Us in the northern hemisphere have the winter solstice coming up. What the earliest Indo-European peoples called Medhyógheyōm – winter solstice – was originally a celebration of the rebirth of the sun, and the birth of the Divine Twins (PIE: Diwós Súnū). For new pagans or those seeking inspiration, here are some well-attested ways of celebrating this time of the year. Remember, these are general Indo-European traditions. You can of course adjust it to your personal branch.
🌱 Bring sprigs & wreaths of evergreenery into the home (holly, ivy, mistletoe, yew & pine). Symbolizing life’s continuity even in the harshness of winter. They were also believed to have protective and purifying properties. The use of evergreens during the winter solstice symbolized the continuity of life and hope for the return of spring.
🕯️ Decorate the home with red candles (symbolizes fertility and the blood at birth)
🎄 Decorate the tree (The tree is of course a symbol of the World tree. Paterfamilias places the star at the top of the tree). Communities would gather and perform dances around these trees to honor the natural cycle, express gratitude for life’s continuity, and invoke blessings for the forthcoming season. Clockwise movements, like in the dance, is considered sympathetic magic to help the sun come back. Mirrors the dance around the Midsummer pole.
💨 Burn incense, clockwise. The gods love the fragrance, and the clockwise motion has the same effect as above.
☕️ Drink glögg (mulled wine, Glühwein etc.) It symbolizes new blood.
🔥 Place a Yule/winter log at the center (hearth) of the home. And then burn it on the winter solstice – or from the winter solstice on until ‘midwinter’. This fire is an emblem of divine light and the victory of light over darkness, and meant to dispel darkness . The Yule fire corresponds to, and is the direct opposite of, the fire on Midsummer. But this one should preferably be indoors, if possible. The laying of the new log represents the pivotal foundation of the hearth and health. In this fire you can also burn negative aspects from the past year. P.s. This log tradition is not exclusive to the Norse/Germanic branch. (The timing for the placing of the yule/winter log varies a lot. Some place and burn it a bit every day before the winter solstice, while others place it on the hearth on the winter solstice, and then burn it up until the Yule festivities.
☀️ Invoke and pray to the Sun and Diwós Súnū (Divine Twins) and ask for the strength & protection to overcome darkness.
🌅 Tell the myth about The creation of Light
The dawn sun, in the shape of a beautiful woman – Ëostre, Freya, Ushas, Aurora, Eos et al – is kidnapped and kept hidden in a cave on an island in the middle of a stream at the end of the world. Accompanied by poets and singers the warrior and thunder god manages to open the cave. They make a lot of ‘noise’ by reciting poetry, singing, dancing etc outside the cave, which is blocked by a huge ‘lid’. The poetry and music helps and strengthens the strong god to crush the lid with his weapon. With combined efforts they open the cave and the first Dawn appears. She illuminates the whole world and brings life and wealth.
🎶 Play music, sing (together), recite prayers & ‘make noise’ to drive away darkness spirits & help the Striker open the cave to save Dawn/light (& help the gods uphold Xártus)
📖 Storytelling (& talking about memories)
🎁 Gift giving (VERY Indo-European!)
💪🏻 Oaths, often sworn on an animal about to be sacrificed
🪄 Divination
🍻 Organize a feast (symbel/symposion etc) with friends & family! And remember to make toasts! Alcohol and its inspiring & social effects has always been important in Indo-European culture and spirituality. Drink with moderation though.
🎵 Winter Solstice song/hymn (by Björn Ekdahl)
In the heart of winter’s chill,
When shadows cloak the land so still,
Amidst the longest, darkest night,
We seek the glow of inner light.
Oh, radiant sun, your golden rays,
Chase away the night’s hidden maze.
Illuminate our hearts, shine ever bright,
Banish darkness with your warming light.
In the quiet of the longest night,
Where shadows stretch and dim the light,
We yearn for dawn to break the hold,
On this hushed eve, so dark and cold.
Oh, radiant sun, your golden rays,
Chase away the night’s hidden maze.
Illuminate our hearts, shine ever bright,
Banish darkness with your warming light.
So let us welcome the growing light,
With open hearts, dispelling night.
In the solstice’s glow, our spirits soar,
Embracing the light forevermore.
