Winter Solstice magic: what secret rituals are performed in different countries

The winter solstice is the moment when the day is the shortest and the night is the longest of the year. People have been celebrating this event for centuries, associating it with the rebirth of light, sun and life. For more information, see the Izvestia article.

Rituals and holidays of North America

In the USA and Canada, the winter solstice is often associated with winter holidays.

Many celebrate this event with their families or at thematic meetings, conducting various rituals to "chase away winter" and "resurrect the sun."

Stonehenge and ancient rituals of Great Britain

Stonehenge was built thousands of years ago and, according to scientists, was used for astronomical observations, including tracking solar cycles.

On the winter solstice, thousands of people gather at Stonehenge to watch the rays of the rising sun pass between the stones, creating a unique natural phenomenon.

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Yul and the symbolism of the Scandinavian Light

In the Scandinavian countries, the winter solstice is associated with the Christmas holidays preceding Christmas. The word "Yul" literally means "the sun", in honor of which rituals were performed aimed at pacifying winter spirits and meeting the bright sun. The Scandinavians believed that on this day it was possible to "wake up" the sun, calling it to return the warmth.

Modern Yule traditions include decorating houses with candles and lights, which symbolize the light returning to the world after the longest night. In Sweden, for example, the tradition of decorating the house with candles and garlands remains relevant to this day.

Latin American Traditions and Rituals

In Latin America, the winter solstice is not as widely celebrated as in the Northern Hemisphere, but in some countries its symbols and rituals are present. In Peru and Bolivia, for example, the local indigenous peoples — the Incas and their descendants — celebrate this day as the beginning of a new cycle of life, which is associated with important agrarian rituals.

On the day of the solstice, celebrations are held on Mount Sacsahuamana in Cuzco in honor of the return of the sun. Local residents carry out various rituals, offerings and blessings in order to ensure a good harvest next year.

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