In ancient pagan cultures, the winter solstice was a significant celestial event that marked the shortest day and longest night of the year. It was seen as a turning point in nature, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness. To celebrate this occasion, many pagan communities composed and recited winter solstice poems. These poems often incorporated various elements of nature and mythology, reflecting the deep connection between humans and the natural world in ancient pagan belief systems. The main idea of these poems was to evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the power of the sun and its role in sustaining life on Earth. One popular theme in these poems was the journey of the sun, which would often be personified and described as a heroic figure overcoming obstacles to bring light and warmth back to the world.
*While sitting around the burning Yule Log, share the stories of Winter Solstice. Each member of the family throws some dried holly sprigs into the fire, saying a farewell to the old year. Talk about your past year together and what you’d like to have happen in your next year. Perhaps everyone has a favorite memory that could be recorded in a journal or blog.
So the shortest day came, and the year died, And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world Came people singing, dancing, To drive the dark away. It s more about quiet peace, the glow of candles, a yule log burning, a simple meal and reflecting on the past year and what you hope to manifest in the next.
One popular theme in these poems was the journey of the sun, which would often be personified and described as a heroic figure overcoming obstacles to bring light and warmth back to the world. This imagery served as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of the seasons and the eternal cycle of life and death. Another common motif in ancient pagan winter solstice poems was the celebration of community and the importance of coming together in times of darkness and cold.
Honor the winter solstice and sun’s rebirth
The winter solstice marks the shortest, darkest day and the rebirth of the sun.
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. This year, which has felt long and dark to many people, may be a good time to honor the solstice. The 2020 winter solstice is Monday, December 21.
Here at In Harmony, we work to connect our practices and our clients’ landscapes with the rhythms of Mother Nature. The solstice celebrates our connection with the natural world: with darkness and light, the stars and the sun.
At the winter solstice, we may want to pause to appreciate the darkness. This is the moment when the sun pauses too. It stops its apparent southward path and moves back toward the north.
While the winter solstice marks the shortest, darkest day, it also marks the rebirth of the sun, when days begin to grow longer. Perhaps the return of the light will also mark the beginning of better times ahead.
To honor the solstice, you could find a place outside away from the bright lights. Or you could darken your home and light candles. You could make a fire in your fireplace.
Perhaps you will want to take a moment to think about your connection to the sun and its eternal motion, and your relationship with the planet. You could consider what you are grateful for, even in dark days, what you would like to release into the darkness, and what you would like to bring forward into the light.
Yule Prayer
The Pagans would pray to the sun at the winter solstice. They would celebrate with drinking, dancing and singing after the ceremonies were finished. Many of the traditions continue today. Here is a Pagan Yule prayer.
“Great sun, wheel of fire, sun god in your glory,
hear me as I honor you
on this, the shortest day of the year.
Summer has gone, passed us by,
the fields are dead and cold,
all of earth sleeps in your absence.
Even in the darkest times,
you light the way for those who need a beacon,
of hope, of brightness,
shining in the night.
Winter is here, and colder days coming,
the fields are bare and the livestock thin.
We light these candles in your honor,
that you might gather your strength
and bring life back to the world.
O mighty sun above us,
we ask you to return, to bring back to us
the light and the warmth of your fire.
Bring life back to earth.
Bring light back to earth.
Hail the sun!”
Solstice poetry
Perhaps a Pagan prayer is not your style. We offer an excerpt from a poem by Margaret Atwood.
“…This is the solstice, the still point
of the sun, its cusp and midnight,
the year’s threshold
and unlocking, where the past
lets go of and becomes the future;
the place of caught breath, the door
of a vanished house left ajar…”
In Finnish mythology, the legend explained that Louhi, the witch goddess of the North, kidnapped the sun and moon, and held them captive inside a mountain, causing the dark days of winter.
These poems emphasized the need for unity and shared celebration, urging people to put aside their differences and embrace the spirit of the solstice. Overall, ancient pagan winter solstice poems were a way for communities to express their reverence for the natural world and their belief in the power of the sun to bring light and life. These poems served as a reminder of the cyclical nature of existence and the importance of unity and celebration during times of darkness..
Reviews for "Ancient Echoes: A Winter Solstice Poem from the Pagans"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I found "Ancient pagan winter solstice poem" to be incredibly boring and difficult to follow. The language used was archaic and inaccessible, making it hard for me to engage with the poem. Additionally, the theme of the winter solstice was not clearly conveyed, and I struggled to connect with the content. Overall, I was disappointed with this poem and would not recommend it to others seeking a captivating winter-themed read.
2. John - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with "Ancient pagan winter solstice poem". It lacked a coherent structure and the verses felt disjointed and confusing. The imagery used was also bland and failed to create a vivid picture in my mind. Moreover, the language felt unnecessarily complex and unnecessarily difficult. I struggled to find any meaning or enjoyment in this poem and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging winter solstice poem.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Ancient pagan winter solstice poem" as I am deeply interested in ancient rituals and celebrations. However, this poem failed to capture my attention. The verses were convoluted and difficult to decipher, leaving me feeling disconnected from the overall meaning. Furthermore, the lack of clear imagery or narrative made it challenging to visualize the solstice theme. Overall, I found this poem to be unimpressive and would not revisit it or recommend it to others.