Winter solstice. A holiday in Slavic culture. Winter fairy tale "Karachun"
The solstice is an astronomical phenomenon when the axis of rotation of our planet in relation to the Sun deviates by the greatest value. So, on the day of the winter solstice, the position of the Earth in orbit in relation to the Sun is to the right, and in summer - to the left.
In the literal sense, it is impossible to see the solstice with the naked eye. After all, the movement of the Sun in relation to the Earth is very slow. Therefore, it is also impossible to notice the moment when the object has stopped moving. Changes can only be seen when using astronomically calibrated equipment, observing the rising and setting of the Sun.
Solstice in winter
The day when the winter solstice arrives is the shortest and the night is the longest. Depending on the time zone, this day can be December 21 or 22. And in the southern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs in the summer, in June (21st or 22nd). In a leap year, this day falls on June 20 or 21.
Date setting
Back in 45 BC, in the Julian calendar, the winter solstice was established on December 25. However, due to the difference between (365, 2421 .. days) and calendar (365, 2500 days), for 4 centuries there was a shift. This date actually fell on 3 days for each century, which did not correspond to reality.
Pope Gregory XIII decided to correct this situation in 1582. But in the calculations, a mistake was made, 10 days were canceled, which ran from the 4th to the 16th centuries, but the period of the formation of Christian holidays was taken as the starting point. It turned out that the time from the 1st to the 4th century was not taken into account. As a result, it was calculated that December 22 is the day of the winter solstice.
Historical meaning
For many peoples of the world, the solstice was an important moment of the year. There are many legends and myths around this date. Archaeological monuments from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, the same Stonehenge, suggest that these structures indicate the sunset at the winter solstice. And the Irish Newgrange is focused on the sunrise.
In addition, for the ancient people, this day was a harbinger of winter, which should last up to 9 months, and there was no confidence that they were well prepared and there was not enough blanks. After all, the period from January to April is the most hungry, and few survived until summer. Most of the domestic animals were slaughtered, since it was not possible to feed them for many months. But on the day of the winter solstice there was a holiday, and the largest amount of meat was eaten in comparison with the whole year.
Later this day became a cult day and for many peoples was the date of the rebirth or birth of the Gods. In many cultures, this day was the beginning of a cyclical calendar, for example, in Scotland, a period of revival begins.
Slavs and Christians
Almost all Christian cultures (including the Orthodox Church until 1917) celebrate the Nativity of Christ on this day.
According to the Julian calendar, this date falls on December 25 (the modern day of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ). And according to the Gregorian calendar, it falls on January 7th.
The ancient Slavs also noticed that after December 21 or 22, the day of the winter solstice, there are changes in nature. The night was gradually getting shorter and the day longer. On this day, they drew conclusions about what kind of harvest to expect: if the trees were covered with frost, then there will certainly be a lot of grain.
An interesting rite appeared in Moscow in the 16th century. On the day of the solstice, the bell-ringing headman came to the king and reported the good news that the nights would now be shorter and shorter, for this the king gave the minister money.
Chernobog
The pagan Slavs on the day of the winter solstice, the 21st, venerated the formidable Karachun or Chernobog. It was believed that this is an underground god who commands the frost. His servants were crank bears, which are associated with snowstorms, and wolves, that is, blizzards. Over time, Karachun and Frost became synonymous words, but the latter image is more harmless and is just the lord of the winter cold.
Saint Anna
Christians on the day of the winter solstice in December, 21 or 22, necessarily remember the conception of the righteous Anna the Mother of God (mother of the Virgin Mary). There is no mention of Christ's grandmother in the Holy Scriptures, however, in the proto-Gospel there is information about this woman. She is described as being very merciful and compassionate to the poor. But she and her husband could not give birth to a child, and after many years of prayer, it was on December 21 that God's promise was fulfilled.
This is the most revered day by pregnant women, they definitely had to fast, in no case could they do serious work, and if they had a headache, it was forbidden even to spin. It was believed that if a woman during the demolition fanned the fire in the stove, then the child would have a red mark on the body.
The young girls were already gathering to plan the celebration of Christmas. The hostesses cleaned the houses, fed the pigs so that there was fresh meat for the holiday. It was not recommended to go hunting alone until the first shots were fired at Holy Baptism. It was believed that it was from the day of the winter solstice that wolves gather in flocks and attack absolutely everyone.
Rituals
The Slavs have always believed that on the day of the Solstice, you can change your own destiny, ask for a rich harvest, and if you enlist the support of higher powers, then any desire will come true. Many rituals and ceremonies have survived to this day and are held on the winter solstice, from December 21 to 23, and in fact are timed to coincide with the beginning of Christmas time.
