Winter Solstice

The Ole Woodsman

To agrarian societies over most of the globe the waning sun of December was an uneasy occurrence. People then, as now, knew of unpredictable natural events. In those ancient days, one could not be absolutely sure that the sun would return. Almost every society had celebrations at the time of the winter. Ancient stone circles such as Stonehenge were probably an early astrological “calendar” to help predict both the summer and winter solstice. The Norse celebrated the birth of their god Odin on “Jul: or Yule at the winter solstice. The Jewish holiday of Hanukah or the festival of lights which celebrates the Maccabees triumph over the Greeks and rededication of the temple in Jerusalem is noted in some literature to have deeper roots as a solstice celebration going back to a tradition from a ‘midrash’ or ancient Hebrew story of Adam’s fright and subsequent celebration with the loss and then return of the sun. Anastasia American Indians of the southwest also had the ability to predict or select the exact date of the winter solstice.

Even for people who had to have enough food to last until Spring, winter was a difficult time. For the American Indians who lived on this land well before most o four ancestors, loss of the sun would be a sentinel event. These people stored the maize, acorns and other foods away for the winter. When the Pilgrims first landed on Cape Cod quite by chance they discovered the stores of the Indians and offered prayers to God for this “miracle.” The Massachusetts Indians had reached the point of civilization which is denoted by the ability to save enough food from winter season to the next growing season freeing up time and energy to pursue activities such as art. It is interesting to give thought to what kind of development these people would have embarked upon in time had the English and others not have landed on these shorts to change the land and to stop the development of these people. The Indians such as the Abneki to the north in Maine , had a slower pace of development simply because the growing season was so short requiring greater survival on game hunting and fishing.  

The Indians of New England and this land had also increased the available game in these woodlands through ritual burning of brush. When the English arrived the woods were surprisingly easy to traverse because of this ritual burning perhaps even more than it is now. In nearby Rhode Island , there is evidence that the fire got away from them on at least one occasion and nearly the entire state burned quite by accident. This was not a virgin land and the Indians living here no doubt celebrated the return of the sun and the hope of a new spring just as people all over most of the world.

The celebration of the birth of Christ, or Christmas, includes the lighting of candles, a recitation of the birth of Christ, feasting, exchanging presents and decorating with greenery. The tradition of decorating with greenery has ancient roots as well. Roman, Celtic, Greek, and Teutonic as well as Christians used evergreen symbolizing the continuity of life, protection and prosperity. Using holly with its red berries can be traced to the Romans, Celtic, English and Christian roots. It symbolizes the old solar year, the waning sun, protection and good luck,. The use of mistletoe beside a green for stealing kisses also has origins in Celtic and Teutonic traditions. It has been used to bring peace, prosperit6y, healing, fertility, rest and protection. The use of frankincense brings spiritual illumination and was used by the Bab7lonians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Greek, Roman, Christian and Jewish peoples. Myrrh as well as being one of the gifts of the Magi symbolized healing, death and afterlife, purification and inner peace and used by Egyptians, Jewish and Christian traditions. Wheat symbolizing sustenance, fertility and good luck is used in cookies, breads and cakes so familiar at this time of year. The Romans, Celts, Scots, Teutonic, Swedish and Christians all used this tradition.   Whatever celebration you are honoring, I wish you peace and goodwill towards all during this season.