There are two polar points in the year - days when the sun's height above the horizon at noon is minimum or maximum. One of these fell on December 21, 2016. Today, the height of the sun above the horizon will be minimal, which means that the day will be the shortest of the year. Astronomers do not attach much importance to this event from the point of view of ritualism, at the same time, in different traditions, it was on the Day of the Winter Solstice that they "nodded", speaking of a sign or even a miracle.
So, this year the main point of the Winter Solstice Day 2016 will be 13:45 Moscow time.
Now, only historical chronicles are associated with the Day of the Winter Solstice. Most pagans have sunk into oblivion, choosing the true faith - Orthodoxy. But once everything was different. So, for example, it was believed that it was on the Day of the winter solstice that the New Year should be celebrated. And in the 16th century in Russia, an interesting rite was associated with the winter solstice. The bell-ringing headman of the Moscow cathedral, who was responsible for the striking of the clock, came to bow to the tsar. He reported that from now on the sun had turned for summer, the day was increasing, and the night was shortening. For this good news, the tsar gave the elder money.
The seasonal meaning of the winter solstice is the turn from a gradual lengthening of the night and a shortening of the day to the opposite direction. Depending on the shift in the calendar, the winter solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere.
In different cultures, the interpretation of this event was perceived differently, but for most peoples it was regarded as a rebirth, at this time, holidays, meetings, rituals and other celebrations were organized.
INTERESTING FACTS
- The winter solstice always falls on December 21st or 22nd in the northern hemisphere.
- The night before Winter Solstice is the longest. This year it lasted 17 hours. And the length of the day at the latitude of Moscow will be only 7 hours.
- In Russian folklore, a proverb is dedicated to the Day of the Winter Solstice: the sun - for the summer, winter - for the frost. Now the day will gradually increase and the night will decrease.
- It was on the shortest day of the year that our ancestors predicted the yield for the next year. So, for example, frost on trees - for a rich grain harvest.
- On this day, Saint Anfisa of Rome is commemorated, who suffered for the Christian faith in the 5th century.
ON A NOTE
Equinox and Solstice 2017
- vernal equinox - March 2010: 29
- summer solstice - June 21 04:24
- autumn equinox - September 22 20:02
- winter solstice - December 21 16:28
Equinox and Solstice 2018
- vernal equinox - March 20 16:15
- summer solstice - June 21 10:07
- autumnal equinox - September 23 01:54
- winter solstice - December 21 22:23
Equinox and Solstice 2019
- autumnal equinox - 23 September 07:50
- winter solstice - December 22 04:19
- vernal equinox - 20 March 21:58
- summer solstice - June 21 15:54
Equinox and Solstice 2020
- vernal equinox - 20 March 03:50
- summer solstice - June 20 21:44
- autumn equinox - September 22 13:31
- Winter Solstice - December 21 10:02 am
Every person has a sun. Just let it shine. Socrates
The time of the Winter Solstice can be called the beginning of the New Year. December 21, 2016 is the shortest day and the longest night of the year is December 20. December 21 does not decrease or arrive, this is the time of the Winter Solstice. From December 22, the day begins to arrive again.
These days the “old” Sun “dies” to be reborn and start a new cycle with renewed vigor. In Jyotish, the Sun symbolizes the vitality of a person, his personality, mind and spiritual component. Each person is a reflection of the processes taking place in space - these days our own energy is renewed, so this day (December 21) is important for some simple rituals that will help you "recharge" with new energy for the next year.
So, the period of the winter solstice is the time of completion of the old one, the period of summing up and forming the program for the next year. December 22 (when the sun begins to rise) - can be used to draw up plans for the future and form intentions that will be realized over the next year.
If you haven't already, then it's time to dress up the tree! It is better to decorate the green beauty with balls of yellow, gold, red or orange colors, as they symbolize the sun disk bringing prosperity and prosperity to your home. After the 22nd, you can add toys of a different shape and color.
