![]() ![]() Though it was later named to honor the Christian martyr, St. Lucia’s Day, as practiced by the Scandinavians. Prayer sticks were also made in sacred underground ritual chambers called kivas.Īnother festival to celebrate the light was St. Kachinas were protective mountain spirits that benefited the community for such things as the growing season ahead. A major element to these festivals were the kachina dances. They believed that the sun god travels far from the tribe during the dark season and needs to be enticed back. The purpose was to ceremonially bring the sun back from its winter slumber. The festival lasted even longer than the Romans’ Saturnalia, at 16 days long. This celebration denotes the beginning of another cycle during the Hopi people’s wheel of the year. This Pagan holiday is where Christmas derives most of its roots. ![]() Wax taper candles called cerei were common gifts to signify the returning of the light. Celebrations included gambling, singing, dancing, feasting and gift-giving. Even the slaves ate at the same table as their masters and were treated as equals. Saturnalia was originally celebrated solely on the winter solstice, but the Romans loving their celebrations, expanded it to occupy a whole week. This was a festival in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture and time, an interesting and appropriate combination. The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with Saturnalia. Though each had their own rituals and celebrations, they were all united in their purpose to welcome the light back to the earth. Our ancestral cultures recognized the importance of the winter solstice. Their winter solstice will take place next June. In the southern hemisphere, the dates are flipped. Winter solstice in the northern hemisphere will take place on Saturday December 21 of 2019. ![]() Festivals were thrown far and wide with dancing, feasts, and storytelling. Ancient cultures used this time to celebrate an end to the planting season, ask for protection during the remaining winter months, and welcome the light back to the earth. The day after heralds the return of the light as days finally begin to grow longer. It is also the shortest day of the year where the night rules over the light. Most basically, the winter solstice marks the onset of winter. However, if we can carve out time to celebrate this turning point of the seasons, even the craziest holiday madness reminds us that we are always in rhythm with the earth. The frenzy of obligations we face during this holiday season can often overshadow this special turning point of the year. Perhaps a bit less celebrated than its counterpart, the summer solstice, the winter solstice holds a mysterious magic of its own. ![]()
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