It is on this day that you should draw up a map of your plans and throw away all old and unnecessary things. It is recommended to put things in order in your thoughts, forget about offenses and pray more.
In some villages, the old Slavic tradition has remained to kindle a ritual bonfire, which symbolizes the revival of the power of the Sun. Also earlier, old trees were "decorated" with pies and bread, branches were watered with nectars and drinks. This was done in order to appease the Gods, who will give a wonderful harvest.
Fortune telling
Young girls on the longest night of the year can boldly guess. It was believed that it was on this day that the cards "speak" exclusively the truth.
Another fortune-telling that has survived to this day. At night, the girl wrote the names of the guys on pieces of paper, mixed them and put them under the pillow. At the same time, she read the words that the dear one should appear in a dream, and a treat was promised to him. In the morning, before getting out of bed, it was necessary to get one piece of paper at random. And the name that appears on her will belong to her betrothed. The main thing is that the girl fulfills her promise and treats the guy with pies.
Signs
Signs of this day: if there is a lot of snow in the yard, then you should not wait for the harvest, and vice versa, a small amount means a rich harvest. And if a woman begs for a child that day, then God will definitely give him.
The calm weather testifies to a good harvest of fruit trees. If the day of the Solstice turned out to be windy or cloudy, there is a thaw, then on the New Year there will be gloomy weather, and if clear, then frosty. If it rains, it will be wet in spring.
An interesting weather prediction by the number from the day of the winter solstice, but starting from December 25th. So the 25th number corresponds to January, what the weather will be on that day, this will be the case in the first month of the year, if it rains, then January will be rainy. December 26 corresponds to February, 27th to March, and so on.
This day in the culture of different countries
Almost all the peoples of the world believed that, no matter what date the winter solstice is, during this period absolutely all barriers between the world of the living and ghosts are erased. That is, it is at this time that you can freely communicate with Gods and spirits.
For example, the inhabitants of Germany and partly Europe believed that it was on the night of the Yule holiday that all the worlds (the living and the dead) converge in Midgar. And a person can communicate not only with elves and trolls, but also with Gods.
And in Scotland, a rather unusual ritual was carried out: a burning wheel was launched from a mountain, resembling a fiery luminary from afar. It could be an ordinary barrel, which was greased with resin. The ritual symbolized the Solstice.
China has 24 calendar seasons. Winter is associated with the rise of masculine strength, and he was an omen of the beginning of a new cycle. On the day of the winter solstice, everyone celebrated: both the commoners and the emperor. The border was closed, there was a general day off. Sacrifices were made to the God of Heaven. Beans and rice were eaten in huge quantities, it was believed that these dishes could save from evil spirits, they also symbolized prosperity in the house.
The Hindus call this day Sankranti. On the eve of the celebration, bonfires were lit, and the flame of the fire was associated with the rays of the Sun, warming the Earth.
What day is the winter solstice
This year, the Solstice will come on December 21st. The same number falls on the Solstice from 2020 to 2022. In 2019, the winter solstice will be December 22.
Incredible facts
The shortest day of the year has a powerful energy this year, as it coincides with the December full moon.
The winter solstice in 2018 will occur on December 21 at 22:23 UTC (December 22 at 1:23 Moscow time).
Astrologically, it marks the beginning of the cardinal sign of Capricorn. Spiritually speaking, the winter solstice is associated with the celebration of the rebirth of life in all its forms. From this day on, the days become longer, and the sun begins to shine brighter. This symbolizes faith, hope and positivity.
Our ancestors prepared in advance for this day, otherwise they could simply freeze or die of hunger. But despite the harsh weather and constant darkness, the beauty of this period was that there was always hope.
And even after hundreds of years, this holiday is accompanied by a sense of gratitude and anticipation. People tend to spend time with their loved ones more often, children are waiting for Santa Claus, everyone makes wishes and dreams of something of their own.
The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, signifies more than just a shift that promises more sunshine and warmer days. This is the time when you need it get rid of past grudges and habits that no longer benefit us and shift our focus to day-to-day tasks to move on.
You need to start with introspection in order to understand which areas of your life require your attention.
Full Moon and Winter Solstice December 22, 2018
In 2018, the winter solstice will be special as it coincides with the full moon in Cancer., which adds more emotional intensity to this day.
This phenomenon is quite rare. Moreover, according to some reports, such a coincidence has occurred only 10 times in the Northern Hemisphere since 1793.
The full moon is an important time in the lunar cycle - the moment when emotions reach their highest point. While many people think that emotions get in the way of our goals, if used correctly, they can be great motivators. The impact of the full moon usually begins two weeks before and after this event, so its manifestation can be felt on New Years and Christmas.
