The winter solstice marks the moment when half of Earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun. This year it falls on December 21st, at the exact same second around the world. It is a good reminder of how inter-connected we all are.
People across the globe mark the winter solstice in unique and interesting ways. In Iran the Yalda festival signals the day Mithra, an angel of light, was thought to have been born while in China, the Dōngzhì festival celebrates the moment when winter's darkness begins to give way to light. The Scandinavians (people who live in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) gather for Juul, or Yule, a multi-day feast when ancient people would welcome the return of the sun god. In Vancouver Canada the Secret Lantern Society hosts the Labyrinth of Light, where six hundred lanterns with beeswax candles are arranged in an interactive experience of meditation and prayer.
In the Pacific Northwest, the winter solstice is often known as "Indian New Year". The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation celebrate with a feast that honors their sacred first foods while the Coquille Indian Tribe celebrates Nee Dash, a ceremony of dancing and potlatch. Throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, Indigenous communities honor the winter solstice with traditions that have passed from generation to generation.
No matter how you recognize this annual occurrence, we wish you a day of peace and reflection surrounded by the people and things which bring joy and happiness.
