Holiday in the Slavic world

The holiday of Yule is called Solstice in Orthodoxy.

Solstice comes from the verb “to return.” The sun is renewed, reborn and from this moment returns to us with new strength, which is why the days become longer and the nights become shorter. A solstice is a point in time, a moment that can be accurately calculated. At this very “point” the Sun rises to the lowest altitude of the year, it will not go lower, then it will begin to return, gradually rising higher and higher.
This moment falls on December 21st.

In winter, the star rises lower and lower above the horizon. On the day of the WINTER SOLSTICE, December 21, the Sun rises above the horizon to its lowest height of the year and seems to freeze for 3 days, the height of the Sun above the horizon does not change during this period, it seems that the sun stops. We can say that the Winter Solstice is a phenomenon observed over 3 days.

The four great Slavic pagan holidays, like similar holidays of the European pagan religion of the Druid Magi, are focused on the Solar cycle, expressed in the four annually repeated annual hypostases of the Sun God.

1) Night of the winter solstice(the longest night, the beginning of astronomical winter) - 2nd Night-Solstice. The morning after this night winter is born Sun-baby Kolyada and, as the small children’s strength grows, every day it rises higher in the sky;

3) Summer Solstice(the longest day of the year, the beginning of astronomical summer) - summer holiday Kupaila. Mighty Summer Sun-husband Kupail comes into its own;

4) Day of the autumnal equinox(beginning of astronomical autumn) - autumn holiday Veresen (or Tausen). The former summer sun-Kupaila turns into the wise autumn sun that is gradually losing its strength The old man's sun Svetovit.

Then the cycle will repeat: at sunset before the Night of the winter solstice, the Sun-Svetovit will die, only to be reborn the next morning as the renewed Sun-baby Kolyada, again gaining his solar power.

This solar cycle, the four Slavic hypostases of the Sun - Kolyada- Yarilo - Kupaila -Svetovit, repeats from year to year, and the entire life of people, animals, birds, plants and all earthly Nature depends on it, as well as on the daily change of day and night.

According to the dates of the modern calendar, the celebration of this solar holiday began at sunset on December 19 and continued until sunset on January 1.

Before the Winter Solstice, you need to get rid of everything unnecessary, put things in order both in your home and in your soul in order to make room for the desired changes in the New Year. By the way, God Kolyada, who personifies the revival of the winter Sun and Nature, controls the Great Changes in the life of the Clans of the Great Race and the descendants of the Heavenly Clans, and the day of the Winter Solstice was also called the Day of Changes.

The day before the Solstice is called KOROCHUN, because this is the shortest day of the year. Shortening the outgoing year is Koschey the Immortal, who is also called the Koshchny Tsar (God) and Korochun too. These are the names of the ruler of the Underworld - Navi (the underworld). On December 21, the day of the Winter Solstice or Solstice, the victory of Light over darkness is celebrated. The sun is reborn! It is from this moment that the duration of daylight hours will begin to gradually increase.

On the 1st Night(Great Mother's Day) On the longest night from December 21 to 22, in ancient times bonfires were lit in the streets and burning wheels were rolled to summon the Sun. Now candles are lit for this purpose. In the morning - December 22, at sunrise, the Sun is congratulated on its Birth and thanked for all the good things it gives us. The first 3 days after the Winter Solstice are the most favorable time for making plans for the future and making wishes.

Now let’s finally find out what KOLYADA is. First, let's look at its name. Kolyada comes from the Slavic word “kolo”, which means “circle”. God Kolyada personifies the revival of the winter Sun and Nature.
Kolyada was greeted on the night of December 24-25. Just after the 3-day period of the Winter Solstice, when the gain in solar minutes will become most noticeable.

CHRISTMAS EVE (from the Slavic word “Sochivo”, i.e. kutia) - the night before Kolyada. This is a memorial holiday for the “dead sun of the passing year,” a farewell to the past. This is a reason to look back and look forward. Time to analyze your successes and achievements over the past year, as well as make plans for the coming year.

On the night of Kolyada the Slavs burned bonfires, lit the sacred Fire, which then burned without going out for 12 days until the end of the holiday. According to tradition, in the fire of this fire they burned all old and unnecessary things, freeing themselves from old things for new ones. happy life. With songs and laughter, they rolled down the hill “sun wheels” (cart wheels coated with resin and set on fire), instructing them to bring spring; they made a snow woman and destroyed it with snowballs; They had fist fights.

The night of the winter solstice - when the old sun has already died and the new one has not yet been born - is a fabulous mystical gap in time, when the Gates connecting Reality and Nav are wide open; this is a timelessness in which spirits and dark forces rule.

You can resist these forces only by gathering with your whole family for a joint joyful feast celebration. Dark spirits are powerless against general fun.

But woe to that relative who remains alone that night, outside his clan-tribe, without close people nearby - dark spirits will lure him and push him into all sorts of false dark thoughts.

Due to the high probability of meeting some kind of spirit these days, it was customary to dress up in costumes made of skins and depict various animals (real and mythical).

At Christmas Kolyada, carolers went from house to house - boys, girls and children dressed up in costumes of “terrible” animals, who sang carols (ritual songs in which they wished everyone well-being).

The ancient Slavs revered Kolyada as the strongest and most powerful god. Christianity, which came from Byzantium, could not completely eradicate the veneration of Kolyada for a long time. Over time, the optimistic and life-affirming holiday of Kolyada “coincided” with the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, and ritual pagan customs turned into fun game on Christmastide.