The fact that the full moon will occur almost simultaneously with the winter solstice suggests that the energy of this time will require us to work hard on ourselves.
In fact, the transition to the next season is associated with planning for the future and materializing your desires. Since the Sun is in the sign of the hardworking, ambitious and karmic Capricorn, each person should think about what he wants to achieve.
This is the time when you need to thank yourself for what has been done in the past and internalize all your mistakes. Start this period by asking yourself what you really want in the New Year.
Winter solstice rites
1. General cleaning
Just as many of us do spring cleaning in the house by spring, winter cleaning can be done to let go of all the past and make room for everything new. If garbage has collected in some place in your house, this is the best time to get rid of it.
In ancient times, people performed a cleansing ritual on this day. It consisted in the fact that it was necessary to throw away objects and things that no longer serve a higher purpose or distract you from important things.
2. Clear the space
Use sage to cleanse the area. Fumigation with sage is an ancient practice of getting rid of negative energy in the home or person. To do this, you need to take a bunch of white sage and light it, passing through all rooms so that its smoke reaches all corners, as well as doors and windows.
Sage smoke clears the air of conflicts, anger, anxiety and other negative emotions and phenomena.
3. Give away unnecessary things
4. Cleanse the body
Take a herbal salt bath to cleanse not only your home, but your body as well. Use needles, birch, oak, mistletoe, incense and myrrh leaves. As you immerse yourself in the water, imagine all your problems being absorbed into the water and salt, leaving you.
5. Light a candle
After clearing your space and cleansing your body, end the day with a candle ritual. Light gold and green candles, and spend some time contemplating the past.
Write on paper whatever comes to your mind. It will help you let go of the old and bring the new into your life. Have you achieved everything you aspired to in life? What are you missing? What turned out better than you thought? What would you like to get rid of?
Finally, always end the ritual with gratitude for what you have, since all that you have achieved is yours.
What can the zodiac signs expect during the winter solstice?
Aries
During the winter solstice, you will feel much happier. Many of the things that you would normally ignore will be your focus. The universe will let you know where you need to focus, so don't ignore the signs that appear.
Although you may not see things as they are now, you will understand later. If something grabs your attention, don't waste time trying to avoid it, resolve the issue and move on. Now is the time to listen to your inner voice.
Taurus
During the winter solstice, there are many possibilities. Expect your popularity and credibility to grow and you will finally be where you should be. Great success awaits you, and you definitely deserve it.
Twins
During the winter solstice, you will be working on one serious matter. Although it will end well for you in the end, you may feel a little confused at first. Just do your best and prepare for the worst. What happens will happen.
Crayfish
During the winter solstice, you will feel a little nervous. You need to learn patience and restraint. Don't keep pushing others the way you used to.
Be grateful for the stability you already have and work hard. Some unexpected events may occur and you will not know how to react. Just try to solve everything step by step.
a lion
This winter solstice will make you find time for yourself. You always work hard and rarely rest. You like to work, but you should remember that sometimes it is worth being alone and doing nothing. Stop ignoring your mind and body.
Virgo
This winter solstice will give you a sense of security. You will be comfortable with yourself and in the company of other people, which you are not yet used to. You may need to be given some time to grow in many ways. Until you see it, but in fact, you are capable of great things.
scales
The winter solstice can bring some kind of disappointment into your life. You will be struggling with something that others are unaware of. While bad news can undermine your spirit, you are able to be strong and overcome any difficulties.
Scorpion
This winter solstice will help you come to your senses and look at many things with a smile. You have faced certain difficulties in recent years, and this could cause feelings of overwhelm. However, things are going to be much better now. This state is not forever with you, changes are already on the doorstep.
Sagittarius
This winter solstice will set you up to create something amazing. During this time, inspiration will accompany you, and you will want to complete many things. The more effort you put into projects, the better the result will be. Put all your energy into your work, and everything will turn out to be much better than you think.
Capricorn
The winter solstice will remind you not to remain a victim. You are able to stand up for yourself, and your intentions and values will come to the fore during this time. If you need a break, take it, but remember to make the most of the energy from that period. Big changes can be in store for you if you put in enough effort.
Aquarius
During the winter solstice, you may be tempted to distance yourself, and there is nothing wrong with that. You always give too much and sometimes forget about your needs. Now is the time to change the situation and become more decisive in your desires. The situation may look confusing now, but in the end everything will be fine.
Fishes
During the winter solstice, you will discover what you previously held in your subconscious. You will likely learn the harsh truth about your past. Don't try to force things. This is not something that you cannot handle, you have the strength to do everything.
