We’re celebrating the first day of winter on the Winter Solstice. It’s the shortest day and longest night of the year in 2021! We’ve got some fun facts about the history of this seasonal event, ways to celebrate it at home, and interesting events all day long around the New York City Metro Area.
What is the Winter Solstice: Fun Facts About Today
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The Winter Solstice on Tuesday December 21st at 10:59 EST in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the shortest day and longest night of 2021.
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The word Solstice is based in Latin, combining the word for sun (sol) and word for standing (stit) as in “the sun stands still.”
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Ancient Romans celebrated the agricultural god of Saturn at the Midwinter Festival of Saturnalia.
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The days get colder following the Winter Solstice, contrary to the fact that the days get longer and it stays lighter each day.
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December 25th is the Yuletide celebration, inspired by the Sun Day, where people would burn a tree to celebrate the return of the sun and longer days.
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The Winter Solstice in China is celebrated as the Dongzhi Festival, a lucky day when the sun is more active, the past is gone, and hope is on the horizon. Traditional foods consumed are dumplings or glutinous rice balls.
How To Celebrate Solstice At Home
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Make some Yuletide “wassail” which is a festive warm drink with mulled spices consisting of: 2qts apple cider, 1.5 cups of orange juice, ¾ cup pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. You can also add a splash of Rum or Whisky if you wish!
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Make a list of reflections to reflect upon, release, and let go. Honor the things you need to let go by writing them on a paper with your loved ones, and when everyone’s finished you can throw them onto the Yule Log. It symbolizes darkness moving into light, by letting go of negativity and setting positive intent. Speak your new positive intentions aloud.
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Make some Orange Pomanders with your family. Take small, firm oranges and whole cloves to create this craft. You may use a sharp knife or citrus zester to create patterns on the orange skin (save the peel for your wassail or baking!) Poke the cloves into the orange in pretty patterns (you can use a toothpick or chopstick to pre-make the holes for little ones!.) They make a gorgeous holiday gathering centerpiece, or temporary ornament for live Christmas trees.
Celebrating the Solstice In NY and NJ At Special Events Today
Enjoy a Solstice Hootenanny at Carl Schurz Park in New York from 1PM to 2:30PM.
This afternoon at the Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center in the Bronx from 1PM to 2PM with Senior Horticultural Interpreter Jess Brey, for a special winter time tour.
From 5PM to 6PM at Van Cortlandt Nature Center in the Bronx, you can come and join a Winter Solstice Hike and Campfire in the Bronx.
From 5PM to 7PM at Uptown Grand Central Plaza in New York, enjoy the Harlem Solstice Jam’s “Make Music New York” celebration.
From 6:30PM to 8PM, join an online only Winter Solstice Ritual Celebration course for $40.
From 6PM to 7:30PM at Sunset Park Recreation Center in Brooklyn for a Winter Solstice Drum Circle and Jam.
From 6:30PM to 8PM in Lyndhurst, NJ head over to Jyoti Yoga & Healing and Winter Solstice Sound Healing Ceremony.
On December 24th at 8PM until 10PM at the Art Factory Studios in Paterson, come out for the CRO’s Winter Solstice.
