Winter Solstice: The history & rituals of 'returning Light'

Cultures around the world have, for millennia, celebrated 'the return of the Light' or the 'rebirth of the Sun' at the Winter Solstice, when the sun dips to its southernmost point in relation to the Earth, the day is short and the night is at its longest. After six months of days growing shorter, we turn at the Winter Solstice in a march towards the Summer Solstice, with days growing longer once again.

In 2007, Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 and 22, with the exact Solstice depending on your location on this beautiful Earth. But why not celebrate Solstice on both days, or right on through into the New Year?

Given that the return of the Light was a much-celebrated event, particularly when humans had a deeper connection to and appreciation for the cycles and rituals and seasons of the Earth and its Solar-System siblings, what were some of the rituals and practices they used to connect them with the meaning of the Season?

Hop to the full article and additional links in my Sophia's Children blog.