Literary critic Alexander Strizhev in his book “ Folk calendar" writes:

“Once upon a time, Kolyada was not perceived as a mummer. Kolyada was a deity, and one of the most influential. They called carols and called. The days before the New Year were dedicated to Kolyada, and games were organized in her honor, which were subsequently held at Christmas time. 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 the deity of fun, which is why merry bands of young people called upon him during the New Year’s festivities.”

The celebration of Kolyada, with its joy and optimism, expressed the belief of our distant ancestors, the Slavic pagans, in the inevitability of the victory of good principles over the forces of evil.

During the day they prepared a collective meal - a fundraiser - and burned large festive bonfires - Kradu - all night.
Around the village on the night “They were chasing Pop or Balda” there was a burning thick stump of a log. And if it was possible to take it from the fire around the village and return it burning back to the fire, a favorable life awaited the village. To do this, the boys and girls cleared the snow from the path, and buttered “Pop-Balda” - poured oil on it. True, the “Balda” was oiled in advance to enhance combustion - tow soaked in oil and wax was placed into the hollowed out interior;)
According to one version, the name “Popa-Bulda” was given in mockery in honor of the priest who “served” for one night and then lay on his side for the whole year. According to another version, pop is the Ashes of the Fathers who betrayed him.
In the morning there was a feast, games, and revelry. IN next night they launched a new Balda the next night too.
On the second day it was impossible to feast at home - they went to the guests. Take turns with each other.
On the last morning of the holiday, from the common fire, they brought the “New Fire” into the stove, which before that had to be cleaned of ash and, preferably, whitened.
Everyone necessarily washed in the bathhouse and started the family feast. “Where you spend the night, there you will live for a year.”
“Fiery purgatories” were held - jumping over a fire. Alone and in pairs. If desired, one could take an oath of allegiance - the “Fire Oath.” To do this, you need to jump over the fire together and not unclench your hands.
The fire - They didn’t put out the steal, but let it burn out on its own.
On Kolyada there was another custom - “Breaking bread on the “Circle”. “Whoever you broke bread with is your brother.” This custom was carried out on every holiday. In other words, Kolyada is a collective all-round meal. Sharing. This Slavic holiday and custom originated in ancient times. To collect food for a circular meal, CAROLS were invented - funny sayings, jokes, fables, horror stories, songs. The collection of food for Kolyada was carried out mainly by young people - unmarried girls and boys. Towards evening, young people gather in separate groups and walk through the streets with songs, jokes and a star on a long stick. If desired, a hole was made in the star where a burning candle was placed. This star symbolizes the reborn sun. It was usually made with 8 points, from paper painted with paints. Eight planets revolve around the Sun, and recently scientists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences obtained a unique photograph of the Sun. It clearly shows 8 vortex flows radially directed towards the solar disk and twisting into a right-handed swastika. It is quite possible that the number of depicted rays of the Sun is compared by our wise Ancestors with these eight vortex flows. Such precise knowledge back in ancient times, which is reflected in our traditions, can indicate that our Ancestors clearly had a cosmic origin. The wisdom that we are now restoring bit by bit was known to our Ancestors - the Slavic-Aryans - back in ancient times. So, let's finally get back to the carols :) One of the carolers is carrying a bag for gifts. Costumed people come to the windows of the house, to the front door, or, if the owners allow it, directly into the house and sing special carol songs. From ancient times to this day, you can meet groups of children singing carols, hoping to get some sweets and gingerbread :)

In Slavic countries there was also a tradition Yule log- it was called badnyak. However, badnyak could be not only a log, but also a snag, a stump - the essence did not change. During the times of Christianization, they began to carve a cross on it, which conditionally justified the pagan ritual in the Christian period, or they poured oil (wine, honey) over the log, implying that it was the blood of Christ. The badnyak was considered animate; people are strong.

Modern Yule

Our modern magical New Year's Eve (the final 12th Night of Yule), an elegant New Year's evergreen tree shining with lights, a Yule wreath (now called the "Advent Wreath"), New Year's candles (Yule lights), the almighty pagan god Santa Claus, masquerade masks and costumes, processions of mummers, biscuit and chocolate “logs” (symbols of the Yule log) are a legacy of the traditions of the great sacred Yule, the cheerful two-week pagan winter holiday of our ancient ancestors, with which they celebrated the Christmas of the renewed Sun-Infant Kolyada.

A great way to spend the holidays of Yule Old year and get ready to meet the New - literally and figuratively clear your life of rubbish, as was customary to do many centuries ago.

This is the right time to pay off debts, clean and disassemble the apartment, distribute all unnecessary things, put your business papers in order and generally sort out all your tails - in a word, get rid of everything that prevents you from moving on, be it a mess in an apartment or an outdated relationship.

Then you need to thank the past year for all the good things it brought you, even if it was difficult (in any case, these difficulties taught you valuable lessons). After all, it is in nature itself that it is darkest just before dawn.

And, perhaps, it is worth remembering more often that when it seems that there simply cannot be a darker time in life, it is sure sign dawn is coming, the beginning of a new, bright streak.

Decorating the house

The house, windows and doors are decorated with branches of evergreens, symbolizing life, with bunches of rowan berries or beads made of rowan berries. An image of the Sun is hung on the door and in window openings - a symbol of the born God, and images of a star - a symbol of the Mother Goddess. Warmed red wine is placed on the table in a large bowl and poured with a ladle.

The kitchen does not require any special frills: just colored tinsel over the fireplace and bunches of dried vegetables, or onions, or ears of corn are enough. The hood above the stove is the best place to place decorations, but if it’s inconvenient to get there or tinsel and other goodies won’t be safe there, you can hang it all next to the window. And you can put new oven mitts and a fresh towel on the stove. Just for the mood.

