Winning ways to mark Winter and make it a season of slow celebration
Although winter in most parts of Australia is mild, it still might seem an odd season for getting close to nature. The cooler weather and shorter days can lead to a general retreat indoors, the sleepiest season beckoning us to slow down. Yet connecting with the Earth’s natural cycles at this time of year is a great opportunity to appreciate the rest and stillness that is the forgotten gift of winter.
Traditional Celebrations
Throughout history, people have honoured pivotal points in the Earth’s seasonal cycle, even in the depths of winter. Many cultures marked the middle of winter with fire and light to brighten up the darkest day of the year (which for us is in June, usually around the 22nd) and to hasten the return of the sun’s energy – something that continues across the globe to this day.
In Celtic traditions, it was believed that the wheel of the year briefly stopped turning at this point. In fact, turning wheels of any sort – even those on carts and butter churns – was forbidden at winter solstice. Homes were decorated with evergreens such as holly, ivy, and mistletoe. These were considered special as they were the only plants still growing in the otherwise bare winter landscape.
During winter, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere and places with extreme climates, life on Earth withdraws into itself and nature slows down. Today, of course, artificial lighting and other technology mean business generally continues as normal, whatever the season. But in the centuries before electricity and central heating, winter forced people to slow down and turn inwards, mirroring the rhythm of nature around them.
It was a time for people to retire from the outer world, let their inner world expand, connect with their intuition, and listen to their innate wisdom. Turn over for ideas of how to celebrate winter, with examples from around the world
Simple ways to celebrate the slow season
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Watch the sunrise
Being out early on a crisp winter’s morning can be a truly magical experience and provides a refreshing start to the day.
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Connect with the earth
A walk outside can turn into a mini treasure hunt – while it may seem as though nature has slowed down, there’s still plenty to observe and explore outdoors. Can you spot any signs of plants rejuvenating, waiting for the warmth of spring? Animal tracks in the soil? Or even the first new buds forming on trees?
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Gather with loved ones
Traditionally, winter evenings were spent keeping warm around a fire, telling stories. Consider getting together with friends and family to tell your own tales or research winter legends from different cultures.
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Enjoy the nights in
The longer evenings are a good opportunity to take up a new craft, read, play board games, or do puzzles. You could sketch a winter’s scene or design cards to give to your friends.
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Embrace a fresh start
Tidying up any bedroom clutter or starting a project can bring a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. At a time when your energy levels may be lower than usual, set goals, get some new stationery, whatever gets your motivation flowing for a fresh start.
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Make a nature wreath
Wheel-like shapes celebrate the continuous cycle of life and are a symbolic reminder that warmer, sunnier days will return. Use whatever materials are available – a circle of twigs, floristry wire or cardboard work well.
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Take time to journal, draw, or simply reflect
What’s going well for you this year? What do you appreciate in life? What are your hopes or intentions for the next few months?
Worldwide view
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is known for its long, dark winters. On 13 December, a few days before the winter solstice, St Lucia’s Day, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates light conquering darkness.
China
In China, Dong Zhi (meaning ‘winter arrives’) is celebrated with family gatherings and traditional food. People welcome the return of longer days and the increase in positive energy to come.
Japan
In Japan, a winter solstice (Toji) tradition is to take a soak in a bath full of yuzu fruit (similar to a lemon). The warming effects of the vitamin C-rich citrus are thought to ward off illnesses that threaten to strike during the cold months.
England
In England, a lantern parade known as Burning the Clocks takes place on 21 December. The community event has been running for more than 20 years and was established as a way for people of any – or no – faith to celebrate the festive season.
Aotearoa
In Aotearoa – the Māori name for New Zealand – people gather in the icy winter nights and pre-dawn to observe the twinkling cluster of stars known as Matariki (the Pleiades). The appearance of Matariki marks a time of remembrance, of celebrating the present, and of joy and hope for the future. It is a time for communities to come together.
Did you know?
Saturnalia was an ancient Roman solstice celebration dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. A week-long gift-giving festival would take place, during which all social norms fell away and everyone indulged in celebration and feasting.
This story was originally published in Teen Breathe Issue 34 (page 28) with the title: The cool calm