WINTER SUNSHIP OR KOLYADA CELEBRATION DECEMBER 21-24 / 2013. VIDEO. Calculation of the holiday date. WHO IS KOLYADA?Solstice December 21-24.
The Day of God Kolyada turns out not even during the day, but at night, like the Day of God of Kupala. December 24-25.
And from December 26, Christmas carols begin, which continue until the Holy Water, that is, until January 6.
By the way, there is a complete analogy with Kupala. Solstice from June 21 to 24, Kupala is celebrated on the night of June 23 to 24, sometimes from 24 to 25. Some argue that Kolyada is also celebrated from December 23 to 24. In principle, a day here or there does not play a special role, but some wise men consider it fundamental))
12.21.11 - Longest night of the year.(IN THE FIRST MINUTES, HOW TO MAKE WISHES.)
On this day, December 21, our ancestors celebrated the holiday of the winter solstice, divined, performed magic rituals and celebrated the victory of light over darkness. Modern astropsychologists also note: today and tomorrow it is worth formulating all your desires, tune in to get rid of adversity, light candles and tune in to a connection with the subtle world.
See what kind of moon will be: waning or growing. If it decreases, then desires should be made to get rid of something.
December 22 - raw egg stands upright experiment;)
Winter solstice or Kolyada holiday
In ancient times, even before Christianity, in winter solstice the Slavs knew that this was a turning point in nature. At this time, there is an acute struggle between good and evil, the end and the beginning are near, because December 22 the day is the shortest and the night is the longest. Our ancestors believed that behind the folk legends, worlds open on this night: the world of the gods is heavenly, the world of man is earthly, the world of underground riches and the dead is underground. On December 22, the sun (Kolyada) died, but then it was born again.
Kolyada ("Kolo" - the sun) is born, lives and dies every day and every year. During the annual cycle, the sun travels the same path as nature and man. Then a person believed that with his magical actions, ritual songs and dances, he could help nature and the Sun in the fight against dark forces. And Kolyada is the first holiday in honor of the Sun in the annual cycle, which begins the winter Christmastide. Christmas is celebrated on the 15th day after the longest night.
In the Christmas customs of those times, pre-Christian elements have been preserved to this day, the meaning of which was to call for a good harvest next year, wealth and prosperity for the owners, happiness and health for all family members. All this is sung in carols. In other words, a carol is a song to the glory of Kolyada, that is, the Heavenly mother of the newborn Sun, the mother of Light.
Kolyada celebrates the beginning of a new annual circle of the Earth's rotation around the Sun. Kolyada-father- the personification of the Solar Bread Spirit. It is not for nothing that a sheaf of wheat ("didukh") with a stuck spoon is brought into the dwelling only by the owner before dinner, placed in a place of honor - in the red corner, under the icons. Pokut is the most honorable place in the house and is always in the corner that is at sunrise. Traditionally, the owner wishes the whole family happy holidays, health and happiness. "Didukh" since ancient times, it has personified the spirit of ancestors who come to visit at Christmas. And also "didukh" is a sacred cult of bread, praise of hard-working owners.
Winter solstice - Kolyada, Christmastide, Prosinets, Sun Kindle Month
The first month of winter, December, is devoted for many to the preparation for the Winter Holidays - the most long-awaited and desired of the year.On December 21, the winter solstice (the birth of a new sun) occurs, after which, to everyone's joy, daylight hours and night darkness gradually begin to lengthen.
The celebrations of the winter solstice (c. December 21) and the summer solstice (c. June 21) are probably the oldest of all human rituals. For the agricultural and pastoralist tribes of the past, completely dependent on the whims of the weather and climate, the winter revival of the sun was not an ordinary event, but a matter of survival.
December 20 was the last day of autumn for our ancient Slavic ancestors.
A On December 21, on the day of the winter solstice, Kolyan began - the first month of winter and the new year. On the same day, in accordance with natural rhythms, the Christmas of Kolyada, the hypostasis of one of the main Slavic gods, Dazhbog, who embodied the Sun, was celebrated. The celebration of Christmastide, filled with fun, delicious food and magical rituals, stretched among the ancient Slavs for 21 days, helping to while away the dark and cold winter period. On Christmastide they cooked kolivo, or sochivo - porridge with honey and raisins, and companions - sweet pies with cottage cheese and jam. The huts were decorated with dolls of the god Veles-Moroz and the Snow Maiden, and on the streets they rolled burning wheels and burned fires to help the nascent winter sun. Carols went from house to house - young guys and girls who sang carols (ritual songs with wishes of well-being), receiving food as a reward. At the first midnight of Kolyadenya, the priests sacrificed a duck, a piglet and other animals to Kolyada, all this as a treat is present on the Christmas tables of the ancient (and modern!) Slavs. On Christmastide they dressed up in new clothes and put the best treats on the tables, which were eaten by the family gathered together. It was believed that "as you celebrate the New Year, you will spend it."
