Winter Solstice, 2015

 

Today is the shortest day of the year, and every day until Summer Solstice will be longer. The Ancients in almost every European and Asian culture celebrated light in some way, at this time of year. In legends, this is when the Goddess gave birth to the Sun God, or the God of Light. Gifts, holiday trees, parties, and food all date back to our pre-christian roots. Happy Winter Solstice, everyone!

Between Mabon and Samhain

Back in the day, before the retail industry owned most of our holidays and before corporations had become "people", (could a presidential candidate have chosen anything stupider to say?) it was customary among European Pagans to give gifts of homemade food to relatives and friends on Winter Solstice. At that time of year in the northern hemisphere, harvest had been completed and Nature was at a loll, in between seasons. Food was a highly appreciated gift. The process of canning, of course, had not been invented, but our Ancestors dried herbs, brewed wine, distilled spirits, and baked. In fact, dried herbs and teas were the traditional ways everyone got enough folic acid during the winter.

The time between Mabon and Samhain is a very busy season for any type of agriculture, but the Ancients probably never had time to spare as the days got shorter, and Halloween, the last holy day of the year, got closer. The Goddess has blessed this Witch with a great garden and lots of creative ideas, and this year, the retail industry will have one less customer for Winter Solstice gift giving. Blessed Be!

Last Minute Shopping?

Holiday Shopping? Don't do this:
 

Do this instead:

 

Before the retail industry dictated our holiday celebrations, food was a traditional Winter Solstice gift. Especially prepared from scratch.

 

Have A Great Lammas!

 

The foods you pickle, preserve, and can make the best Winter solstice gifts later on!