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
Melissa’s comment’s for Connor:
ReplyDeleteThis was a really great piece, Connor! I know it isn’t easy writing essays, but you did a great job. It was interesting and informative! You really developed and explained the topic, and the organization is spot on. I like how you compared what they did then for Winter Solstice, to what people do now, that was neat!
It was kind of confusing when you said “ancient people”, so you could say which ancient people, by explaining who are they, and where they lived. Also, did the girls eat at all, or was it just the men that ate the food? One more thing, when you said, “They prayed a lot, they wanted the sun to come back really bad.”, you could add a word in between the comma and they, to make the sentence flow more, a because for example.
But other than that it was really good, and I can tell because when I started reading, I didn’t want to stop! You’re a really good writer Connor, and I’m excited to read your next piece!
See you soon on Skype,
Melissa