Amidst Christmas, Hanukkah, and the many other winter holidays we celebrate each year, the Winter Solstice may not be so popular here in Indiana. This day, most often falling on the 21st or 22nd of December, is the shortest day of the year. This year, it will be on the 21st. On this day, the sun will only be out for 7 or 8 hours in Indiana. Compared to the Summer Solstice, which falls six months later and, as the longest day of the year, boasts around 15 hours of sunlight… That’s pretty short!
The Winter Solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years—people have been observing this day since as early as the Neolithic period! While we can’t know for sure how these Stone Age humans celebrated, we can get an idea through archeological discoveries, such as the Newgrange Monument in Boyne Valley, Ireland. Newgrange was built by Stone Age farmers as a passage tomb and temple. On the days surrounding the Winter Solstice, the sunrise perfectly aligns with carefully designed gaps in the stone, shining light inside the giant earthen mound. A select few people are chosen to witness the light show each year through a lottery system, but if you can’t get a spot, there are many other impressive monuments to the solstice!
In New Mexico, here in the United States, a more subtle marker of the solstices is hidden in Chaco Canyon. In a secluded portion of the cliffside, a spiral is carved into the rock. On the morning of the Winter Solstice, two narrow lines of light shone through gaps in another rock, perfectly aligned with the sides of this carved spiral shape. On the Summer Solstice, there was only one line of light that shone right down the center of the spiral. This site was discovered in the 1970s, but unfortunately no longer functions as intended. Too much foot traffic over time has shifted some of the rock, leaving the rays of sun misaligned.
Celebrating the Winter Solstice is a beloved tradition for people all over the world. Unfortunately, with finals and the busy holiday travel season coming up, it
might be unrealistic to build any major monuments to it this year. However, there are still many ways that people celebrate the Winter Solstice in the modern day. A lot of these traditions trace back hundreds of years and actually influence the traditions of other holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah. Before the introduction of modern lighting, heating, and year-round supermarket produce, relying on the community was essential for surviving the darkest part of the year. Some like to celebrate now with group dinners or gift exchanges. Lanterns, candles, yule log fires, and other forms of light and warmth are great ways to celebrate the longest night of the year. As we near the 21st in 2024, focus on your community, enjoy a warm meal, and get ready to let in the light!
Sources:
https://www.newgrange.com/ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/solstice-magic-irelands-newgrange https://www.planetquest.org/learn/sundagger.html https://westportlibrary.libguides.com/wintersolstice
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