The Winter Solstice is just around the corner on Dec. 21.
The word solstice comes from Latin and is translated to mean “sun stands still.” The solstice occurs at the same time all over the world, winter in the northern Hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere.
It was a mystery in ancient times, but today we understand that this astronomical event is caused by the tilt of the Earth and its motion in orbit around the sun. What we know best about the winter solstice is that it is the shortest day of the year, and daylight increases gradually starting the next day. This is good news if you are one of those people who dread the dark days of winter.
This was a time for celebration for our ancestors, who considered this day to be a spiritual time as well as practical. It was believed that the fertility of crops, the livelihood of livestock and the health of people were dependent on observing solstice rituals.
Today, solstice celebrations continue around the globe with food, nature and setting intentions for the coming season and New Year.
Since winter is a quieter time of year, it is a good time to do some self-reflection for inner growth and peace. Consider writing down any dark thoughts, such as sadness or hurts, that you are feeling. Then tear the paper into small pieces and throw them away or burn them. Once you release that darkness, you will feel lighter and freer.
Next, take time to write down your intentions for the year ahead. These intentions may be a habit, thing or idea you want to make a part of your life. Writing down your intentions helps to make them happen.
Winter solstice celebrations often include music, dancing, storytelling, hiking, yoga and meditation. No celebration is complete without food. Traditional winter solstice foods have an emphasis on nature, like nuts, berries, spices, squash, potatoes and meat.
Here are some recipes to consider for your family winter solstice celebration this year. Try this simple Heart Healthy Harvest Beef Stew from the American Heart Association that you cook in a slow cooker: recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/slow-cooker-harvest-beef-stew.
A delicious, creamy roasted butternut squash soup brings out the natural sweetness of roasted veggies with a bit of spice and is easy to make with only 10 ingredients: minimalistbaker.com/roasted-butternut-squash-soup. Serve your soup with this beautiful, colorful warm salad made with roasted Brussels sprouts: allrecipes.com/recipe/230055/warm-brussels-sprout-salad-with-hazelnuts-and-cranberries.
The orange is a common symbol for the return of the sun, so try these juicy orange slices drizzled with homemade caramel sauce: eatwell101.com/caramelized-oranges-recipe.
One of the oldest traditions of the winter solstice is candlelight, which symbolizes the suns’ return in a few months. Many choose not to use electricity on this night, so consider eating your winter solstice meal by candlelight after the sun goes down.
Lisa McCoy is an Extension educator, specializing in Family and Consumer Sciences, for the University of Maryland Extension. She is based in Washington County. She can be reached at 301-791-1504, ext. 315, or by email at lmccoy@umd.edu.
