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Snow, extreme cold, ice, shortened days. In the frigid darkness we dream of warmth and sun, only to realize winter is far from over. But we don’t have to hibernate or relocate to the tropics. All we need to do is take some advice from our ancestors. In a word: celebrate. Celebrate what? The Winter Solstice, of course!

The word “solstice” comes from two Latin words: sun and standing. Winter and summer solstices are annual celestial events when the earth’s axis shifts direction in relation to the sun. As we northerners approach the Winter Solstice, the earth’s axis tips away from the sun, resulting in shorter daylight hours. With the passing of the solstice, daily sunlight slowly extends into the cold and dark. In a sense, when we mark the solstice, we honor where we stand in relation to the sun: source of life and light.

Celebrating the Winter Solstice provides relief for the doldrums. Our ancestors discovered that ritualizing the solstice helped them deal with the restlessness and depression that we call “the winter blues.” This depressing experience is no illusion. Many doctors, mental health specialists, homeopathic healers and informed modern-day sufferers know all about SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder. Lack of sun exposure and being cooped up indoors actually affects our brains. The combination slows serotonin and melatonin production. Serotonin is a naturally produced chemical that helps us feel good, and melatonin helps regulate our sleep cycle. These chemical changes affect us like a one-two punch. Sometimes we just don’t know what hit us. And even if people now identify SAD as a health disorder and recognize its causes, this knowledge doesn’t cure anything.

The ancients possessed no cure for this condition either, but they understood the importance of recognizing it and embracing it. They discovered creative, constructive ways of coping. Tapping into ancient wisdom can help us cope, too.

Over the millennia all civilizations have creatively responded to the effects of seasonal darkness. All stress community, food and light, expressed through reunion, feasting and bonfires. Many share themes of death and rebirth. The sunlight’s gradual return after the solstice is a common theme. In fact all solstice rituals express deep spiritual significance and connection to the sun.

Consider the Japanese Winter Solstice traditions. In seventh century Japan Winter Solstice commemorations included requiem performances for the dead while awaiting the reemergence of the mythological Japanese sun goddess. Surprisingly, these rituals portray and uncanny parallel to ancient western Slavic festivities in which ancestors were worshipped. Both ceremonies included kindling sacred fires at burial sites. These fires were thought to keep deceased loved ones warm. The bonfires and attendant feasts honored the beloved dead, as well as the reborn sun.

Egyptians, Western pagans and Christians observe ancient practices emphasizing death and rebirth themes as well. In ancient Egypt Winter Solstice celebrations lasting twelve days included reenactments of Osiris’ mythological death and subsequent rebirth as his son Horus, the sun god. Third century Roman pagans held festivals of Sol Invictus—“the undefeated sun god.” As Christianity spread, many people began attributing the qualities of the pagan sun god to Jesus Christ, the one they acknowledged as the Son of God. Although initially condemned by the Catholic Church, this association was later embraced in the form of Christmas, or Christ’s Mass. Eventually the universal Church decided to formally observe Christ’s birth on December 25th—the date of the Winter Solstice according to the Julian calendar.

Feasting and reunion are principal themes in the DongZhi Festival (also known as “The Winter Solstice Festival” or “The Extreme of Winter”). People of East Asia, Vietnam and other Buddhist enclaves participate in festal activities. The festival’s roots can be found in Yin Yang philosophy that recognizes underlying connection, harmony and balance throughout the universe. Typically families gather to make and eat Tangyuan: rice balls symbolizing reunion. Such celebrations honor the lengthening of days and the return of positive “chi,” or energy. They mark the restoration of the sacred balance.

Regardless of ethnicity, geography or religious tradition, everyone can learn to embrace life more fully by observing the Winter Solstice. Winter may be the coldest and darkest time of year, but it doesn’t have to be the coldest and darkest season of the heart. Energizing opportunities abound! Celebration provides the key. Consider these simple suggestions:

• Get together with friends and family. Reunions help counteract despondency and lethargy. Use the Winter Solstice as an excuse to celebrate the loving relationships we have and remember that we are never alone, even in the dark of winter.
• Gathering together with loved ones goes together naturally with age-old feasting traditions. Throwing a dinner party or scheduling a rendezvous with friends at a great restaurant can keep the blues at bay. Comfort foods and good company brighten even the longest and darkest night of the year.
• Capering outdoors around a December bonfire could result in a long night in a jail cell. However, you can go dancing or participate in some other kind of movement. Even moderate exercise to favorite tunes will do! Exercising, especially outdoors, increases the production of serotonin, which helps alleviate depression. Brisk outdoor walks, skiing, snowboarding, sledding or even participating in a good snowball fight are all fine ways to enjoy the season.
• If winter sports aren’t your cup of tea, indoor exercise or dancing can get those serotonin levels pumping. In place of pagan bonfires, consider adding light therapy. Simply put, light therapy reduces environmental darkness. Like movement, it provides powerful benefits. Use a light box or treat yourself to scented candles. Beeswax candles are especially helpful since they produce negative ions that purify the air. As a bonus, decorate your home with green plants or visit an indoor nursery, garden or greenhouse.

This winter honor your need for light and warmth, food and friendship. Since Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year, it’s the perfect evening to reflect and celebrate. Use it to help self-energize, re-image and re-invent. It’s a much healthier, happier alternative to wallowing in the winter blues. Then, when those brighter spring days finally return, you’ll be ready to step into the light and life of spring, reborn like the sun.

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