In addition, in clothing and home decoration, it is desirable to have large quantity shiny yellow metal objects - gold, polished brass - symbolizing sunlight. The presence of live fire is required.

Yule fire

Candles, fireworks, sparklers are an important winter holiday tradition. Unlike summer celebrations around an outdoor bonfire, the winter solstice lights burn primarily in homes. As a rule, these are large, bright candles (for example, red). Among the traditions was the lighting of one large candle, which burned from morning until midnight (if it burned out earlier, it was believed that this was a bad sign).

Gold and silver candles are a symbol of attracting wealth into the home. Red candles are a symbol of female attractiveness, green candles are a symbol of male strength and valor.

If you light a fire in the house, e.g. If you have a stove or fireplace, then for the holiday you need to prepare oak firewood in advance. The fire of the hearth symbolizes the energy of the sun. It is preferable to stay awake all night. If you decide to sleep, still leave the candle burning. Place it in a bowl of water for safety and go to sleep. The fire should burn all night until the first rays of the sun.

Yule wreath

A wreath of fir or pine branches with 8 candles should be prepared and placed on the mantelpiece or in the place that is the “heart” of the house.

The candles in the Yule wreath should burn all night, and if possible - until the 12th Night (New Year's Eve). In ancient times, these were not candles, but fat lamps (like today's church lamps), into which oil was added from time to time - so they could burn for a long time without going out.

From the lights of the Yule wreath, already in ancient times, the custom arose of lighting lights on a decorated New Year tree. At first, 8 lights were also placed on the tree, like on the Yule wreath, later - as many as anyone wanted.

Yule log in a new way

To make such a log, get a regular log with bark. Then you need to split it in half so that it can lie on the flat side, or trim it a little on one side just enough to give it stability. After making sure that it stands firmly, drill two or three holes with a diameter of 2 cm for candles in the upper part. Decorate the log with candles and mistletoe. While lighting the candles, you can sing something like:

“Burn, burn clearly, so that it does not go out, let the wheat spike thickly in the fields...”

or

“You burn, the fire, burn, boil the spring resins, you burn to the sky, there will be more bread.”

The log will subsequently have to be stored until next year. If you decide to keep traditions, keep them.

Yolochka was born in the forest(Yule treein a new way)

The Yuletide tree is a symbol of immortality. Therefore, evergreen trees are used - spruce, pine, juniper along with holly branches.

The Christmas tree can be decorated with fresh and dried berries, bags of aromatic herbs, apples, nuts, oranges, lemons. Old Soviet ones will come in handy here Christmas decorations in the form of fruits, fruits and vegetables, nuts and acorns (and someone smart came up with the idea of ​​hanging cucumbers, corn cobs, tomatoes, acorns and grapes on the Christmas tree))).

The main thing in the holiday of Yulia (Kolyada) is fun: loud laughter, songs and dances by the fire, jokes, funny gifts, practical jokes. You have to be very loud and very cheerful throughout the night. And the brighter the fire, the more light in the night, the more successfully we will drive away the evil forces that want to prevent the birth of the new Sun. This is what our ancestors believed. Following their example, we can recite an old carol, for example, like this:

Solstice Day!

Roll to the garden

From the garden to the red eel,

Rise above our courtyard!

Scatter the darkness, Svarog,

Bring back the red day to Rus'!

Hey, Kolyada! Glory!

At the same time, we symbolically burn the problems of the old year, its grievances and misunderstandings. On this night you need to forgive your offenders and ask for forgiveness from those whom you have offended. As a sign of reconciliation, people exchange small gifts. In addition, you need to wish goodness, peace and prosperity to everyone you meet. Remember the most common toast “to... the elk!” (so that you can love and sleep... etc.)))?

An important detail - try to ensure that by dawn you do not have dirty dishes and clutter. Remember - whatever the first ray of the Sun sees in your home will remain there all year.

In the West, theatrical performances are staged this evening, reenacting the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King, replacing each other in the alternating seasons of the year.

Let's have a Yule treat

Libations on holidays often began in the morning and lasted until the evening. Quite suitable drinks - mulled wine , spiced wine, as well as ale and beer, cider, ginger tea, punch.

Another tradition is holiday food, many and different: fruits (apples, oranges), nuts, sweets, pork (from the holiday tradition of roasting wild boar), cinnamon pastries, Yule pudding. How you meet the year is how you will spend it!

It’s funny that the Yule log is also present on the festive table - decorated with flowers and leaves chocolate roll .

Traditional Yule ham - a sacred offering to the Scandinavian god of abundance Frey, one of whose symbols was the boar. A baked pig's head with apples in its mouth was ceremoniously brought into the banquet hall on a gold or silver platter to the sound of trumpets and minstrel songs. Frey was asked to send peace to the earth and reward people with a glorious harvest.

The right thing to do on Yule would be to serve huge chunks of baked meat, and eat it like the Vikings: with a knife and hands, straight hot, with leafy bread And potatoes in caramel !
________________________________________ __

The darkness deepens. Twilight wraps its curtain ever more tightly around Mother Earth. Night eats up Day, ringing Silence lies in the fields and the gray Wind drives the silver of heaven through deserted streets.

On December 21, a horn will rumble from the West, and the Wild Hunt, led by Odin (Veles), will rush over the sleeping cities in a frantic gallop.

But Midnight will end, Dusk will tremble and the Solar God will be born. And, although Night still rules, the baby Day has already been born and will steadily grow and strengthen until the day of its victory and absolute triumph - Lita, the summer solstice.

