Celebrations of Our Sun!!
The Winter Solstice occurs when our Sun reaches its lowest or southern most point in the sky, marking the shortest day of the year. Solstice is derived from the Latin meaning "to stand still".
At this point in the Yearly Cycle the Sun appears stop in the sky for approximately three days. This happens on December 21 or 22 and is when we honor the Rebirth of the Sun!
Various cultures celebrate this point in the yearly cycle of our sun! These celebrations are many and vary in length and date of recognition. Names of observances include, Winter solstice, Yule, Christmas, Wren Day, Festival of the Wild Woman, and Goru to name a few.
Yule or Yuletide was originally celebrated by the Germanic peoples in Europe from late December to early January determined by the Germanic calender.
The Celtic, Irish, and Welsh for an unknown time, celebrated Wren day On December 26. On this day wren-boys dress in suits of straw or masks and danced in the streets playing music going from door to door for merriment.
Goru is celebrated by the Dogon people. A last harvest ritual celebrating the arrival of humanity from the sky god Amma thru Nommo inside The Ark of the World.
In the Aegean civilization they celebrated Lenaia or The Festival of the Wild Women! In classical times Wine miracles were preformed by the priest during this time where they would seal water or juice in rooms overnight and the next day when opened the liquid turned to Wine!
In modern times Wicca has adopted the Germanic Yule traditions for ritual celebrations during this Sabbat on the Wheel of the year. Practices and traditions vary but often include gift giving, feasting, wreaths of evergreens, mistletoe, holly, and Yule logs! A popular story during this time is The Oak King and the Holly King. Where the two Kings battle thru the turning of the seasons!
However you choose to celebrate this festive season we here at Hidden Realms wish you all a Happy Holiday and Brightest Yule Blessings!
~Shine Boldly~
Mary
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