Winter solstice 2024: Traditions, rituals, and folk signs

What is the winter solstice?

The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, after which daylight hours begin to increase. From an astronomical perspective, this is the day when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun, placing the Sun at its lowest point in the sky. This event also signals the beginning of astronomical winter.

The date of the winter solstice can vary slightly each year because a full orbit of the Earth around the Sun is slightly longer than 365 days. Typically, the solstice occurs on December 21 or 22.

In 2024, the winter solstice will occur at 11:20 a.m. Kyiv time, with daylight lasting just 8 hours and 14 seconds. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, this day will be the longest of the year.

The angle between the Earth's equator and the Sun's rays remains unchanged for several days before and after the solstice. However, for those living near the equator, the difference in daylight duration is minimal.

The winter solstice is more than just an astronomical event. Since the Sun served as a key reference point for our ancestors when planning their activities, the solstice has held deep cultural significance. In many traditions, it symbolizes the start of a new cycle and the transition from darkness to light.

What not to do on the winter solstice

To avoid repelling positive energy on the day of the winter solstice, it is advised to refrain from:

• Arguing, using foul language, or swearing — negative emotions attract negative energy.
• Dwelling on old grievances — this can ruin your mood and stir up negativity.
• Harboring negative thoughts — there’s a belief that starting the New Year with negativity can impact the year ahead.
• Wearing dark or dirty clothing — according to ancient beliefs, this drives away positive energy.

What to do on the winter solstice

The winter solstice symbolizes renewal and the beginning of a new cycle. To ensure success throughout the year and fulfill your most important dreams, it is essential to:

• Clean your home, donate or dispose of old items — this creates space for new opportunities.
• Plan work tasks and future goals.
• Pay off debts — to attract good fortune in the coming year.

Various rituals were used to invite good luck. For example, writing down everything bad that happened during the year (or alternatively, writing your plans) on a piece of paper and then burning it.

How to summon luck on the Winter Solstice (illustrative photo: Freepik)

Sometimes, rituals with candles are performed, where wishes are spoken to the flame of a lit candle. Additionally, due to the powerful energy of this day, ancestors often practiced fortune-telling to predict their fate.

Folk signs for the winter solstice

• If the day is windy and cold, winter will be frosty and stormy.
• Frost on the trees today signals a bountiful harvest.
• Calm weather today indicates that similar conditions will persist for two weeks.
• The weather on this day reflects the general conditions of the upcoming winter.

Sources: Britannica, People, Space, DayToday, Universe Space Tech, and Wikipedia.