How will you celebrate December 21st?

From: Vivobarefoot - Tuesday Dec 21,2021 01:36 pm

December 21st is the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. We’re wishing the Vivo family greetings for the day - Happy Yule, Yuletide or Yulefest!

Traditionally, this is the time our ancestors celebrated the shortest day – the ‘rebirth of the Sun’ - letting go of the old and welcoming new light as the days start to lengthen once again.

The word, ‘Yule’ has been linked to the Old English word, geõla, the Old Norse word jõl, a pagan festival celebrated at the winter solstice, or the Anglo-Saxon word for the festival of the Winter Solstice, 'Iul' meaning 'wheel'. The Celtic priests – Druids – began the tradition of the Yule Log (now more commonly seen in the chocolate version on festive tables). The Celts believed the sun stood still for 12 days – so logs were prepared to burn through the period, banishing evil spirits and bringing luck.

Does the winter solstice feature in your calendar? The hardiest barefooters might choose to meet winter head on by trying cold water swimming (please - only in an organised group), or camping out overnight to be there to witness the longest winter night. The latest research on cold water immersion indicates it can improve our immune response and promote feelings of wellbeing.

But we can also take time to mark the turning of the seasonal wheel – through being mindful back inside.

Here’s some ways you might celebrate:

• Make a solstice candle. Candle kits are widely available. You could go colourful, or add warming oils like clove or cinnamon.

• Create a winter mandala or collage – you might forage for materials on a winter walk.

• Make ornaments from paper and card – and ‘bless a tree’ – our ancestors gave thanks to the gods of old by leaving gifts in the forest (if you do this, make sure to use materials that won’t litter and don’t contain plastics – like glitter).

Or maybe you’ll find time just to take 5 minutes to pause and reflect on the turning of our amazing earth.