The trees are still sleeping in crystal clothes, but under their icy fabric the Light has already arisen.

The ancient Slavic calendar was based on the phenomena of four seasonal hypostases of the pagan sun god - Kolyada - Yarilo - Kupaila - Svetovit, tied to four astronomical solar events of the year:
- the weak winter sun-baby Kolyada - is born renewed on the morning after the Night of the Winter Solstice,
- on the Day of the Spring Equinox, the young sun Yarilo turns into a stronger one,
- on the Day of the Summer Solstice, the husband of Kupail turns into the mighty sun,
- on the Day of the Autumn Equinox, he turns into the aging and weakening wise autumn sun-old man Svetovit, dying at sunset before the Night of the Winter Solstice, in order to be reborn the next morning as the renewed baby sun Kolyada, again gaining his solar power.

December 20 was the last day of autumn for the ancient Slavs, and December 21, the solstice - the day of the winter solstice, began Kolyaden - the first month of winter and the new year. On the same day, in accordance with natural rhythms, they celebrated the Christmas of Kolyada, the incarnation of one of the main Slavic gods Dazhdbog (Dazhbog, Dazhbog), who embodied the Sun. Celebration of Christmastide - Christmas and New Year, filled with fun, delicious food and magical rituals, stretched out among the ancient Slavs for 21 days, helping to while away the dark cold winter. On Christmastide they prepared kolivo, or sochivo - porridge with honey and raisins, and socheviki - sweet pies with cottage cheese and jam. The huts were decorated with dolls of the god Veles (the Slavic prototype of the modern Father Frost) and the Snow Maiden, and burning wheels were rolled on the streets and bonfires were lit to help the emerging winter sun. Carolers - young boys and girls - walked from house to house, singing carols (ritual songs with wishes for well-being) and receiving treats as a reward. On the first midnight of Kolyaden, the priests sacrificed a duck, a pig and other animals to Kolyaden; all this is present as a treat 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 for the family gathered together. It was believed that "as soon as you meet New Year, so you will spend it.

In the 16th century in Rus', an interesting ritual was associated with the winter solstice. The bell ringer of the Moscow Cathedral, who was responsible for striking the clock, came to bow to the Tsar. He reported that from now on the sun has turned to summer, the day is increasing, and the night is shortening. For this good news, the king rewarded the headman with money.

The ancient Slavs celebrated the pagan New Year on the day of the winter solstice; it was associated with the deity Kolyada. 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 pie - loaf - was also shaped like the sun.

The main symbolism was the fire of the fire, depicting and calling on the light of the sun, which was supposed to return after the longest night of the year. A lot of New Year's rituals were performed by children who depicted the new year. Children walked around the courtyards and sang so-called “carols” - magical spells for well-being in homes; carolers glorified the sun, light, thunderstorms and the earth, which should give birth to a new harvest. For this they were generously given gifts. Many pagan rituals of the New Year were preserved during the Christian era in Rus'.

The days of Christmastide were considered magical. People wondered about the future, trying to predict the harvest, wars, weddings... They remembered dead relatives, left them food and lit bonfires. They dressed up (dressed up) in the skins of real and mythical animals, evil spirits, and also tried on the clothes (and roles) of other people and people of the opposite sex. At this time, special powers were vested in the dark forces, which, according to legend, came especially close to the world of the living.

About navy forces, very strong on the longest night of the year, about Karachun

Let us remember that despite the birth of the new sun, the world at this time is largely ruled by the forces of Navya, so the predecessor of Santa Claus was Karachun.

He “Shorts” the passing year. It is closely connected with the celebration of the Winter Solstice, and Kolyada. The days of the Solstice have arrived, and with them one of the most amazing holidays - Karachun, the shortest day and the longest night. Gradually, in the popular consciousness, Karachun became close to Frost, who binds the earth with cold, as if plunging it into a mortal sleep. But Frost is simply the ruler of the winter cold and a more harmless image than the harsh Karachun. It was Frost who became the hero of folk tales, turning into Morozko, Moroz Ivanovich, Moroz the Red Nose, and then our beloved Father Frost appeared, in whose character the features of the fierce great-grandfather Karachun were significantly softened.

Winter's tale “Karachun”

When Winter came, the days began to shorten and the nights became longer and longer. The evil spirit Karachun sent his assistants to earth to find out when Winter would enter in full force, so that he could get free from the underworld and roam freely.

The first to go was the Connecting Bear, he turned into a snowstorm and began to wander through the forests, lifting snow and breaking trees. Well, when he returned, he said that it was still too early. The sun is still too bright and still warm, and the nights are too short. Karachun waited and waited and sent the Wolf in the second turn. The Wolf turned into a snowstorm, rushed howling through the fields and forests, and when he returned, he said that everything had not changed much. That the days are still too long and the Sun is too warm. Must wait. And Karachun endured until the longest night. He waited, flew out of his shelter, breathed in the harsh frost and went to do his business. All night long he rushed in a zealous frenzy through forests and fields, felled centuries-old spruce trees, covered roads with snowdrifts, killed every living thing that came across the way, but he couldn’t get to the people... They are in their huts, like in a fortress: with a warm stove - That! In the morning, with the first rays of the Sun, Karachun hurried home. And he sits in his dungeon, waiting for the next, longest and darkest night.

And when people wake up in the morning, they see: The sun is looking out at them, Frost is sparkling outside the window, snow has piled up to the roofs overnight!