Summarize the year before December 22nd. To do this, you need to choose a quiet time and remember the whole past year. What did you want to achieve in the past year? What goals did you set for yourself? Did you manage to realize what you wanted? You can write out all the negative experiences and failures, and then burn the sheet, symbolically getting rid of everything old and unnecessary.
December 22, 2016, the day the Sun starts to rise again - you can "charge" with new energy and plan. What would you like to achieve this year? Write your wishlist! Perhaps you dream of meeting your soul mate, why not! Form an intention and write an implementation plan. The energy of the solstice will definitely help you fulfill your plans. Perhaps you are a spiritual seeker and dream of meeting your teacher. Be sure to write your wish and put it under the Christmas tree, and on the 22nd, burn a piece of paper directing a prayer to the Higher Powers with a request to fulfill it.
General cleaning is recommended from 20 to 22 December. Look into the closets and disassemble the clothes - give away all unnecessary, thereby freeing up space for new ones. To cleanse the body and mind, you can practice the following exercise: ""
If you have experienced adverse events this year and you still have things that remind you of this - photos, letters, little things - it's time to get rid of these things. Let something new come into your life.
On December 21, even if the day is cloudy, be sure to ventilate the entire room inviting new energy. Airing should be done before sunset.
If you want to realize your desires in the New Year, concretize them. If you are looking to find a job, buy yourself a new bag or diary. By absorbing the renewed energy of the Sun, these items will work as "batteries". If you want to meet your loved one (only if you are not married yet) - buy heart-shaped trinkets and place them around the house, or heart-shaped jewelry and wear it next year; or buy your future lover a gift that you would like to give him on New Year's Eve. If you want to study, buy a pen that will help you pass your exams. If you want to travel, create a wish board and place photos of the places you would like to visit on it. There is always a place for a small miracle in our life if we believe in it.
On December 21, you can start the practice of "Surya-namaskar" - it harmonizes the energies of the Sun in your subtle and physical person.
On these days, you can start practicing Upaya to harmonize the energy of the Sun. Prepare for your loved ones
Exercise "Energy of the Sun"
According to legend, the Sun darkens in the evening because it sees the sinful deeds of a person. After sunset, it sinks into the sea, where it washes, washing away everything negative, so that the next morning it will again ascend to the firmament clean and clear.
Do the exercise either at dawn or at noon. It is not recommended to practice it after sunset. Sit up straight in a position that is comfortable for you. Take three deep breaths in and out. You can sing your favorite mantra or say a prayer. Close your eyes…
Imagine that you are sitting in a clearing or in a park, or on the seashore, bathed in pleasant sunlight. Feel the light and warmth. Relax. Inhale slowly with both nostrils. Hold the air inside, exhale slowly and hold your breath again. Try to feel how the solar energy of its rays with every breath you breathe permeates our entire physical being, absorb the life force of the Sun. Continue breathing for as long as necessary, refreshed with renewed energy.
If you practice visualization or have a developed imagination, imagine how the sun's rays soak, charge and renew your every cell, your thoughts, your feelings. Your intentions are charged with new energy. If you have chosen an object as a reinforcement of intentions for the next year - while performing the exercise, keep it nearby, filling it with new energy.
There are many who argue that only a few can recite the mantra, and that others have no right to do so. It is not right. This false conclusion was received because they did not know the Truth. It came about because of erroneous beliefs. The Gita does not mention this group or that group. Krishna declares ‘anyone’ (‘whoever’, Gita VIII - 12,13) without any qualifying words limiting it to one class or gender.
OM
BHUR BHUVA SVAHA
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAHI
DHYO YO NACH PRACTICE
Translation:
OM- Parabrahman
BHUR- Bhu loka (physical plane). It also refers to a body made of 5 Pancha Bhutas (5 elements). These 5 elements make up Prakriti (nature).
BHUVA- Bhuva loka is the middle world. Also, Bhuva is Prana Shakti. Of course, in fact, the presence of Prajnana allows Prana Shakti to revitalize the body. It is on this point that the Vedas declare Prajnanam Brahma (Continuous All-Encompassing Awareness is Brahman).
MATCHMAKER- Svarga loka (heaven is the land of the Gods)
TAT- Paramatma, God or Brahman (lit. "That").
