Winter is here, and soon we’ll experience the shortest day and longest night of the year on December 21. The winter solstice marks the moment when the Earth's axis is tilted farthest from the sun. Many cultures celebrate this celestial event through festivals and rituals, with a sense of merriment in the air. Here is a list of winter solstice traditions observed by various countries around the world.
One of Sweden's most important cultural traditions, the Lucia celebrations are usually held on December 13. The festival honours St. Lucy, believed to bring light to dispel the cold darkness of the region. Boys and girls across schools dress in white, with one girl chosen as Lucia, the bearer of light, who leads the procession with a wreath of light on her head. Saffron buns are among the most popular treats to celebrate this festive occasion.
The people of Stonehenge began celebrating the longest night thousands of years ago, and though they are no longer around, the tradition endures. On the shortest day of the year, the sun reaches its lowest point, and the stunning sunrise can be viewed at this iconic heritage site. People still gather there to witness the morning, as the monument's stones align with the sun’s movement, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The Kalasha, or Kalash Kafir, are an indigenous group residing in the northwestern valleys of Pakistan. They celebrate a festival to honor Balomain, a demigod in their beliefs. The celebrations include ritual baths, animal sacrifices, dancing, chanting, and bonfires. The Kalasha community continues to follow their ancient religion, worshipping their ancestors and fire.
The Boyne Valley in Meath, Ireland, is home to a tomb structure with a central chamber that is bathed in brilliant golden light. Built to align with the winter solstice, every year on December 22, sunlight floods the chamber at sunrise. People gather to witness this spectacular event, marking the start of winter.
In Japan, the winter solstice is marked by the tradition of Yuzu baths. As the country experiences cold, snowy mountains during winter, people bathe with Yuzu, a citrus fruit. They boil the fruit in sugared water, creating a syrup for the bath. Believed to bring good health, this ritual is observed on the "day closest to death" to ward off illness and ensure well-being throughout the year.
Yalda, or Shab-e-Yalda, is a winter festival celebrated on the night of December 21 in Iran and other countries like Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan. During the longest and coldest night of the year, family and friends gather to enjoy fruits, especially red ones like pomegranate and watermelon, and read poetry. The festivities, which often last until midnight, symbolize the first rays of the sun, with the red fruits representing warmth and protection against the winter cold.
