In the Northern Hemisphere, tomorrow is the Winter Solstice. Quartz reminds us, “The day marks the beginning of winter for the northern hemisphere when the sun’s rays are directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, the southernmost latitude (23.5° S) where the sun can be directly overhead. The winter solstice will happen this year at 4:28pm GMT. (In New York, it will take place around 11am, and around midnight in Hong Kong on Dec. 22.)”
There are many ways of celebrating this time of year, including Yule, Christmas, dong zhi, Touji, Kwanzaa, and Saturnalia. Saturnalia was the ancient Roman feast of the god Saturn, originally celebrated on December 17, but later extended to three days and then to seven. The people of Rome suspended all work and business, feasted, drank, threw moral caution to the wind, and even swapped roles with their slaves. Io Saturnalia!
Following Hadrian: A Taste of Ancient Rome — A Saturnalia Feast!
Saturnalia: The Holiday You’ve Never Heard Of
Did the Romans Invent Christmas?
Pictures from Chester’s Saturnalia and Winter Watch Parades
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The Science and Sociality of Solstice
How People Around the World Celebrate the Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice 2017: Things To Know About Pagan Yule Celebrations And Rituals
Hold the cream and sugar: Dunkin’ Donuts beer marks winter solstice
