Editor's Corner

Good chilly morning, my friends!

Earlier this year, I shared information about the vernal equinox (around March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere) and the summer solstice (around June 20).

Today, I’m sharing information about the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year–which, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurs around Dec. 20.

Many countries and peoples around the world celebrate the winter solstice. I’ll start by telling you about one of the most difficult celebrations to get into: Newgrange in Ireland. One year, over 28,000 people applied for the lottery to attend this celebration and only 60 people got in! According to the Space Tourism Guide, “Newgrange is a Neolithic ancient temple constructed around 3200 BC, making it older than the pyramids in Giza (which made the list for great summer solstice experiences) or Stonehenge in England.”

And moving on to other celebrations around the world…

In Japan, the winter solstice is called Tōji. The most popular activity is called yuzuyu: it’s a bath with yuzu fruit, which is thought to have cleansing properties and to symbolize good luck.

In Iran, the winter solstice is called Yaldā (also known as Shab-e Yalda or Shabe-e Chellah in Persian). Many people celebrate Yaldā night with a small group of family and friends. They share food and drink and often read poetry with the goal to stay up past midnight to avoid misfortunes of the year’s longest night.

Dōngzhì is the name of the winter solstice celebration in China. This family celebration is associated with yin and yang philosophies. The belief is that as the sunlight begins to return to the Northern Hemisphere, the flow of positive energy in life increases.

Several Native American groups in the Southwestern U.S. observe a winter solstice celebration called Soyal. According to the Space Tourism Guide, “This 16-day ceremony includes a variety of events, and most of them mark the beginning of a new year as the sun returns to the world.”

And the solstice celebration we’re likely most familiar with here in the U.S. because of its ties to Christmas is the Scandinavian celebration of Yule. Before the rise of Christianity in Europe, people celebrated Yule–the midpoint of winter. Today some folks still celebrate Yule by gathering with friends and family and giving gifts.

Whatever holiday you celebrate at this time of year, I wish you happiness and good fortune.

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | jack henry™

Pronouns she/her/hers

9660 Granite Ridge Drive, San Diego CA 92123

Symitar Documentation Services

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