Christmastide days were considered magical, people wondered for the future, trying to predict the future harvest, wars, weddings ... They remembered dead relatives by lighting fires and leaving them treats. They dressed up (dressed) in the skins of real and mythical animals, evil spirits, as well as trying on the clothes (and roles) of other people and people of the opposite sex. At this time, dark forces were endowed with special power, which, according to legends, approached especially close to the world of the living..
Kolyada- the Slavic holiday of the winter solstice and the deity of the same name. It is written vlkh. Velemir for kind people - community Velesova Sloboda Kolyada is not always celebrated on the same day. Like all the other Main Slavic holidays (Maslenitsa, Kupala and Tausen), associated with four main annual astronomical events (two equinoxes and two solstices), Kolyada belongs to the so-called MOBILE holidays. Each of them has "its" week - Kupala, Maslenitsa, Christmastide, etc. And this happens for the reason that our calendar is Lunar-Solar, and not just Solar. Taking the solar date as a basis, our calendar correlates it with the nearest phases of the moon. If the full moon is close (within 1-2 days "before" or within 4-6 days "after") to the Solar date, then the holiday is celebrated on the day of the full moon. If the Moon is "far away", then it is celebrated only according to the Sun. But in any case, the holiday is accompanied by its own "holy" week, which mystically is a continuation (in both directions) of the day of the holiday. The whole week is like one big day. If the holiday is celebrated on the day of coincidence with the full moon, then it acquires special power - we can talk about "Strong Kolyada" or, for example, about "Strong Kupala". In practice, this means that the immediate date of the Feast day (if it is not "Strong") can be moved throughout the "holy" week. Not godless, of course, but to a certain extent. For example, by timing it to a convenient day in the mundane sense - a weekend, for example. Mystically, the Holiday will still remain one day. And further. A movable holiday SAM forms the calendar, and is not a movable mark on a fixed calendar. In the traditional calendar, it is not the absolute "coordinate" of the Holiday that is important, but the relative one. What is important is what follows, what cannot happen until such-and-such has happened. It is important not how many days separates the Dates, but how many and what events should occur between them and in what sequence. It is the internal logic and integrity of the calendar that is important, not an abstract number table.
Returning to the question of the exact date of Kolyada, it should be said that it is more appropriate to raise the question not about the date, but about FORMULA calculating the date of its holding. And the formula here is as follows: The first full moon after the winter solstice (or the nearest one) if the full moon is close (- 2-2 + 5-6 days) or the date of Karachun (solstice) if the moon is far away, but in both cases the date can be moved to the most convenient day of the week (so to speak, to project it into a pragmatic space) within Christmastide - several days, when mystically time is stopped and one big Day lasts - the Holiday of Kolyada.
Example: Calculation: in 2000 - Kolyada is not strong (full moon on December 11 and January 9), therefore, Kolyada falls precisely on the winter solstice (Karachun) - December 22. The most convenient day of the week for everyone is Saturday (or Sunday). It is appropriate to celebrate Kolyada on the night of December 23-24 (on the night from Saturday to Sunday). In 2001 - Kolyada is also not strong (full moon on November 30 and December 30). The postponement of the Holiday for 8 days (to December 30) is beyond the tradition, therefore. Kolyada falls on the winter solstice (Karachun) - December 22 and it is appropriate to celebrate it on the night of December 22 to 23 (on the night from Saturday to Sunday).
FORUM. WHO IS KOLYADA?
The name of this Russian god, perhaps, is known to everyone, because from Karachun to the very Velesov day, mummers went from house to house and sang special songs - carols. Who is this Kolyada, what his name means and why his holiday falls on the day of the winter solstice, no one knew. Various assumptions were made that, they say, Kolyada is the ancient god of merry feasts, that his name is formed from the word "kolo" (circle), that carols may have something to do with witchcraft. Well, in every assumption there was a part of the truth, it is a pity that people have forgotten the great teacher of life. In ancient times, his name was always mentioned next to the Roof, they were called small creators, in contrast to the great creators - Rod and Svarog. The roof brought people fire, taught them how to brew the sacred drink Surya, and saved them from physical extinction. What did Kolyada do? He was born 8500 years ago (that is, in the 7th millennium BC) to save humanity from spiritual degeneration. Gathering 60 high priests of different nations, Kolyada began to teach the forgotten Vedic knowledge. This was the third divine revelation to people. Rod gave the first law of life. Its essence lies in the fact that life is endless and omnipresent, it is the Almighty. Life on Earth arose from the gradual descent of the Almighty to the planet, first in the form of his son Rod, then in the form of Svarog. Then the world was divided into three parts: Rule, Reality and Nav. A person who exists in Reveal must strive for heaven. He must avoid Evil and Darkness - Navi. The second law of life was given to the world by Veles. This is the movement of people from Darkness to Light, following the movement of the Sun. The third law was told to people by Kolyada. He told the sages gathered around him about the Great Kolo of Svarog, about the Day and Night of Svarog, and also established the first calendar (its name means "Kolyada gifts"). In other words, Kolyada brought people out of the bounds of momentary existence, setting out in detail how time moves and what changes should be expected from it.
