How do Pagans celebrate the winter solstice?

How do Pagans celebrate the winter solstice?

Here are some customary ways to celebrate the solstice—you might notice that some resemble beloved Christmas traditions.

1. Build a Yule Altar.
2. Make an Evergreen Yule Wreath.
3. Burn a Yule Log.
4. Decorate a Yule Tree.
5. Exchange Nature-Based Gifts.
6. Give Back to Nature.
7. Celebrate in Candlelight.
8. Set up a Meditation Space.

What does the winter solstice mean to pagans?

The winter solstice is considered a turning point in the year in many cultures. The sacred day is also called Yule to pagans celebrating the birth of the new solar year, according to Circle Sanctuary, a prominent pagan group in America.

What are the traditions of winter solstice?

Astronomically, the winter solstice marks the end of fall and beginning of winter, and solstice traditions were created to celebrate the “birth of the sun.” The occasion is marked with sweet traditions—from brewing up mulled cider to lighting lanterns to setting intentions for the season ahead—and we have rounded up …

What religion celebrates winter solstice?

The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Ancient people were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives.

What is the spiritual significance of the winter solstice?

All of which have their own rituals for taking advantage of the unique spiritual energy. According to astrology site Forever Conscious: “The Winter Solstice celebrates the longest hours of darkness or the rebirth of the sun and is believed to hold a powerful energy for regeneration, renewal and self-reflection.

What are the pagan holidays?

Together, they represent the most common celebrations in Wiccan-influenced forms of Neopaganism, especially in contemporary Witchcraft groups.

• Winter Solstice (Yule)
• Imbolc (Candlemas)
• Spring Equinox (Ostara)
• Beltane (May Eve)
• Summer Solstice (Litha)
• Lughnasadh (Lammas)
• Autumn Equinox (Mabon)
• Samhain (Hallowe’en)

What do you do on the winter solstice spiritually?

Even if you don’t want to do a formal ritual, you can honor this energy by putting your phone on DND, lighting a candle or putting on some relaxing music, and spending some quality quiet time with yourself. Take some time to think deeply about yourself, reflect on your past, and visualize what you want for your future.

How do kids celebrate Winter Solstice?

1. 7 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate Winter Solstice with Kids.
2. Go on a Winter Solstice stroll.
3. Read a picture book about the Winter Solstice.
4. Make a Winter Solstice lantern.
5. Decorate an outside tree with edible treats for wild animals.
6. Bake a Yule log (bûche de Noël).
7. Eat a Winter Solstice feast by candlelight.

What is the spirit of solstice?

The solstice represents a time for you to reflect on yourself, and also for you to realize what you need to do to meet your long-term goals and do the things that suit you. It’s a motivating time to start something new. Wyld Witchery says, “The Summer Solstice is aligned with the element of fire, passion, will & drive.

What pagan holiday is Easter?

Well, it turns out Easter actually began as a pagan festival celebrating spring in the Northern Hemisphere, long before the advent of Christianity. “Since pre-historic times, people have celebrated the equinoxes and the solstices as sacred times,” University of Sydney Professor Carole Cusack said.

Is Valentine’s Day pagan?

The earliest possible origin story of Valentine’s Day is the pagan holiday Lupercalia. Occurring for centuries in the middle of February, the holiday celebrates fertility. Soon after, the Catholic church declared February 14 to be a day of feasts to celebrate the martyred Saint Valentine.

What are Pagan Winter Solstice rituals?

You are following some of these old solstice traditions when you decorate your home with a Yule tree , holly or candles. Pagan winter solstice traditions of Yule are decorating the Yule tree, burning the Yule log, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe, or caroling.

What are pagan winter holidays?

The Pagan holiday called Yule takes place on the day of the winter solstice, around December 21 in the northern hemisphere (below the equator, the winter solstice falls around June 21). On that day, an amazing thing happens in the sky above us.

How do Pagans celebrate Yule?

Pagans refer to the period around the solstice as Yule or Yuletide, and celebrate the return of the sun. They light candles and burn the Yule log (it’s not just a chocolate cake) to create light and warmth during the darkest days of the year.

What is the history of the winter solstice?

Origin and History. The winter solstice festival was originated from the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) and thrived in the Tang and Song dynasties (618 – 1279). People in the old times attached great importance to the festival. In Han Dynasty, the festival is regarded as the Winter Festival and people had one day off for the holiday.