Holiday

A Quick History on Winter Solstice

by at

According to National Geographic Kids, Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the exact moment that the Earth is tilted the furthest away from the Sun, usually occurring on the 21st or 22nd of December. This year, the Winter Solstice lands on December 21st. Everyday after the 21st, the days will get a little longer.

 

Beyond the scientific side of the Winter Solstice, there are many cultural and religious traditions that surround this phenomena. According to Britannica, since ancient times, across the world people have recognized the significance of this astronomical occurrence in their own unique ways. Typically, most celebrate the return of the Sun after the Solstice. Solstice celebrations of the past have influenced the modern day holidays we know today, like Christmas and Hanukkah. Check out this list of traditional Solstice holidays, as we celebrate the Winter Solstice as we know it today.

 

Dong Zhi – “arrival of winter”

A tradition that emerges from China, Dong Zhi is an important festival in China. It serves as a way for families to come together and celebrate the previous year. Generally, the holiday falls between the 21st and 23rd of December. It originated as an end of harvest festival, with the farmers returning from the fields and enjoying the fruits of their labor. To learn more about Dong Zhi, visit https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/winter-solstice.htm.

 

St. Lucia’s Day

This festival of lights is celebrated in Scandinavia during the time of the Winter Solstice. Modernly, it is a Christian celebration that honors the martyr St. Lucia that incorporates Norce solstice traditions. To learn more about St. Lucia’s Day, visit https://www.britannica.com/topic/St-Lucias-Day.

 

Yalda

A Perisian festival, also known as Shab-e Yalda, originated in Iran during ancient times as a Winter Solstice Celebration. It marks the last day of the Persian month Azar. It celebrates the victory of light over dark, as well as the birthday of the Sun God Mithra. To learn more about Yalda, visit https://iraneducationalcenter.org/yalda-celebration/.

 

Soyal 

A Winter Solstice celebration of the Hopi Native Americans of northern Arizona, welcomes kachinas, which are spirits that the Hopi believe to be protective spirits from the mountains. To learn more about Soyal, visit https://wilderutopia.com/traditions/soyal-ceremony-hopi-kachinas-dance-at-winter-solstice/.

 

There are many more Winter Solstice celebrations across the globe, and they are not limited to this list. Learning about the different cultures, traditions, and values surrounding the Winter Solstice can make December 21st even more special. To learn more about Winter Solstice traditions, visit, https://www.history.com/news/8-winter-solstice-celebrations-around-the-world.

 

Adapted from:

https://www.britannica.com/list/7-winter-solstice-celebrations-from-around-the-world 

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/winter-solstice

8 Winter Activites for Ohio Families

by at

OHIO WINTER ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

Thanksgiving Break has passed and kids are on the downhill slope before Winter Break. Are you wondering what kind of opportunities Ohio has to offer to make this winter special for you and your family? Look no further than this list of Ohio winter activities for your family!

 

Mad River Mountain; Zanesfield, OH

“Located in Central Ohio, Mad River Mtn is Ohio’s largest ski resort and the perfect place to learn to ski.”

“Explore our expansive terrain offering, enjoy The Loft Music Series & après, indulge in a Buckeye S’more (free on Sundays!), or visit our family-friend bubly Tubing Park. Your winter staycation starts here, at Mad River Mtn.”

Learn more: https://www.skimadriver.com/ 

 

Woodland Lights; Dayton, OH

“Woodland Lights offers a fantasy land of holiday lights and displays along the half-mile paved path. The month-long festival has more lights, more vignettes, and the same winter whimsy that enchants thousands of visitors each year.”

Learn More: https://www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/woodland_lights/about_woodland_lights 

 

A Christmas Story House; Cleveland, OH

“A Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours and overnight stays. Directly across the street from the House is A Christmas Story Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. After reliving the movie at Ralphie’s house don’t forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia. You can even shop through our online gift shop here. Proceeds from the gift shop and overnight stays help support and maintain A Christmas Story House & Museum”

Learn More: https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/ 

 

The Christmas Ranch; Morrow, OH

“Christmas is about making memories, and The Christmas Ranch is the perfect place to add that special touch to your holiday season. The lights, the music and the bonfires combine to create a place that is fun for every member of your family. But there is so much more to see and do! We have created a special place for Christmas celebrations in Morrow, Ohio. When you visit us, make sure you take some time to enjoy everything we have to offer! Visit our Christmas shops for gifts, decorations and mementos that you will treasure and pass down through your family! Watch your children’s eyes light up as they take in the lights, and tell Santa what they want for Christmas this year. Enjoy a treat made especially for you by Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Bakery and Cafe! There are so many ways to make this season bright!”

Learn More: https://www.thechristmasranch.com/ 

 

Winter Solstice Hike; Burr Oak State Park

“Join the naturalist for a 1.5-mile hike to enjoy evergreen plants on this shortest day of the year.  Enjoy hot chocolate and homemade cookies by the fire after the hike.  Wear sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather.”

Learn More: https://ohiodnr.gov/home/news-and-events/all-events/parks-wc-events/SE-Ohio/WinterSolsticeHike-BurrOak-12-21-23 

 

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill; Clifton, OH

“For 36 years Clifton Mill has celebrated the Christmas season in a very special way. Our light display, featured in Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine, is one of the country’s finest with over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges. There is even a 100 foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights. The flip of one switch turns all the lights on at once transforming night into a fantastical winter wonderland which includes a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, a Toy Collection and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show that features the old Covered Bridge.”

Learn More: https://cliftonmill.com/christmas-lights/ 

 

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights; Delaware, OH

This drive through light display in Delaware, OH allows you to stay in your car and enjoy the magic of Christmas time. During Military Appreciation Week (December 18th – 22nd), all active duty military members and spouses get in free.

Learn more: https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com/ 

 

Castle Noel; Medina, OH

“Step into the fantasy world of Mark Klaus, creator of CASTLE NOEL. “America’s Largest Year Round Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction.” Experience 40,000 square feet of amazing installations, as seen on “Entertainment Tonight,” “PBS,” National, SyFy channels: “Profiles in History,” “The Today Show,” “Treasurer Hunters Road Show,” Fox8: “Kenny Crumpton,” WKYC, WOIO, WEWS and many more.”

Learn More: https://castlenoel.com/ 

For more ideas for activities during  the holiday season, visit https://ohio.org/travel-inspiration/articles/ohios-guide-to-winter-break-with-the-kids.