The teaching set forth in the "Book of Kolyada" talks about the Big and Small Triglavs. Literature Mythology of the Ancient World, -M.: Belfax, 2002 B.A. Rybakov "Paganism of the Ancient Slavs", -M.: Russian Word, 1997 V. Kalashnikov "Gods of the Ancient Slavs", -M.: Bely Gorod, 2003 D. Gavrilov, A. Nagovitsyn “Gods of the Slavs. Paganism. Tradition ", -M.: Refl-Book, 2002
...Kolyada is a Slavic holiday of the winter solstice and the deity of the same name. Kolyada is neither one nor the other. Kolyada is the name of a holiday (not God) associated with the wires of the Old and the New Year. With snow, winter carols (Christmastide) begin 6 days before the New Year and 6 days after the New Year. The holiday of the winter solar confrontation between day and night is a holiday called Korachun. It is called so because it is the shortest winter day of the year.
Korchun is not the name of God, but the name of the holiday dedicated to the winter solar opposition of day and night, i.e. celebration of the shortest winter day of the year ..
Days of Power. Holidays of the ancient Slavs
The basis of Slavic culture is the desire to live in harmony with nature. Observing the movement of the luminaries and the change of seasons, the ancient Slavs understood: everything in the world moves in a circle, and this circular cycle is built on special astronomically determined dates. Our ancestors called them the Days of Power. These are the days of the winter (December 22) and summer (June 22) solstice, as well as the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 23) equinox.
On the Days of Power, the position of the Sun led to the inflow of certain energies to the earth, meaning the peak of activity of the star at different times of the year - and the life cycles of Mother Earth. The main Slavic holidays were held precisely on the Days of Power: Kolyada (Winter Solstice), Great Day or Komoeditsa (Spring Equinox), Kupaila (Summer Solstice) and Veresin or Svyatovit (Autumn Equinox).
Christmas of the new Sun-Kolyada. The newborn Sun is growing and gaining strength. The Slavs celebrated the longest night of the year. It was the turning point of the year, signifying that from this moment the days will slowly begin to grow, everything will move from darkness to light.
On the shortest night before the winter solstice, called Korochun, it was customary not to sleep.
People believed that the forces of darkness and light were fighting among themselves, so they helped the light forces, calling for the birth of the Sun, sang songs, danced in circles, lit solar wheel-shaped symbols.
On Korochun (aka Christmas Eve) a festive dinner was present on the tables of the Slavs, sacred dishes were prepared, including the beloved kutya and honey.
Before starting a festive meal, people symbolically or at least mentally let go of everything that should have remained in the past, obsolete and old.
Then it was necessary to start a new round of life and the Didukh (a large ritual sheaf of spikelets) was brought into the house, which symbolized the blessing of the power of the Family.
As soon as morning came, people went home to sing carols, to inform everyone that the forces of light had won, and a new Sun-Kolyada was born.
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Part 12 - WINTER SUNSHIPS OR KOLYADA CELEBRATION DECEMBER 21-24 / 2013. VIDEO. Calculation of the holiday date. WHO IS KOLYADA?
The time of the winter solstice occurs when the axis about which our planet rotates, in the direction from the Sun, takes the maximum mark. The greatest value of the angle of inclination of the Earth's axis in relation to the Sun is 23 ° 26 ". Depending on the shift of calendar days, the period of the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs either on December 21 or 22, and in the Southern Hemisphere on June 20 or 21.
Different cultures interpreted this event in different ways, but most peoples perceived the winter solstice as a rebirth that sets the beginning of a new one. At this time, they organized festivals, holidays, meetings, carried out appropriate rituals, organized mass celebrations with songs and dances.
