The winter solstice, also known as the shortest day of the year, has been celebrated by various pagan cultures throughout history. These traditional pagan festivals often revolve around the themes of light, rebirth, and the return of the sun. One of the most well-known celebrations is the festival of Yule, which originated in ancient Scandinavia. Yule is typically celebrated on December 21st or 22nd and marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The main idea behind this festival is the celebration of the sun's rebirth and the beginning of longer days. It is believed that during the winter solstice, when the days are at their shortest, the sun is reborn and its power begins to grow again.
This year’s family-friendly Krampus run in Hollabrunn’s main square takes place Dec. 16. “To be really afraid again and experience evil with fun is the motto,” its organizers wrote on the event’s website.
While many of the costumes include giant horns, sharpened teeth and mangled faces features that might be considered nightmarish to an ordinary person the Krampus run annually amuses those in attendance. Winter solstice 2022, the shortest day of year and the official first day of winter, is on Wednesday, December 21 well, for a decent chunk of the world anyway.
It is believed that during the winter solstice, when the days are at their shortest, the sun is reborn and its power begins to grow again. During the Yule festival, pagan communities come together to honor the sun with various rituals and traditions. One of the central elements is the lighting of Yule logs.
These Simple Winter Solstice Rituals Will Bring You Power During a Time of Darkness
In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is an annual celebration of the longest and darkest night of the year that dates back as early as the fifth century. Let’s get back in touch with our ancestors and partake in one—or all—of these easy winter solstice rituals.
This time of year is always a major turning point, as each day after the winter solstice brings more sunlight, which is why this celebration is also dubbed “the return of the sun”. The winter solstice marks the moment in which each of the earth’s poles are at their maximum tilt, and this year—on December 21 at exactly 4:47 pm ET—this will occur. In astrology, the winter and summer solstice always take place at the very moment the sun enters a cardinal sign—Capricorn and Cancer respectively. And because cardinal signs are always motivators, movers and go-getters, the winter solstice can be a time of meaningful intention setting.
Related StoriesIn Pagan traditions, the winter solstice is also known as “Yule”. This celebration—which happens somewhere between December 20-23, depending on the year—is made up of rituals that focus on the energy of rebirth, transformation, creativity, new beginnings and the release of unwanted habits. Find some of these potent rituals and practices to help you celebrate the winter solstice and make the most of this monumental turning point!
A Yule log is a large wooden log, often decorated with symbols and evergreen branches, that is burned in a hearth to bring warmth and light into the home. This act symbolizes the return of the sun's strength and the hope of spring. In addition to the Yule log, other customs associated with the festival include the hanging of mistletoe and the decorating of evergreen trees. Mistletoe is believed to have magical properties and is often associated with fertility and protection. It is hung in doorways or other prominent places, and it is customary to kiss beneath it for good luck. Decorating evergreen trees with ornaments and lights is also a pagan tradition that symbolizes the eternal nature of life and the promise of new growth. Overall, traditional pagan festivals during the winter solstice are a time to welcome the return of the sun and celebrate the cycle of life. These celebrations involve rituals, customs, and symbolism that highlight the importance of light, rebirth, and the interconnectedness of nature. Whether it's the festival of Yule or other pagan traditions, these festivals remind us of our connection to the natural world and the cyclical nature of time and seasons..
Reviews for "Uniting Communities: The Importance of Winter Solstice Gatherings in Paganism"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I went to the Traditional pagan festival during the winter solstice expecting a unique and exciting experience, but I left feeling disappointed. The festival lacked organization and there was a lack of engaging activities for attendees. The event felt more like a makeshift gathering rather than a well-planned festival. Additionally, the food vendors were limited and the prices were exorbitant. Overall, I would not recommend attending this festival if you are looking for a true celebration of the winter solstice.
2. John - 1 star - I was highly disappointed with the Traditional pagan festival during the winter solstice. The event was overcrowded and there was a lack of clear instructions or signage. I found it difficult to navigate through the festival area and missed out on several activities and performances I had hoped to see. The lack of proper organization made the experience chaotic and frustrating. Furthermore, the festival did not live up to its promise of showcasing traditional pagan rituals; instead, it felt like a commercialized event with little connection to its supposed theme. I would not recommend attending this festival if you are seeking an authentic pagan experience.