“Here comes Karachun Zima! The Sun turned to Summer, and Winter turned to Frost,” people say.

Afterword

The days around the winter solstice are the most better days in a year when you can really change your destiny. That is, to be reborn in the same way as the Sun, to discard everything unnecessary and give rise to a new one.

Three days before December 21 and three after are energetically charged times. Strong streams of energy descend on the Earth.

Therefore, in the days preceding the winter solstice, it is favorable to get rid of everything unnecessary. This can be done mentally, but it is better to write on paper everything you want to get rid of and burn it. It is also beneficial to cleanse your home and yourself before this day, and find time to cleanse your thoughts. Wish happiness to your loved ones, family, friends - this is the simplest thing you can do these days.

After this, it is very favorable to make plans for the whole year (preferably written down in a notebook), make wishes, use intentions, and conduct meditations for yourself and for the whole Earth.

And on December 22nd in the morning, try to meet the sunrise and congratulate it on its birth, thank it for everything it gives us.

Above the horizon at noon is the minimum or maximum. There are two solstices in the 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 21 or 22, when the shortest day and longest night occur. The moment of the solstice shifts every year, since the length of the solar year does not coincide with calendar time.

This cult in Asia Minor was called the cult of Attis, in Syria - the cult of Adonis, in the lands of Rome - the cult of Dionysius, etc. With Dionysus in different time Mithra, Amun, Serapis, Liber were also identified.

In all these cults, the god-man was born on the same day - December 25th. Then he died and was subsequently resurrected.

December 25 is a date tied to the winter solstice, the day becomes longer than the night - a new sun is born. For example, for residents of the village of Polyarnye Zori, which is located on the Kola Peninsula at a latitude of 67.2 degrees north, in December the Sun seems to die for three days, and then appears to be resurrected.

God Mithra was called that way - the Invincible Sun. And in Ossetia they still celebrate their New Year on December 25, ArtKhuron, which means Fire Solntsevich.

The Christian religion is a parody of sun worship. They have replaced the sun with a man named Christ and worship him as they previously worshiped the sun.

Thomas Paine, writer, philosopher (1737-1809)

The Winter Solstice has been celebrated in most countries of the world since Neolithic times (5 thousand years BC), as evidenced by archaeological finds. Find out below what kind of holiday this is, what its traditions are, and how modern people can celebrate it.

Celebration traditions

Date of Winter Solstice - December 21-22. It is considered the astronomical beginning of winter. This is the shortest day of the year, after which the duration of daylight hours increases. In the opposite hemisphere of the Earth, the shortest night of the year and the Summer Solstice will occur at this time.

Thousands of years ago, the day of the Winter Solstice was revered among the pagans of the world. European peoples called the holiday Yule or Juul, the Romans called it Sol Invictus, and in Iran Yalda. In the past, the end of December was marked by the end of preparations for winter, and easier days began in everyday life.

The Romans, Greeks and Egyptians made sacrifices to the gods on December 21 so that they would return the Sun to the sky. In northern Europe they praised Odin, held noisy feasts, and sang songs. Scandinavians and Slavs considered bonfires, symbolizing the Sun, an important part of the celebration. The Mayans performed real performances similar to modern rope jumper performances.

With the advent of Christianity, Catholic Christmas was assigned to the date of Yule. The similarities between Yule and Christmas traditions are not at all accidental. Christian customs were compiled on the basis of pagan ones - the people did not want to part with their usual rituals. Festive spruce, mistletoe, gift-giving and a generous feast - all this existed in the pre-Christian period. The birth of the sun turned into the birthday of Jesus Christ.

The most famous mass modern folk festivals take place near Stonehenge. Thousands of people from all over the world gather every year to celebrate astronomical winter.

Yule cat - patron of the holiday

Yule cat

European pagans believed in the Yule cat - a not very friendly personification of the holiday. He is black, fluffy and huge, the size of a bull. The cat's eyes glow with yellow light, his claws are made of iron. Possibly Russian "Eshkin's cat" has something in common with the patron saint of the winter holiday.

The celebration lasted about two weeks, and all this time the Yule cat was busy hunting for idlers and breakers of traditions. According to legend, he will steal food from the table if the feast is not generous and cheerful enough. The cat also steals gifts intended for children who have behaved badly throughout the year. He is merciless towards those who harm domestic animals, especially cats.

Beliefs say that the Yule cat can steal a child from a family that neglects the traditions of the holiday. The holiday patron does not like those who celebrate Yule alone; he will punish or even kidnap.

New clothes are one of the holiday traditions. To protect themselves from the cat’s tricks, on Yule morning they bought new clothes, often made from red wool. It was supposed to be worn until the celebration was over. About those who celebrated Yule in old clothes, they said: “he put on the Yule cat.”

Winter Solstice Day among the Slavs - the customs of their ancestors

The eve of the winter holiday was named deity of winter and death Karachun. On the eve of the Solstice, winter takes over, and power over the world until spring belongs to the dark pagan gods. After the longest night of the year, a new sun is born in the form Kolyada, one of the forms of Dazhdbog. While he is young, the sun warms weakly, but by spring God will grow up, and sunlight there will be more.

The Solstice is followed by Veles days, which last until mid-January. Veles was associated with Santa Claus, his doll certainly decorated the pagan's house in winter period. Most likely, Christmas signs and customs were formed on the basis of the Veles days.

In the old days they believed that dark forces could prevent the solar deity from being reborn, and they helped him in every possible way. Therefore, an important attribute of the Slavic holiday of the Winter Solstice was a large bonfire, as a symbol of the sun. It was bred from oak and pine logs before sunrise. At night they told fortunes and caroled, which later became part of Yuletide Traditions.

