Today, December 21, 2024, marks the winter solstice, also known as the longest night of the year or the shortest day of the year. In Athens, the sun rose at 07:37 and set at 17:09, resulting in a day that lasted just 9 hours and 31 minutes. This day also signifies the first day of winter for the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere welcomes summer.

The winter solstice typically occurs on December 21 or 22 and is the moment when the Sun reaches its southernmost point, creating the shortest duration of daylight and the longest duration of night. From this day onward, daylight gradually begins to increase, a change that symbolizes renewal and new beginnings for many cultures.

The very word “solstice” comes from Latin, specifically from “solstitium” (sol, meaning “sun,” and sisto, meaning “to stand still”).

The Winter Solstice in Ancient Greece

For the Ancient Greeks, the winter solstice held great significance, as the period from the solstice to the spring equinox symbolized for them the journey of the human soul shedding its passions and moving toward spiritual renewal.

The Ancient Greeks associated this natural phenomenon with the rebirth of light, life, and the power of the Sun, which they worshiped as a god and believed to be the creator of the seasons and their cyclical changes—from sowing to harvest. It was a period rich in symbolism, marked by religious ceremonies and festivals often related to fertility, nature, and transitions toward new beginnings.

Additionally, Greek philosophers and astronomers, such as Hipparchus, placed great importance on the solstice, understanding the cycle of seasons through their observations of the sky. These insights also contributed to the development of calendars that aligned festivals with natural phenomena.

The winter solstice was not merely an astronomical event but also a moment for reflection, gratitude, and hope for the coming spring.

What the Winter Solstice Signified for Ancient Civilizations – From the Romans to the Druids

The winter solstice has always inspired celebrations and traditions in other civilizations, such as the Saturnalia of the Romans or the rituals of the ancient Druids.

In earlier times, the winter solstice occurred on December 25, as it did during the era of Christ, but it now happens a little earlier because the old Julian Calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, was replaced.

Caesar’s Calendar and the Shift from December 25

Caesar’s calendar, which set the winter solstice on December 25, lost one day every 128 years. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced a new calendar, named after him (Gregorian), which only loses one day every 4,000 years.

As for the Sun god, who was associated with the winter solstice, nearly all ancient cultures established various festivals in his honor—from the Scandinavians and Iranians to the Mayans and Incas.

Nearly everywhere, the most significant celebrations occurred during the winter solstice, which was regarded as the “birth of the Sun,” marking the beginning of the new year.

The “Unconquered Sun” Festival of the Romans and Its Influence

For the Romans, the festival of the “Unconquered Sun” (Dies Natalis Solis Invicti) held central importance on December 25, celebrating the Sun’s rise in the sky and the lengthening of days. Early Christians in Rome, who secretly gathered in the catacombs, decided to celebrate Christ’s birth on the same date, December 25, while the Romans were preoccupied with their Saturnalia festivals.

It’s worth noting that the Druids, as spiritual leaders of the Celts, also saw the winter solstice as a moment of transformation.

The shortest day of the year symbolized the end of the dark period and the return of light. In rituals near sacred trees or stone circles (such as Stonehenge), the Druids honored nature, life, and the gods. The oak tree, a symbol of strength and wisdom, was considered sacred and held great symbolic power.

How Stonehenge Is Connected to the Winter Solstice

Stonehenge, the iconic megalithic monument in England, is closely linked to the winter solstice. The builders of the monument, constructed around 4,500 years ago, positioned the massive stones so that they align with the sunrise and sunset during the solstices.

During the winter solstice, visitors gather at the monument to witness the sun rising or setting, as its rays pass through specific points of Stonehenge, offering a breathtaking experience that merges natural phenomena with human ingenuity. This phenomenon is seen as a symbol of rebirth, as from this point onward, the days begin to lengthen.

Today, Stonehenge serves as a meeting place for thousands of people, from history and archaeology enthusiasts to modern pagans, Druids, and visitors seeking to experience this unique moment.