Winter Solstice Celebrations- A Tradition 10,000 Years in The Making

 Mankind has always recognized the solstice as a turning point—heralding it as the day that marked the return of the sun. We know now from archaeological records that this day has been marked by humans for nearly 10,000 years.  Solstice celebrations have been a part of ancient cultures the world over, with their root being the fear that the failing light would never return unless the gods were appeased with ritual, celebration, or sacrifice.

 The Neolithic people were believed to be the first farmers and as such, their lives were intimately tied to the seasons and the harvest cycles, as well as marking the passage of the sun. While researchers have yet to determine how they had the skill to pinpoint a celestial event such as the solstice, the fact remains that they did indeed mark this day and it is believed there were elaborate rites in place to bring about the return of the sun.

 Most people are familiar with Stonehenge, which is a perfect marker for both the winter and summer solstices, but not so many people know about Newgrange, which is centuries older than Stonehenge. Located in Ireland, Newgrange was built sometime around 3200 B.C. making it older even then the Egyptian pyramids. It’s a perfect example of a megalithic tomb, covering over an acre of land. The kidney shaped structure is decorated with some of the best examples of megalithic art ever uncovered.

 The passage and chamber at Newgrange mark both the winter and summer solstice sunrises. At dawn on each solstice, a shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box and illuminates the entire chamber, an event which lasts for seventeen minutes on the winter solstice. Anyone who witnesses this event cannot help but marvel at the knowledge and commitment of the ancient culture which created this structure.

 Solstice celebrations remain in place today, although some have been absorbed into other events. And while many people today remain blissfully unaware, or in some cases choose not to believe, a lot of our traditional holiday trappings such as candles, evergreens, holly berries, and yule logs are but echoes of traditions past. They have persisted for thousands and thousands of years and remain very much a part of human life today.