The celebration began at dawn. After greeting rising sun, our ancestors held noisy feasts with songs and games, danced in circles, jumped over fires to cleanse themselves from negative energy. Dishes of wild boar, pork and other meats were obligatory elements of the feast. Uzvars, nuts and pastries were served on the table.

While honoring the Sun, they did not forget about the forest gods. Offerings were left for them - uzvars and round-shaped ritual pastries, which, again, represented the newborn Sun. Treats were also given to deceased relatives.

Signs and traditions for the Winter Solstice holiday

Fire is one of the most important attributes of Yule. But at the end of December the weather is rarely conducive to outdoor picnics. It's nice if you have a stove or fireplace. Otherwise, use candles. They prefer red, orange and other fiery shades. You can symbolically burn several branches of oak or pine. As you light the fire, say:

The fire burns - it saves the family from harm, the flame plays - it drives away evil spirits.

Greeting the Sun with lights is another ancient holiday tradition. There is plenty of room for imagination here. You can leave burning candles near the east window, or go out into the field with sparklers. A prerequisite is to do it at dawn.

Pork dishes were mandatory elements of the feast in most countries celebrating Yule. This is a reflection of the custom of taking oaths on a boar's head on this day. Support this delicious tradition, and luck will be on your side all year long.

Dress up the fir tree, decorate the house with garlands and branches of evergreens. Ancient pagan traditions are not so far from those observed by the majority modern people. Once upon a time christmas tree called the Yule tree. Even making wishes comes from Yule traditions. But on December 21-22 this is done not at midnight, but at dawn, looking at the awakening daylight.

Buying gifts is an important part of any holiday. According to signs, the one who pleases other people's children with toys and sweets will soon have a new addition to the family. New clothes will also come in handy for you to protect yourself from the Yule Cat.

There is an ancient tradition of the winter holiday - to plant any indoor flowers. For each flower you can make a wish. If it withers, it won’t come true. Cut cherry branches are placed in vases. Their flowering will decorate and fill the house with a subtle aroma.

In pagan times, it was customary to predict fate on the Winter Solstice. Try to find out what the future holds using maps, water, paper and other tools. Can "overhear" your future. Go outside at night and listen to random passersby. Their words will tell you what to expect from fate. During the day, it’s also worth taking a closer look at passers-by. Happy couples often meet - good luck in love. Have you witnessed a theft or fight? Be vigilant, spirits warn of problems.

A new beginning on the Winter Solstice is a good sign. Any business will be successful. Yule is the right time for serious deals, marriage proposals, and job searches. The proposals voiced on this day can be accepted without doubt. Declarations of love on the Winter Solstice lead to happy marriages.

Dreams seen during the period from the eve of the holiday to the end of the Veles days are prophetic. Before going to bed, you can think about a certain problem, then your dreams will suggest a solution. But remembering and interpreting them will be more difficult than usual.

In Spain, they believe that walking around the house with a suitcase attracts travel opportunities. If you don’t have enough money, free time or energy for your dream tour, try this simple ritual for the Winter Solstice - it works well.

If you believe winter signs, what the weather was like on December 21-22, this will be the case for the New Year. Frost portends a good grain harvest, wind means there will be a lot of pears and apples in the summer. Rain - for a warm but rainy spring.

Yule rites and rituals

In the old days, mummers went from house to house and sang hymns dedicated to Kolyada, the god of the winter Sun. They danced around sick people so that healing would come faster. IN modern world The ritual can be carried out only in a circle of like-minded people. But you can sing the hymn to Kolyada at home, alone. Its purpose is to pay homage to the Sun. Read when you light candles in honor of the daylight:

Bose Kolyada!
Glorious and Trislaven be you!
Thank you,
for your gracious help to our Childbirth!
And may You be our intercessor in all our deeds,
now and ever and from Circle to Circle!
So be it, so be it, so be it!

Worshiped at the Winter Solstice deceased relatives, but they do this only after sunset. Treats for them should be left at the place of death. Offerings are left at crossroads for the missing. Choose the deceased’s favorite dishes or what was cooked on festive table on this day. Leave a candle or lamp near the treat. In your own words, invite the deceased to have a meal, ask him not to harm you and your family, and to help the living as much as possible. After that, go home without looking back.

Spells for the Winter Solstice

The energy of the birthing Sun contributes to the practice of magic. December 21-22 is a favorable time for any positive witchcraft. Meditation and other spiritual practices will have a greater effect than at other times. Witches, sorcerers, and esotericists do not miss such a powerful time as the day of the Winter Solstice.

The simplest holiday ritual is writing lists. At dawn, take two sheets of paper. On one write down what you would like to get rid of. You need to burn this list, imagining how the negativity leaves your life. On the second sheet, describe what you would like to receive. It must be stored for a year away from prying eyes, and then burned. You can cross out items that have already been accomplished, add new ones, and adjust the list in other ways.

Cleansing the Family

Goddess mother

Magical work to improve the situation with Rod works best during the Winter Solstice. One of these conspiracies is addressed to Mother Goddess- the female archetype, which in one form or another is present in all religions of the world. It is read at home on the eve of the holiday, with a lit candle:

Take off, Mother Goddess, with your own hands, what is tangled on the roots of the ancestral, what is imposed on the roots of evil, what is said with evil lips, what is broken in ignorance of the unclean. Truly so!

Put out the candle with your fingers. At night, after the shortest day of the year, light it again and say:

The world will get along well and the fate of my family will be improved! Let it be so!

