On the day of the winter solstice, our luminary is at the largest angular distance from the celestial equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, this astronomical phenomenon occurs on December 22 (December 21 in leap years). Different peoples interpreted the solstice in their own way, but in most cultures it is a symbol of rebirth, covered in myths and beliefs. About how to meet the longest night of the year in different countries:
Iceland
Icelanders celebrate Yule on December 22 - translated from the Scandinavian "wheel". In the Middle Ages on this day, bonfires were burned in the fields and blessed the harvest by drinking spicy cider. Children went home with symbolic gifts: an apple, representing the Sun, clove branches - a symbol of immortality and stalks of wheat - for a good harvest. From above it was all sprinkled with flour, meaning success, light and life. In Iceland, they believe in a huge Yule cat with fiery eyes. Naughty children and lazy people who are not prepared for the winter solstice are promised that the monster will come into the house and eat the cooked dinner.
India
In India, this holiday is called Sankranti. It is dedicated to the sun god Surya. Celebrate it in mid-January, lighting bonfires on the night before - a symbol of solar heat warming the earth. Hindus decorate the doors of houses with mango leaves, and painted flour painted on the swept floors. In the center of the picture is a yellow flower and a bunch of cow dung (a cow is a sacred animal among the Hindus). For lunch, they eat milk rice porridge: locals believe that it contributes to the humility and exaltation of thought. Street festivities are always accompanied by a chariot decorated with flower garlands and flags - a symbol of life's journey. Men roll it to the accompaniment of trumpets and drums surrounded by acrobats and singers.
Russia
In Russia, the holiday of the winter solstice has long been called Kolyada (by the name of one of the deities of the ancient Slavs). On this day, in pagan times, they celebrated the New Year and carolled - they walked the streets in masks of animals, singing traditional songs, carols. One of the main attributes of the holiday is a wheel symbolizing the Sun, which is gaining strength after the Kolyada. He was rolled up the mountain, set on fire and released. Girls divined on the longest night of the year, as it is believed that at this time the line between the world of people and otherworldly forces almost disappears. On the festive table there should be pies and kutya, and in the corner - refreshments for the spirits of the dead.
Japan
In Japan, Touji's winter solstice is followed by curious customs. Traditionally, they eat pumpkin squash on this day and take a hot bath with local yuzu citruses (decorative lemon). The Japanese are convinced that this ceremony refreshes the body and spirit, protects against diseases and invigorates: "If you take a bath with yuzu, you won’t be sick for a year."
Scandinavia
In the Scandinavian countries, the winter solstice is celebrated on December 13. This day is dedicated to Saint Lucia - according to legend, she stood with a lantern on a lighthouse and illuminated the road to her husband who went into the sea. Evil demons killed the girl, but even after death, her ghost was seen on a rock with a lantern. Nowadays, a special ceremony is being held in Stockholm and Helsinki on December 13: how to personify Lucia, one of the girls is dressed up in a white dress and laid on her a wreath of burning candles. Then begins the procession of mummers. Saffron rolls with raisins, gingerbread and mulled wine are served on the table at home.
Canada
In Vancouver, the Lantern Festival is held on December 21. Local residents design lanterns at master classes with their own hands, and in the evening go out with them to the streets. The holiday is accompanied by fiery shows illuminating the longest night of the year. Participants are invited to go through a maze of light from 600 lights to say goodbye to old thoughts and discover new opportunities for the coming year.
Iran
Iranians from ancient times arrange Shab-e Yalda. The holiday is celebrated on the last day of the Persian month Hazard. On this day, it is customary to gather at home with the whole family and read poetry. The table is decorated with candles that help to survive the longest night of the year. Meals are necessarily watermelons, pomegranates and nuts. It is believed that these dishes will protect the body from diseases in the winter. At the end of the 13th century, the Iranian poet Saadi wrote in his collection of poems: "This morning will not come until Yalda’s night ends."
China
In ancient China, it was believed that this holiday is closely connected with the concept of the balance of yin and yang: from the winter solstice, a new cycle begins and the male force of nature, yang, is activated. The emperor invited astronomers and fortune-tellers to him for magic rituals and sacrifices. On Dongzhi day, it is customary to remember the ancestors and make sacrificial offerings in the form of ritual money. In the north of China, "winter solstice dumplings" are prepared, and in the south they make tanyuang - colorful balls of rice flour.
Great Britain
In Great Britain, the winter solstice is traditionally celebrated in Wiltshire, near the stone megalithic structure Stonehenge. Followers of the ancient pagan cult of the Druids and ordinary residents come to the UNESCO World Heritage Site to meet the sunrise. This place is fanned by legends: some scientists believe that Stonehenge served to predict space disasters, others insist that it was used as a territory for the burial of the deceased.
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