Ancient Celtic Winter Solstice Traditions
Surviving the Darkest Days & Returning To The Light
In My Family, we celebrate Winter Solstice. We celebrate the descent into hibernation, the dreaming of intent, and the surrender of past troubles cast into the void.
Little Children are taught these concepts through several traditions that our ancestors practiced, long ago. Mostly forgotten to the mists of time. Long ago before we lost our cultures, to invaders, and to doctrine. It was not Christianity that ended our traditions. It was doctrine, and colonialism.
One of these Traditons is to gather a small bundle of twigs that represent our troubles and our worries. We gather them, bundle them, and carry them with us, thinking Of the troubles we wish to release, and not bring forward. These are symbolically sacrificed to the fire. Through this simple activity, children learn that letting go is transformative. Its unburdening practiced over a lifetime, will serve them in their expanding levels of awareness, and difficulties.
Many Traditions have been lost, and as a modern Celtic descendant, I have studied the old ways, in so much as they were available to me, or accessible through reconnecting with my ancestors. Through aligning with their celebrations in as many ways as I could. Striving to also teach my children the importance of culture, roots, history, and connection.
We also know, that not all creatures hibernate, and must be considered before we can rest. Dreaming of greener tomorrow’s. Making all manner of bird feeders for the chickadees, finches, wrens, and thrushes, is how I involve my little guy in the blessings of winter.
A Solstice Craft For Littles
Pine cones covered in suet or peanut butter and rolled in bird seed, tied with simple string or ribbon to the trees that surround us or are nearby. To feed our lovley feathered brethren while we, and the earth sleep. In this way we also have outdoor “Christmas trees” that bring joy to us, and of course the chickadees.
This lovely tradition that I have incorporated into our winter celebrations, teaches kindness, generosity, and awareness of the little beings that live all around us, and who enrich our lives in ways we sometimes forget to honour in the modern world.
Finally Mulled wine
That Slightly intoxicating medicinal elixir, steeped with herbs berries and fruits. Sure to keep you aglow while you tend the winter solstice bonfires. Also to boost your immune system, against all manner of lurking virus we have always been subject to. In modernity we make our own blends of various ingredients, but there is one commercially available traditional medicinal that I’m sure you have all heard of.
Jagermeister
Jägermeister) is a German digestif made with 56 herbs and spices. Developed in 1934 by Wilhelm and Curt Mast, it has an alcohol by volume of 35% (61 degrees proof, or US 70 proof).
This is a Germanic invention, but as I have learned the Celts were an influence in many other parts of Europe pre Roman occupation. Don’t worry we Irish aren’t taking credit, but we ARE going to enjoy this wonderful beverage, maybe even a couple, but no more!
Very Strong, and also a tonic that originates as a soothing elixir for the returning hunters of the Freezing Germanic winter hunts. The Famous Jager Bomb is not for the faint of heart, having enjoyed one or two in my day, I can tell you, REALLY only need one (or two😂)
Here is a recipe
Now, I know you are all imaging me in furs, and Cap, standing around my bonfire, with my freshly hunted Elk or deer, swigging straight from the bottle…It could happen😂
No matter what your traditions are, it is important to have them. To instill a sense of continuity in our lives, and for our children. Many Caucasian people have lost these connections, and I truly feel that seeking them out and incorporating them in our families lives, does enrich, inspire, and connect us to our ancestors.
As The New Year approached,
SLAINTE
(Slawn-che) From My Family To
Yours.
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