THE WINTER SOLSTICE
The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, December 21st. The ancient people believed that there were evil spirits during the dark days of winter. They would start a fire, and boil water. Then they would put coals from the fire into the water and wash their hands in it. They believed it would keep evil spirits away.
People also celebrated the Winter Solstice by building huge bonfires! They had big feasts and gave presents to their children. They put coins in chocolate pudding for their children to find. Some people tied apples on their tree, and hung mistletoe on their altars where they prayed. They prayed a lot, they wanted the sun to come back really bad.
At the big feasts men were the only ones to eat at the tables. The girls had to make the food. They ate wild pigs that had fruit in their mouths.
Today people put up trees, turn on the lights and enjoy a cup of warm cocoa. They know that the sun isn’t gone, it’s just not rising as high in the sky, which gives us longer nights and shorter days.
By Connor and Dom
Hi Connor and Dom,
ReplyDeleteThat was really fascinating! What a cool topic. I really liked your descriptions of the festivals and how much they prayed. Maybe you should go into the Winter Solstice itself a little bit more though, I'm not exactly sure what it is exactly. You should also mention why they celebrate it! It doesn't sound very great by the way you described it.
Good work, you two! I can't wait to conference.
- Cassie