The Solstice was a special moment in the annual cycle even during the New Stone Age (Neolithic). Thanks to astronomical events, from the earliest times, managing the crops of grain crops, the preparation of food until the next harvest, the periods of mating of animals, it is possible to trace how various traditions and myths arose. The layout of the oldest monuments of the Late New Stone and Bronze Age can be considered as evidence of this. Such as Stonehenge (Great Britain) and Newgrange (Ireland), the main axes of which were carefully aligned and indicated the sunrise in Newgrange and the sunset in Stonehenge on the winter solstice. It is noteworthy that the Great Trilith (the construction of the "letter P" of the three largest stones) at Stonehenge is turned outward relative to the center of the monument in such a way that its front flat part turns out to be facing the Sun by the middle of winter.
How the ancient Slavs celebrated the winter solstice
One of the most significant holidays revered by our ancestors were the days of the Solstice and Equinox. Brace, solstice, solstice, equinox - they personify the four hypostases of the ancient Slavic god of the Sun Dazhdbog, the giver of light and warmth. His name sounds in a short prayer that has survived to our time: "God grant!" According to legends, Dazhdbog unlocks the summer and closes the fierce winter.
The Slavs considered this holiday a time of renewal and birth of the Sun, and with it of all living things, a time of spiritual transformation, a time conducive to both good material changes and spiritual ones. The night that precedes the day of the winter solstice is considered the patroness of all nights, because it is on this night that a young solar baby is born to the Goddess - Dazhdbog, symbolizing the birth of life from death, order from chaos.
During the winter solstice, the Slavs celebrated the pagan New Year, which was personified with the deity Kolyada. The main subject of the celebration was a large bonfire, calling and depicting the Sun, which, after one of the longest nights of the year, was supposed to rise higher and higher into the heavenly heights. They also baked ritual New Year's pies of a rounded shape, reminiscent of a heavenly body.
The ancient Slavs considered the solstice to be the beginning of the new year. It was on this day that the month of carols began. It was believed that at a certain time of the day a new sun god, Kolyada, was born. This deity symbolized good weather and harvest. That is why the celebrations in his honor lasted for about 21 days.
On Christmastide, people dressed in new, expensive clothes, laid the tables and wished each other good luck. The Slavs believed that a person would spend the New Year exactly as he would meet him. In addition, the day of the winter solstice was considered a magical period when the line between the world of the living and dark forces became very thin. To scare away evil spirits, bonfires were erected everywhere, and people dressed up in costumes of animals and supernatural beings.
Another interesting tradition is the carolers. Young girls and boys gathered in small groups and traveled from house to house, congratulating the owners on the new year and wishing them good luck and prosperity. And as a reward, young singers received sweets and other treats. By the way, this tradition is still alive today.
Winter solstice festival among other nations
These days, in Europe, pagan festivals will mark the beginning of a 12-day cycle of lavish festivities that marked the beginning of the renewal of nature and the beginning of a new life.
In Scotland, there was a tradition to launch a burning wheel, symbolizing the solstice. The barrel was abundantly coated with resin, set on fire and launched down a hill, resembling a fiery luminary in rotating movements.
In China, before all other seasons (there are 24 of them in the Chinese calendar), the winter solstice was determined. The Chinese believed that it was from the beginning of this period that the male power of nature grew stronger and gave rise to a new cycle. The winter solstice was a worthy celebration as it was considered a happy, fortunate day. Everyone, from a commoner to an emperor, rested and had fun that day, showered each other with gifts, went to visit, laid large tables filled with various dishes. An important role on this special day was assigned to sacrifices to the ancestors and to the God of Heaven, the corresponding ceremonies and rituals were carried out. in order to protect yourself from diseases and evil spirits. The winter solstice is still one of the traditional Chinese holidays.
The Hindus call the winter solstice Sankranti. The holiday was celebrated in both Sikh and Hindu communities, where at night, on the eve of the festival, bonfires were lit, the flame of which resembled the rays of the Sun, which warm the earth after a cold winter.
Winter Solstice and Germanic Yule
Germanic tribes also celebrated this day, considering it a transitional point between the old and new years. Like the Slavs, the festivities were accompanied by bonfires. The key point is the burning of a large symbolic log, the coals of which were then mixed with grain. In addition, houses, streets and trees were decorated with burning candles - so people asked for help and protection from the spirits of their dead ancestors. By the way, fire decorations have become the prototype of modern garlands.
But that's not all. It is also here that the tradition of decorating houses with branches of evergreen trees - fir trees, mistletoe, ivy and holly - was born. Such decorations were a symbol and a reminder that the night and the cold will surely recede.
Winter solstice -
The shortest of the year,
The night is long, long, dark
The animals are fast asleep in the forest.
