Winter solstice in different cultural traditions

The winter solstice is the period whenthe northern hemisphere of the Earth observed the longest night. In some parts of Russia, the duration of the day on these days can be reduced to about 3.5 hours.

Since the autumn equinox, the durationlight time decreases every day. This occurs until December 21. The solstice symbolizes the peak of the dominance of the "forces of darkness". Starting from the next day, the heavenly body will rise daily above the horizon until the vernal equinox comes.

Prior to our era, this phenomenon accounted for 25December. It is noteworthy that this date is the birthday of numerous mythical heroes in various traditions. The winter solstice is a day after which the "powers of light" regain control of the world.

It is interesting that the beliefs, traditions and symbols of many peoples are associated with this natural phenomenon. A little bit about that.

The Celtic cross, for example, reflects the natural cycle of the Sun. One of the starting points is the winter solstice

Legends of ancient Babylon say that it was on this day that the god Nimrod left sacred gifts under an evergreen tree.

The ancient Chinese associated the increase in lightday with the rise of the "male power" of nature. The winter solstice symbolized the beginning of a new cycle, so this day was considered sacred. On this day, the Chinese did not work: the shops were closed, people gave each other gifts. At the festive table, according to tradition, there should be a porridge made from glutinous rice and beans. It was believed that these dishes drove away evil spirits and diseases.

In Taiwan on the day of Dongzhijie (the name of the holiday)a ritual of "sacrifice" was held: ancestors were presented with a cake with 9 layers. On this day on the island, it is customary to mold figurines of sacred animals from a rice test and feast.

The Indian name of the holiday is Sankranti. The sacred day's offensive is marked by the kindling of bonfires, which symbolize how solar heat warms the frozen ground for winter.

Slavs also observed changes in nature andsymbolically depicted the natural cycles in their beliefs. On the day of the solstice in Russia celebrated the New Year. Traditions dictated our "ancestors" in this day to kindle a bonfire, greeting the "power of light", and bake a loaf. Celebrating the deity Kolyada symbolized the beginning of the next cycle.

By the XVI century in Russia appeared rite, duringwhose chief bell ringer was to come to the king and inform him that "the sun turned for the summer." As an encouragement, the head of state awarded the "messenger" a financial reward.

The Scots on this day rolled down a barrel down the street, which was previously smeared with burning resin. The rotation made a burning construction similar to the heavenly body, in honor of which the ritual was held.

The deities of the peoples of the world have different names, but inAll the corners of the planet the winter solstice symbolizes the renewal, the beginning of a new cycle. Nature itself on this day tells us to rejoice in the return of the "forces of light."

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