Winter solstice
December 20, 21, 22
Similar Celebrations: Yule, Christmas, Alban Arthan, Saturnalia
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SAVORY:
Apple Persimmon Salad Breakfast Rice Pudding Glazed Honey Ham Orange Fennel Salad Potatoes au Gratin Roast Goose Stewed Red Cabbage Strata |
SWEET:
Christmas Pie Cinnamon Spice Cookies Cinnamon Rolls Cranberry Lime Pie Iced Orange Cake La Befana Cake Rice Pudding with Raspberry Sauce Saffron Buns Yule Log |
ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY
Winter Solstice is the darkest day of the year. Traditionally, people would light big bonfires and stay up until dawn, keeping vigil as the sun is reborn. The yule log is a remnant of this tradition, as they would choose a large log that would burn all night. It is time when the world reaches a peak and a turning point. The dark is at its greatest, yet within that darkness, the light again begins, once more, to grow in strength as the wheel tips toward spring and summer. The light is reborn within the dark, yet darkness still reigns.
On a personal level, this is a time for deep rest. It is a time when our subconscious is actively connecting to the dreaming earth; new things take shape in the unseen deep, things that will not float up into our consciousness until the days grow longer.
On the one hand, the dishes for the Winter Solstice honor grounded nutrition and frugality, such as root vegetables, squash, cabbage, grains, meat, and molasses. On the other hand, we serve warming foods to honor our longing for the sun. These foods usually contain spices like cinnamon, saffron, cloves, and orange zest.
On a personal level, this is a time for deep rest. It is a time when our subconscious is actively connecting to the dreaming earth; new things take shape in the unseen deep, things that will not float up into our consciousness until the days grow longer.
On the one hand, the dishes for the Winter Solstice honor grounded nutrition and frugality, such as root vegetables, squash, cabbage, grains, meat, and molasses. On the other hand, we serve warming foods to honor our longing for the sun. These foods usually contain spices like cinnamon, saffron, cloves, and orange zest.