While shorter days and drearier winter weather conditions may mean that we aren’t engaging in as many outings as usual, we can actually use this time to get more introspective and focus on our personal goals. Knowing the spiritual meaning of the winter solstice can help you take advantage of the powerful and reflective energy of this special date. While fewer hours of sunlight and an impending several months’ worth of cold weather may not feel like something worth celebrating to some of us, the winter solstice is actually considered an extremely significant day in many different cultures and spiritual practices, including astrology. LaPier does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice (which usually takes place on December 21 or 22) always marks the longest night of the year, the shortest day of the year, and the beginning of the winter season. Why Native Americans do not separate religion from science Why Native Americans struggle to protect their sacred places Mexican Mennonites combat fears of violence with a new Christmas tradition This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Or as the Zuni Pueblo’s rituals for all peoples of the earth demonstrate – of an ancient understanding of the interconnectedness of the world. Today, my family still spends the darkest days of winter playing card games and attending the local community dances, much like my grandmother did.Īlthough some winter solstice traditions have changed over time, they are still a reminder of indigenous peoples understanding of the intricate workings of the solar system. The dances held at the time of the solstice were moved to Christmas Day or to New Year’s Eve. Later, in my own research, I learned that the Blackfeet moved their dances and ceremonies during the early reservation years from times on their religious calendar to times acceptable to the U.S. She remembered that each community held their own gatherings, with unique drumming, singing and dance styles. As a child, my grandmother enjoyed attending community dances at the time of the winter solstice. Instead the Blackfeet viewed the time of the winter solstice as a time for games and community dances. They rarely held large religious gatherings in the winter.
#WINTER SOULSTICE PORTABLE#
They also faced their tipis – or portable conical tents – east toward the rising sun. They marked the time of the winter solstice and the “return” of the sun or “Naatosi” on its annual journey.
The Blackfeet tribe in Montana, where I am a member, historically kept a calendar of astronomical events. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t find other ways to celebrate. Not all indigenous peoples ritualized the winter solstice with a ceremony. These men carry the Zuni prayers for rain “to all the corners of the earth.” The Zuni deities are believed to provide “blessings” and “balance” for the coming seasons and agricultural year.Īs religion scholar Tisa Wenger writes, “The Zuni believe their ceremonies are necessary not just for the well-being of the tribe but for "the entire world.” Winter games The Zuni are intensely private, and most events are not for public viewing.īut what is shared with the public is near the end of the ceremony, when six Zuni men dress up and embody the spirit of giant bird deities. The days for the celebration are selected by the religious leaders. At the time of the winter solstice they hold a multiday celebration, known as the Shalako festival.