Winter Solstice 2000 begins on December 21st at 5:37 am PST. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year. For more information on Winter Solstice go to the following web sites.
Winter Solstice Celebrations
http://www.religioustolerance.org/winter...
The Winter Solstice
http://www.familyeducation.com/topic/fro...
Ancient traditions
In Ancient times, people also celebrated the importance of the Mother Goddess. The Goddess was associated with pine trees. During the winter people would decorate the groves with small gifts for the goddess, as well as candles and lights to symbolize the sun. The Celts had a tale of the Oak King and the Holly King. They were also representative of the Winter Solstice. A comparison of this tale and the poem Sir Gwain and the Green Knight (From the days of King Arthur) can be found below.
Gwain & the Green Knight
http://www.magickalcauldron.com/library/...
Foods
The serving of fruitcake and mulled cider is a custom that stems from the traditions of "Wassailing the Orchard." Apple orchards were decorated with cakes and mulled cider as offerings to the gods. People celebrated the orchards, hoping to gain favor of the gods. They sprinkled their wassailing mixture over the roots and trunks of trees. This wassail mixture was different for each person, but usually involved apple cider, wine, and spices. After celebrating, they would ask the trees to ensure a strong harvest in the New Year.
Recipes for the Wassail Bowl
http://www.geocities.com/CaptolHill/5567...
Incense
Rosemary, pine, and cedar are the traditional incense used for the Winter Solstice Celebration.
Plants
Mistletoe, holly and evergreen branches were used to decorate the home. Decorations of mistletoe and holly honored the Pagan gods. Mistletoe represented the fertility of Zeus, and holly represented the fertility of the Goddess. Druids believed mistletoe was magical-it was both a powerful healing herb and a mystery that allowed mortal men to enter the Underworld. In Scandinavia, people honored Frey, their god of fertility, prosperity, and peace. Mistletoe is still used today at Christmas it is hung in a door way and if a couple finds themselves under it they are suppose to grant the other a kiss. For more information about sacred plants see below.
Sacred Plants of the Winter Solstice
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays...
The Celts Origins of Mistletoe
http://www.tartans.com/articles/mistleto...
Celtic Origins of Holly
http://www.tartans.com/articles/holly.htm
Candles
White, gold, green and red candles are lit to celebrate the Solstice. The Yule Log often decorated with Solstice candles is given a place of honor. The candles are lit after a ceremony of songs and chants to honor the Mother Goddess and the Horned God. The celebration continues until the candles burn out.
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