SAVITUR- The one from which all this was born.
JAM- Worthy of worship, welcome.
BHARGO- Radiance, Spiritual Radiance, Light that gives Wisdom.
DEVASYA- Divine Reality.
DHIMAKHI- We are meditating.
DHYO- Buddhi, spiritual intelligence.
Yo- Which the.
NAH- Our.
PRAYER- Enlighten.
The Gayatri Mantra can have numerous translations. One such translation is shown below:
We meditate on Spiritual Radiance. This Delightful Supreme Divine Reality. The Source of the Physical, Astral and Celestial Spheres of Existence. May That Supreme Divine Essence enlighten our minds so that we can realize the Supreme Truth. Likewise, the last line can mean: Awaken my Discrimination, O Lord, and guide me.
Materials about the Gayatri Mantra from the book: "The Power and Power of the Gayatri Mantra"
"Mahamrityujaya mantra"
Mantras for Surye (Sun)
If there is no way to meet the sunrise, then imagine it. Let this mantra become as familiar to you as your morning bath. This mantra mobilizes the body's defenses, boosts immunity and promotes rapid recovery.
December 21 (date indicated for 2016) is the day of the winter solstice. Solstice is one of two days of the year when the sun's height above the horizon at noon is minimum or maximum. There are two solstices in a year - winter and summer. Solstice is one of two days of the year when the sun's height above the horizon at noon is minimum or maximum. There are two solstices in a year - winter and summer. On the day of the winter solstice, the sun rises to its lowest height above the horizon.
In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on December 21st or 22nd, with the shortest day and longest night. The solstice is shifted annually, since the length of the solar year does not coincide with the calendar time.
In 2016, the day of the winter solstice will happen on December 21 at 13:45 Moscow time
After the longest night of the year, which will last for about 17 hours, there will be a real astronomical winter. The sun will descend as much as possible in the southern hemisphere of the sky, that is, moving along the ecliptic, it will reach its lowest declination. The length of the day at the latitude of Moscow will be 7 hours. The sun crosses the 18 o'clock meridian and begins to rise up the ecliptic. This means that after crossing the celestial equator, the star will begin its path to the vernal equinox. During the winter solstice, the sun does not rise at all above latitude 66.5 degrees - only twilight at these latitudes indicates that it is somewhere below the horizon. At the North Pole of the Earth, not only the Sun is not visible, but also the twilight, and the location of the star can only be recognized by the constellations. On December 21, the sun crosses the 18 o'clock meridian and begins to climb up the ecliptic, starting the path to the vernal equinox, when it crosses the celestial equator.
Winter solstice among the ancient Slavs
The day of the winter solstice has been seen since ancient times. So, in Russian folklore, a proverb is dedicated to this day: the sun - for the summer, winter - for the frost. Now the day will gradually increase and the night will decrease. By the winter solstice, they judged the future harvest: frost on the trees - to a rich grain harvest.In the 16th century in Russia, an interesting rite was associated with the winter solstice. The bell-ringing headman of the Moscow cathedral, who was responsible for the striking of the clock, came to bow to the tsar. He reported that from now on the sun had turned for summer, the day was increasing, and the night was shortening. For this good news, the tsar gave the elder money.
The ancient Slavs celebrated the pagan New Year on the winter solstice, they associated with the deity Kolyada. The main attribute of the festival was a bonfire, depicting and invoking the light of the sun, which, after the longest night of the year, was supposed to rise higher and higher. The ritual New Year's cake - a loaf - also resembled the sun in shape.
The day of pagan veneration of Karachun (Chernobog's second name) falls on the day of the winter solstice (celebrated depending on the year from 19 to 22 December) - the shortest day of the year and one of the coldest days of winter. It was believed that on this day the formidable Karachun - the deity of death, the underground god who ruled the frosts, the evil spirit - took his power. The ancient Slavs believed that he rules over winter and frost and shortens the daylight hours.
