy – Decorating with greenery was a common practice – To our Brythonic ancestors evergreens in winter were symbolic – they provided a home over the cold months for good spirits (fae folk) and the prickly nature of holly protected against the bad ones, so it was the Ivy and holly’s evergreen nature that made it special. They would decorate doorways with it in the hopes that it would capture any bad spirits before they could enter the house, (flypaper for bad fairies?). Traces of evergreen branches have been found in several Neolithic sacred sites as well as the excavations of older private dwellings.
Mistletoe – was considered to be a sacred plant – It was believed to have all sorts of miraculous qualities: the power of healing diseases, making poisons harmless, giving fertility to humans and animals, protecting from witchcraft, banning evil spirits, bringing good luck and great blessings. From this old custom grew the practice of suspending Mistletoe over a doorway or in a room as a token of good will and peace to all comers.