The winter solstice is an important moment of the annual cycle as far back as the Neolithic period (New Stone Age). Astronomical events like the winter and summer solstices were used to guide farming activities, such as mating animals, sowing crops and monitoring winter food stocks.
The winter solstice also signals a reduction in daylight hours, which can be hard for some, but others embrace it, with a nod to evolution. Our bodies have physiologically evolved to the seasons and as winter approaches our metabolism decreases. This makes us less energetic and naturally slows us down. The longer periods of darkness and shadows also give the opportunity to experience senses other than light more profoundly.
Being blessed by multiple senses, we can also appreciate texture, touch, taste, sound and scent. The winter months are a great time to enhance experiences through those senses.
A good example is in Scandinavian culture, people believed that evergreen trees were filled with good spirits, they stayed green during the winter and provided a wonderful scent when brought into the home.
What makes sense about these scents and the tradition of bringing them in the home are that evergreen trees are good for our physical and mental health. They produce phytoncides that help protect them from insects and bacteria. Phytoncides also help with the human immune system. Evergreen trees produce the most of all trees.
Winter solstice and winter in general is a time to seek comfort and warmth. Fire is comforting, beautiful and mesmerizing to watch. Medicines can be added to the fire, like sage or cedar. You can sit around a fire; you can cook over a fire and connect with story telling and songs. A great way to bring light and wellness to the dark.
Editor’s Tip: It's thought light may improve Seasonal Affective Disorder by encouraging your brain to reduce the production of melatonin (a hormone that makes you sleepy) and increase the production of serotonin (a hormone that affects your mood).
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