Servants of the formidable Karachun are bears-cranks, in which snowstorms wrap themselves, and blizzards-wolves. It was believed that, due to the bearish will, the cold winter also lasts: the bear in its den will turn on the other side, which means that the winter has exactly half the way to go before spring. Hence the saying: "At the Solstice, the bear in the den turns from one side to the other." The people still use the concept of "karachun" in the sense of death, death. They say, for example: "a karachun came to him", "wait for a karachun", "ask a karachun", "a karachun was enough." On the other hand, the word "karachit" can have the following meanings - to move backwards, crawl, "skoryachilo" - twisted, drove. Perhaps Karachun was so called precisely because he, as it were, forced the daytime to go in the opposite direction, back away, crawl, crawling, yielding to the night.
Gradually, in the popular consciousness, Karachun became close to Frost, which chills the earth, as if plunging it into a deathly sleep. This is a more harmless image than the harsh Karachun. Frost is simply the master of the winter cold.
Winter solstice in other nations
In Europe these days began a 12-day cycle of pagan festivals dedicated to the winter solstice, which marked the beginning of a new life and the renewal of nature.On the day of the winter solstice, it was customary in Scotland to launch the sun wheel - the "solar swirl". The barrel was coated with burning resin and let down the street. The wheel is a symbol of the sun, the spokes of the wheel resembled rays, the rotation of the spokes while moving made the wheel alive and like a luminary.
The winter solstice was determined earlier than all other seasons in China (there are 24 seasons in the Chinese calendar). In ancient China, it was believed that from this time the male power of nature rises and a new cycle begins. The winter solstice was considered a happy day worth celebrating. On this day, everyone - from the emperor to the commoner - went on vacation.
The army was put in a state of waiting for orders, border fortresses and trade shops were closed, people went to visit each other, gave each other gifts.
The Chinese made sacrifices to the God of Heaven and their ancestors, and also ate porridge made from beans and glutinous rice to protect themselves from evil spirits and diseases. Until now, the day of the winter solstice is considered one of the traditional Chinese holidays.
In India, the day of the winter solstice - Sankranti - is celebrated in Hindu and Sikh communities, where bonfires are lit on the night before the celebration, the heat of which symbolizes the warmth of the sun, which begins to warm the earth after the winter cold.
The calendar of Russian folk will take place on December 21 (December 8, old style) - Anfisa Rukodelnitsa
On this day, Saint Anfisa of Rome is commemorated, who suffered for the Christian faith in the 5th century. Anfisa was the wife of a Roman dignitary and professed Christianity (according to legend, she was baptized by Saint Ambrose of Mediolan, whose memory is celebrated the day before). Once the wife of the mayor invited her to accept the Arian baptism (the Arian teaching denied the unity of God the Father and Jesus Christ). Anfisa refused and, at the woman's libel, was burned at the stake.On Anfisa, all girls in Russia were supposed to do needlework: spin, weave, sew, embroider. It was advisable to do this alone, and if it did not work out or did not want to retire, to carry out special ceremonies from damage.
The girl sews for Anfisa, but an extra eye, while sewing, is an evil eye, our ancestors said and advised young needlewomen to twine a silk thread around their wrists so as not to prick their fingers with a needle. The same rite protected from yawning and hiccups.
The embroidery itself also possessed magical power, in which various symbols were often encrypted. So, diamonds on towels denoted fertility; round rosettes and cross-shaped figures on clothing protected its wearer from misfortune. In traditional embroidery patterns, there are also images of the sun, trees, birds, personifying the life forces of nature. Our ancestors believed in their strength, believing that they would bring prosperity and prosperity to the house.
The calendar of Russian folk will take place on December 22 (December 9, old style) - Anna Zimnyaya. Anna Dark. Conception of Saint Anne.
The church celebrates not only birth but also conception. From the feast of the Conception of Anna, winter begins: autumn ends, winter begins. The beginning of a real harsh winter. In the meantime (lace) in the trees for the Conception of Anna for the harvest. If the snow rolls right up to the hedge - a bad summer, but if there is a gap - a fruitful one. December 22 is the shortest day of the year, the solstice.
