New Delhi: Winter is upon us and it is the time for the occurrence of the winter solstice. It takes place when the Earth’s poles axis is the farthest from the sun and is also called the hibernal solstice. It takes place twice annually, once in the Northern Hemisphere and once in the Southern Hemisphere. The shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year take place during the winter solstice and the opposite of it is the summer solstice.
During this celestial event, many festivals and rituals take place around the world and there remains a sense of merriment in the air. This year, the winter solstice will take place on December 21. On this occasion, let us take a look at some of the unique cultural traditions which are observed by various countries worldwide.
Unique winter solstice traditions around the world
St Lucia in Sweden
The Lucia celebrations are one of the most important cultural traditions in Sweden and it usually takes place on December 13. The festival takes place in honour of St. Lucy, who is believed to have brought light which removed the region’s cold darkness. On this day, students in schools dress in white and one girl is chosen as Lucia. She leads the procession with a wreath of light on her head. One of the most popular treats of this day is saffron buns.
Chawmos in Pakistan
The indigenous group of Kalasha or Kalash Kafir lives in Pakistan’s northwestern valleys and they celebrate a festival to honour Balomain who they believe to be a demigod. The celebrations include animal sacrifices, ritual baths, dancing, bonfires and chanting. The Kalasha community follows their ancient religion and worships their ancestors and fire.
Gathering in Stonehenge in the UK
Stonehenge is a UNESCO Heritage Site in the UK and people there started to celebrate the winter solstice thousands of years ago. Even though the Stonehenge people does not exist today, the tradition still lives on. People gather at the Stonehenge to view the stunning sunrise as the stones of the monument align with the movement of the sun, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Iran’s Yalda Night
In Iran, a winter festival known as the Yalda, or Shab-e-Yalda is celebrated on the night of December 21. It is also celebrated in nations like Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan. During winter solstice, family and friends gather to enjoy fruits like watermelon and pomegranate and read out poems. Often, the festivities go on till midnight and symbolises the first rays of the sun.
Yuzu baths in Japan
During the winter solstice, people in Japan indulge in Yuzu baths. Since it is too cold at that time in Japan, people bathe with a citrus fruit named Yuzu. The fruit is boiled in sugared water which creates a syrup for the bath. It is believed that the bath brings good health and it is observed to keep illness away, ensuring well-being throughout the year.
The winter solstice, occurring on December 21, marks the shortest day and longest night. Celebrated globally, it prompts unique traditions like Sweden’s St. Lucia festival and Pakistan’s Kalasha Chawmos. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
