Seeds of Change Garden

This is an archived web presentation from the NMNH Education Department and is no longer being maintained. For questions about this site please contact: education@si.edu.


Winter logo

Winter Activities:
Bring Back the Sun!

For thousands of years people have celebrated the time around the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, on this day, the sun follows its lowest path across the sky. On the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, the sun appears to follow its highest path. For agricultural societies the solstice meant that days would grow longer, the sun's warmth would return, domesticated animals would produce off-spring, and the fields could again be planted. The solstice became an opportunity to create seasonal songs, eat foods, and exchange gifts. Some customs associated with winter solstice are taking citrus baths, eating pumpkins for good luck, making offerings to ancestors, and taking a day off from work.

Among the ancient celebrations was the Roman Saturnalia, a period of feasting, gift giving, and game playing. In northern parts of Europe, bonfires would be lit. Hopi Indians built sacred buildings that would let in rays of the rising and setting sun. When the sun returned after the solstice, they would hold a ceremony. The goal of all these celebrations was to insure the return of the sun's warmth in time for spring planting.

Christmas and Hanukkah have some origins in solstice celebrations. The Japanese are among a number of cultures that continue to celebrate the winter solstice, which the Japanese call Toji.

[Teacher/Parent Note] Book to Read:
The Winter Solstice. Ellen Jackson, Millbrook Press, 1994.
For two weeks before and after winter solstice, record the sunrise and sunset times. Find out which day really is the shortest!

Ask children to create a poem, dance, play, or prepare a food dish to celebrate the solstice and especially, to bring back the sun!

GO BACK

HOME HISTORY GARDEN LEARNING RECIPES

Send questions, comments, and corrections to the webmaster.