On the Conception of Anna to pregnant women, there is a strict fast (on other days, pregnant women are exempted from fasting), to avoid any quarrels and troubles, not to be seen by the crippled and disabled; you cannot light a fire, knit, embroider and take on any work, so as not to accidentally harm the unborn child. People who are knowledgeable in these matters assure that the fire kindled on this day can leave a red mark on the child's body, tangled threads twist his umbilical cord, and the poor, ugly ones seen by his mother can pass on their injuries to the child. At Conception, wolves converge, and after Epiphany they scatter.
The memory of Saint Anna, the mother of Mary, the future Mother of God, is celebrated twice a year: on August 7, a service is held in churches after the Assumption of Anna, her death. December 22 - the day of the winter equinox, in the south of Russia is considered the beginning of winter. A change is also noticed in the weather: "The sun is for the summer, the winter for the frost." On this morning, services in churches are held more solemnly than on ordinary days, for December 22 is the day "when the Most Holy Theotokos is conceived."
Equinox and Solstice 2017
- vernal equinox - March 2010: 29
- summer solstice - June 21 04:24
- autumn equinox - September 22 20:02
- winter solstice - December 21 16:28
Equinox and Solstice 2018
- vernal equinox - March 20 16:15
- summer solstice - June 21 10:07
- autumnal equinox - September 23 01:54
- winter solstice - December 21 22:23
Equinox and Solstice 2019
- autumnal equinox - 23 September 07:50
- winter solstice - December 22 04:19
- vernal equinox - 20 March 21:58
- summer solstice - June 21 15:54
Equinox and Solstice 2020
- vernal equinox - 20 March 03:50
- summer solstice - June 20 21:44
- autumn equinox - September 22 13:31
KOLYADA / Koleda in ancient Russian pagan mythology, the embodiment of the change of the annual cycle, the winter solstice, the transition of the sun from winter to summer, the inevitability of the victory of good deities over the spirits of evil. At this time, the most severe frosts were observed, according to ancient beliefs, coinciding with the revelry of unclean spirits and evil witches.
The celebration of Kolyada with its cheerfulness and optimism expressed the belief of the ancient Russian pagans in the inevitability of the victory of good principles over the forces of evil. To help Kolyada defeat and drive away evil spirits, those celebrating his day burned fires, sang and danced around them, rolled a burning wheel from the mountains, inviting the sun to "turn":
Wheel, burn - roll
Come back with a red spring!
After the adoption of Christianity, optimism and life-affirmation of the Kolyada celebrations received new content in the celebrationNativity of Christ , and ritual pagan customs turned into a merry Christmastide game. These days, just as in antiquity, bonfires were burned, and young men and women dressed up in hari (masks) of horses, goats, cows, bears and other animals and, mummers, walked around the yards, sang carols songs glorifying Kolyada, bringing everyone is good. They glorified the owners, wished well-being to the home and family, and for this they demanded gifts, jokingly predicting ruin for the stingy. Sometimes the gifts themselves: cookies, loaf were called Kolyada. Kolyada was symbolized by a sheaf or straw doll, which were sometimes brought to the hut with songs at Christmas.
Mom's fun, grandma's pies
Once upon a time, in a homely way, they affectionately called small and most diverse in shape sweet baked goods made from butter yeast dough. They are easy to prepare at home with your children. You just need to stock up on nuts, raisins, poppy seeds; for the filling - cottage cheese, jam, apples; for dough - flour and yeast, butter and sugar. Then knead the yeast dough and, using your imagination, start creating!
Roll ... Separate small pieces of dough, roll them into balls, then roll each ball into an oval cake, grease the cake with butter and sprinkle with delicious - poppy seeds, sugar, crushed nuts. We fold the cake into a tight roll, grease it with an egg on top, decorate with raisins and nuts, put it on a baking sheet, but put it in the oven after 15 minutes, let it become plump. Then in the oven until browning. The shape of the roll will be the basis for other buns.
Heart ... Fold the roll in half, pinch the ends, make a deep cross cut in the middle of the roll, turn out the two halves slightly, giving the bun the shape of a heart, and again grease with an egg, decorate and bake.