This time the candle should burn out completely. This conspiracy removes negativity from all relatives: evil eyes, curses and other unpleasant magical programs.

Wish come true

In order to fulfill a wish with the help of the magic of the Yule night, you will need 6 ribbons 2-3 meters long. Take the colors that suit your desire. For example, gold, silver and green are for money. Pink, red and white - for desires about personal life. Yellow, purple and orange represent creativity and good luck in learning.

Light a white candle. Tie the ribbons into a knot, saying your wish out loud. Weave a braid from ribbons, while simultaneously holding what you want in your mind’s eye and reading the plot:

On Yule night, by candlelight, my destiny trudges along. I weave ribbons - I call on fate: I weave exactly - I will bring you to life (your desire in one phrase).

Repeat the spell all the time while you are braiding your hair. At its tip, tie a knot with the following words:

May what I say come true! I conjure my Fate!

Place a braid of ribbons around the candle, leaving the last one to burn out. When the flame goes out, hide the braid in a secluded place. It must not fall into the wrong hands, otherwise the wish will not come true. When you get what you want, the scythe should be burned with gratitude to the Higher Powers.

How to cast an amulet on Yule

It has long been made for the Winter Solstice protective amulets and talismans. You should buy them on the same day, preferably in the morning. You can make a talisman yourself, it can be a pendant or ring, a bag of herbs or a regular pin. Listen to your intuition, it will not let you down. The plot goes like this:

Protect me from the evil eye, so that I do not know refusal, protect me from sidelong glances and from the damage of evil rituals.

After reading it, put on the amulet and keep it with you always. Repeat the spell every year.

Winter Solstice is one of eight pagan days of power a year, when the energy of the Earth and the Sun is especially strong. At this time, one should honor the ancient gods and express respect for the ancestors and their traditions. In the old days, they believed that those who observed holiday traditions were lucky in literally everything.

Whether we like it or not, everyone participates in all processes occurring in the Universe. Everything that happens affects everyone. That is why it is so important to live in harmony with the rhythm of the Universe. This is one of the most important conditions healthy life, prosperity.

Holidays, depending on the time when they occur, have different meanings, but all these days are mystical, they are intended for spiritual work. These are the best days for spiritual practices, meditation, prayer. They are not meant for worldly affairs. It is no coincidence that the ancient sages prescribed certain rituals on these days.

The sages divide the year into two halves - the divine day and the divine night. The period from the winter solstice (December 21-22) to the summer solstice (June 21-22) is day, and the period from the summer solstice to the winter is night. The beginning of each of these periods is marked by a holiday and calendar ritual actions.

The sun is revered and deified by all nations. Solstice days were used to improve the quality of life; it was the starting point of a new life. The days of the equinoxes are also important - these are the most important astronomical events, special energetic times, these are the central points connecting the earth's seasons.

Winter solstice, solstice.

2016: Winter Solstice begins on December 21, 2016 at 10:45 UTC or 13:45 Moscow time, when the Sun enters 0° of the zodiac sign Capricorn

Winter solstice, solstice, one of the most important, special days of the year. Starting from this day, daylight hours increase and night decreases. On this day, the height of the sun in the sky is the lowest. From this day the Sun begins its northern path of growth. At this time, the Earth is at its smallest distance from the Sun. Life on Earth largely depends on the Sun, so the Earth’s approach and distance from the Sun are the most important astronomical events.

The moment of solstice is a critical moment of transition. About 3 days before and after the solstice, the Earth receives a huge flow of creative energy; this is a magical, sacred time of transition. Like any time of transition, it is intended for spiritual practices. It is believed that this time is not for material matters. It greatly promotes God-centeredness, not self-centeredness. The winter solstice marks the beginning of the astronomical new year. This is a holiday of rebirth, the birth of a new sun.

From this moment a new cycle of time begins. The moment of the solstice, the end of long nights - this is the mystery of the birth of a new one, renewal, rebirth, the transition from an old life to a new one. This is the mystery of renewal, the day of laying hopes, a solid foundation for a bright future.
This is both death and resurrection, the mystery of the rebirth of old age into youth.

During this energetically special, charged time, you can burn your sins, change your destiny, and be reborn, just as the renewed Sun is born again.

In the coming days before the solstice, it is favorable to get rid of everything that is outdated, disturbing, unnecessary (both in the house and in terms of personality, habits, relationships, etc.). It would be good to let go of grievances, leave quarrels, resolve conflicts, make donations favorably, and pay off debts. IN new life It's better to go in light.

With gratitude to God, with pure thoughts, pure intentions and wishes for happiness.
And in a clean place (you first need to clean the area, get rid of trash, debris and dust on the physical plane as well). It is very favorable to light lamps and incense.

The night before this day is the longest of the year. This is a dark, feminine, magical time. This night opens the door to a new life. It’s good to sum up the past year and thank God for everything He gives. It is important to free yourself from worries, anxieties and enter a new life in a harmonious state.

At this time, together with the sun, all living things begin their path of growth and ascension. It is very important to be God-centered, to step away from the bustle, and turn inward.

Prayer and meditation at this time will have tremendous power, as well as your good intentions and goals for the future. The rhythms of the Universe at this time greatly contribute to this. The power of the regenerating Sun, the powerful energy of creation will fill them.

It is auspicious to meet the sunrise, express your respect to it, congratulate it on its birth, and thank it for its gifts. It is important to feel this transitional sacred period, the turn from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, from death to immortality. If you do this consciously (discard the negative, the outdated and create the intention to acquire the bright), then there really is a bright path of revival and growth ahead.

