21.12.2025
December 21 marks the winter solstice. Analysts from the RSUH Center for Typology and Semiotics of Folklore Viktoria Novikova and Olga Khristoforova, explained the key symbols and rituals associated with this day.
Which ancient cultures considered the winter solstice sacred?
[…] References to rituals on this day are found among many peoples — for example, the Nanai, Udmurts, Vepsians, and the Mari, among others. For peoples living near the equator or beyond the Arctic Circle, other points of the calendar are more significant — such as the beginning and end of the polar day or night, or the rainy and dry seasons. Nevertheless, even among them there are celebrations connected with the gradual increase of daylight. For instance, the Chukchi celebrate Pegytti — the appearance of the star Altair in the constellation Aquila, which symbolizes the return of daylight.
What symbols and archetypes are associated with the solstice in mythology?
In many cultures, the solstice marks a transition — both in nature and in society. As in most calendar rituals, people performed productive and protective actions aimed at ensuring favorable outcomes. Another common practice was observing and interpreting omens. […]
What traditional Slavic rituals were performed during the solstice?
People avoided sleep on this day “so as not to offend the sun-nourisher celebrating its victory over winter.” To hasten the lengthening of the day, a chicken was caught and released after being struck — the more it ran, the more the day was believed to grow. Bonfires were lit, and chickens were fed buckwheat “from the right sleeve” so that they would lay eggs sooner.
How did the celebration change with the arrival of Christianity?
[…] The solstice is a very ancient solar festival. Many Christmas traditions were layered over pre-Christian rituals. For example, the European tradition of burning a Yule log goes back to solar worship and symbolizes the rebirth of the sun after the darkest night.
What research projects does the Center carry out?
The Center organizes numerous events for students, including the annual international conference “Folklore Studies and Cultural Anthropology Today” and a permanent academic seminar. Students also participate in grant projects. More information is available at: https://ctsf.ru/.