Sheepik ... We make a familiar roll, on it with the blunt side of the knife we apply a shallow transverse strip, marking a third of the length. We will leave this third untouched, and two-thirds of the length of the roll we will cut into "straws" and fan them out, as if the sheaf had fluffed up. And then we'll bake it.
Bagel ... Everything is like a roll, only the dough cake is not oval, but triangular. We will wrap the oiled triangle from the wide base to the top, and then we will still bend the "horns" with a horseshoe, and then we will get a real bagel. Do not forget to grease the top with an egg, sprinkle with sugar, caraway seeds, poppy seeds, coriander.
Pretzel ... Roll out the dough into a rope with slightly thinned ends. With both hands, wrap the ends of the tourniquet with a bow, slightly twist them together, pull up and put on the bow. After proving, brush with egg and bake as usual.
Happy holiday, friends!
In 2016, the winter solstice falls on December 21, 10:44 UTC, according to http://pressa.today.
The winter solstice in the Slavic tradition is one of the main holidays called Solntsevort or Kolyada. The solstice is celebrated to this day from December 21 to 25.
The astronomical meaning of the Solstice
There are only two Equinoxes in a year - autumn and spring. There are also two Solstices - winter and summer. In our northern hemisphere, the winter solstice falls almost every time on December 21, but due to the leap year of the calendar, this date is sometimes shifted by one day. In 2015, for example, the Solstice was on December 22nd.
On December 21, 2016, the earth will pass a special point in its orbit, when the southern hemisphere will be exposed to the Sun, and the northern hemisphere will be increasingly deprived of solar "attention". This point is called the beginning of the astronomical winter. In fact, the winter of December 21 is approaching its climax, just the higher we are to the North Pole, the more pronounced and prolonged the winter. In theory, from December 21, it should be getting warmer and warmer, but in reality it will be cold for at least another two or one and a half months.
The winter solstice is the beginning of the astronomical winter. Many signs and beliefs are associated with the day of the winter solstice; this day is considered special in astrology and magic. In the cultures and traditions of many peoples of the world, ceremonies associated with the Sun were performed on the winter solstice.
The winter solstice in the Slavic tradition is one of the main holidays called Solstice or Kolyada. The solstice is celebrated to this day from December 21 to 25.
The Slavs considered this holiday a time renewal and birth of the Sun, and with it all living things, a time of spiritual transformation, a time conducive to both good material changes and spiritual ones. The night that precedes the day of the winter solstice is considered the patroness of all nights, because it is on this night that a young solar baby is born to the Goddess - Dazhdbog, symbolizing the birth of life from death, order from chaos.
During the winter solstice, the Slavs celebrated the pagan New Year, which was personified with the deity Kolyada. The main subject of the celebration was a large bonfire, calling and depicting the Sun, which, after one of the longest nights of the year, was supposed to rise higher and higher. They also baked ritual New Year's pies of a rounded shape, reminiscent of a heavenly body.
On the day of the winter solstice, various magical rituals are held, conspiracies are read, aimed at attracting love, wealth, health. For carrying out magical rites on the winter solstice, the energies of the four main elements are used - Fire, Air, Water and Earth.
The winter solstice is a magical time to be used to attract positive energies into your life.
To do this, it is enough to think about the good, to dream, to fantasize even about what, in your opinion, cannot be realized in reality - all thoughts on the day of the winter solstice materialize. However, on this day you cannot think about the bad - in no case do not argue with anyone, do not conflict, and if this happened for any reason, ask for forgiveness right away. The fact is that on the winter solstice, which the ancient Slavs equated with our New Year, we lay the foundation for the whole next year; if on this day you are happy, enjoy communicating with loved ones and loved ones, be sure - a year of joy and fun awaits you. However, if you harbor anger, resentment in your heart, think about unresolved problems, rushwork at work, etc., then you risk spending the whole next year in a state of tension and stress.
On December 21, 2016, the Sun leaves the sign of Sagittarius and passes into the sign of Capricorn. The Sun in Capricorn is a symbol of practicality, discipline, self-control and caution.
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