At this time, the sky opens, strong flows of energy flow to the Earth. This is a time of Hope and Opportunity. It is very important to use it for your growth and improvement. This is a time of meditation, prayer, a time of good intention. Is it worth missing out on this chance?

This is a great time to improve, change what needs changing; get rid of what gets in the way; lay a solid foundation for growth.

This day is celebrated in the culture of every nation. An indispensable attribute of the holiday is fire - these are candles, lamps, bonfires.

In the Slavic tradition, Christmastide was celebrated.

Like the ancient Slavs, the inhabitants of central and northern Europe performed symbolic actions with fire during the winter solstice, celebrating Yule.

In the Zoroastrian tradition, these days celebrate the Festival of Mithras. Mithra is the God of justice, the all-seeing eye of Asha (Truth). Mitra is associated with the Sun, monitors the observance of dharma and order. On this day, 21 candles are lit.

In Holland they celebrate St. Thomas's Day. This is the last day of classes before the Christmas holidays. On this day, it is very important not to be the last to arrive at school, otherwise they will be teased as “sleepy Thomas.” On this special day, even children should not sleep long

Source: chela.ru

The winter solstice is a good time for those who are engaged in spiritual self-development, it inspires the opening of spiritual spaces and reveals past lives.
During the Night of Svarog - the darkest time of the year - a gap opens between the worlds. This allows creatures to move freely in and out of our world. Although the most severe cold is still ahead (and they are needed to crystallize the intention laid down these days), the middle of Winter falls precisely in this period. Three days are especially important during this period.

On the day of the Winter Solstice, you can tell fortunes in any way, using both ancient fortune-telling with the help of various objects, runes, and fortune-telling on various symbolic and metaphorical cards (Tarot).

I will tell you about three Nights dedicated to the Goddesses of Fate. So..

Night of December 20 - Mother of the past.

Night of the Crone Goddess. At this time, it is necessary to perform all cleansing rituals. Rituals and rituals aimed at cleansing and protecting the Family also work flawlessly. And also the day of Thanksgiving to the Gods of house spirits for their help.

December 21 - Night of the Mother Goddess. This is the Goddess of Becoming.

At this time, a cycle of harmonious connection of events in your destiny should be established. For example, weaving fate from three threads. This is the time when both guests from the underworld and guests from the world of the Gods descend into the Middle Human World. In order not to offend the spirits, these days it is not customary to refuse hospitality to anyone - any traveler will receive a table and lodging for the night.

December 22. The night after the birth of the sun.

This is the night of the Goddess of the Future. Here you lay down what is about to happen to you. This is the night when you make wishes. You can also return luck and prosperity to your entire Family.

Light a candle in honor of the Goddess of the Past on the night of December 20. And Ask her to cleanse your ancestral roots from negativity like this: " Take off, Mother Goddess, with your own hands, what is tangled on the roots of the ancestral roots, what is imposed on the roots of evil, what is said through unkind lips, what is broken in ignorance of the unclean. Truly so!"After reading the plot, put out the candle with your fingers.

On the Night of December 21 light the second candle. Tell: “The world will get along well and the fate of my family will be adjusted! So be it!” Put out the candle.

Here you need to make a Vow. That is, you promise to do something for the benefit of the Family. The vow can be anything. Don't drink alcohol on New Year's Eve, give up candy for 10 days, do something that you keep putting off until later...

You just need to think carefully about the vow you want to make, so as not to break it under any circumstances. After making a vow, say “For the Good of the Family!”
Before dawn, take three candles and twist them into one clockwise. As soon as the edge of the solar disk appears in the sky, light a candle and read repeatedly.

Spiridon-Solstice! Turn the sun to summer, and the roads of my Family for the good, Strengthen the Family Tree on a short day. When the red sun rises in the sky, when the small hour crosses the sky from sunrise to sunset. Strengthen Spyridon on my Tree, roots at dawn, branches at zenith, fruits at sunset. Strengthen, Spiridon-solstice, from this prayer, from the word of the spell, the high, noble Tree of my Family on high thresholds, on wide roads. It is good for the family to prosper, and for all relatives to live in height and honor. Walk along wide roads, put the profit in your wallet. Luck is laid on my Tree, luck is laid on the roots and fruits from this hour to forever. Truly!
The plot should be read repeatedly until the candle in your hands burns out.

Darina Oleynik

Astrology

The astrological transition of the Sun into the sign of Capricorn will occur on December 21, 2016 at 10:45 UTC or 13:45 Moscow time. Capricorn is a sign closely associated with career prospects, unapproachable heights, long-term prospects, ascetics and directors.

Capricorn jumps along steep cliffs, not at all embarrassed by gorges, landslides, or the lack of a direct road to the goal. Capricorn is perhaps the most vigorous hybrid of a materialist and an idealist in the entire Zodiac. All material planes all jumps from cliff to cliff must have a specific idea behind them, which warms Capricorn.

So these days we need to find between the material and the spiritual. You should not focus only on the ideal component of your projects, that is, dreams. You can’t throw yourself into monetization and making a profit and lose sight of your dream.
If you plan projects for the next year, then take into account pragmatic earthly sentiments - with a financial plan and clear steps to achieve. This is not a reason to deny yourself a dream. It is only important to understand the first step you will take to achieve it. And do it after the Solstice.)))

This solstice can have a transformative effect on people whose significant chart indicators are in the third decade of mutable signs (Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Pisces). Now their fate may change track. It is especially important for them to be conscious and honest with themselves and others so that the turnaround turns out to be for the good.