Winter Solstice, Yule, Midwinter

Date: December 20-23

Colors: Red, Green, and White

Customs: Evergreens, wreaths, lights, gift giving, feasting, singing, resolutions

Ritual Focus: Personal renewal, peace, honoring family and friends

This is the time of year when the God who died at Samhain is given birth by the Virgin, or Maiden, Goddess as she transitions toward the Mother aspect. The return of the sun from the longest night of the year signals that the earth will wax stronger for the next six months.

This season is symbolized by the wreath. The circle of the wreath, like the Wheel of the Year, the cycle of the seasons, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, has no beginning of days nor end of years; it is complete, infinite, and eternal. Storytelling and guided meditations focused on hearth and home are traditional ways to mark the season.