When the sun rises in the morning
Look better, don't yawn
If there is frost on the trees -
The harvest will be good.
Minimum or maximum above the horizon at noon. There are two solstices in a year - winter and summer. On the day of the winter solstice, the sun rises to its lowest height above the horizon.
In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on December 21st or 22nd, with the shortest day and longest night. The moment of the solstice is shifted annually, since the length of the solar year does not coincide with the calendar time.
In 2017, the winter solstice begins on December 21 at 19:28 Moscow time. On this day, at the latitude of Moscow, the Sun rises above the horizon to a height of less than 11 degrees.
On these December days beyond the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees north latitude), the polar night sets in, which does not necessarily mean complete darkness throughout the day. Its main feature is that the Sun does not rise above the horizon.
At the North Pole of the Earth, not only the Sun is not visible, but also the twilight, and the location of the star can be recognized only by the constellations. A completely different picture in the area of the South Pole of the Earth - in Antarctica at this time the day lasts around the clock.
For thousands of years, the day of the winter solstice has been of great importance for all peoples of our planet, who have lived in harmony with natural cycles and organized their lives in accordance with them. From the earliest times, people have venerated the Sun, realizing that their life on earth depends on its light and warmth. For them, the day of the winter solstice personified the victory of light over darkness.
So, in Russian folklore, a proverb is dedicated to this day: the sun - for the summer, winter - for the frost. Now the day will gradually increase and the night will decrease.
The ancient Slavs celebrated the pagan New Year - Kolyada on the day of the winter solstice.
Kolyada is a baby sun, in Slavic mythology - the embodiment of the New Year's cycle.
Once Kolyada was not perceived as a mummer. Kolyada was a deity, and one of the most influential. They called Kolyada, called me. New Year's days were dedicated to Kolyada, games were organized in her honor, which were later perpetrated on Christmastide. The last patriarchal ban on the worship of Kolyada was issued on December 24, 1684. It is believed that Kolyada was recognized by the Slavs as a deity of fun, which is why they called him, merry gangs of youth called him on New Year's festivities.
A. Strizhev "National Calendar"
The main attribute of the festival was a bonfire, depicting and invoking the light of the sun, which, after the longest night of the year, was supposed to rise higher and higher. The ritual New Year's cake - a loaf - also resembled the sun in shape.
In Europe these days began a 12-day cycle of pagan festivals dedicated to the winter solstice, which marked the beginning of a new life and the renewal of nature.
In India, the day of the winter solstice - Sankranti - is celebrated in Hindu and Sikh communities, where bonfires are lit on the night before the celebration, the heat of which symbolizes the warmth of the sun, which begins to warm the earth after the winter cold.
On the day of the winter solstice, it was customary in Scotland to launch the solar wheel - the "solar swirl". The barrel was coated with burning resin and let down the street. The wheel is a symbol of the sun, the spokes of the wheel resembled rays, the rotation of the spokes while moving made the wheel alive and like a luminary.
In ancient China, it was believed that from this time the male power of nature rises and a new cycle begins. The winter solstice was considered a happy day worth celebrating. On this day, everyone - from the emperor to the commoner - went on vacation. The army was put in a state of waiting for orders, border fortresses and trade shops were closed, people went to visit each other, gave gifts. The Chinese made sacrifices to the God of Heaven and their ancestors, and also ate porridge made from beans and glutinous rice to protect themselves from evil spirits and diseases. Until now, the day of the winter solstice is considered one of the traditional Chinese holidays.
Cosmic, or in other words, natural cycles associated with the sun - this is the basis on which almost all religious cults have been imposed. For example, the cult of the son of God is not an invention of Christianity. This is one of the modifications of the cult of Osiris, which was formed in Ancient Egypt.
This cult in Asia Minor was called the cult of Attis, in Syria - the cult of Adonis, in the lands of Romea - the cult of Dionysius, etc. Mithra, Amon, Serapis, Liber were also identified with Dionysus at different times.
In all these cults, the God-man was born on the same day - December 25. Then he died and was subsequently resurrected.
December 25 - the date tied to the winter solstice, the day becomes longer than the night - a new sun is born. For example, for the inhabitants of the village of Polyarnye Zori, which is located on the Kola Peninsula at a latitude of 67.2 degrees north latitude, in December the Sun seems to die for three days, and then it seems to be resurrected.
God Mithra was called the Invincible Sun. And in Ossetia they still celebrate their New Year on December 25, ArtHuron which means Fire Solntsevich.
The Christian religion is a parody of sun worship. They replaced the sun with a man named Christ and worship him as they used to worship the sun.
Thomas Paine, writer, philosopher (1737-1809)
