Winters

For thousands of years we have lived by the cycles of the seasons, dined on their produce, practiced their traditions, celebrated the festivals and listened to the myths and folklore that are coded into our DNA like muscle memory.

Winter is traditionally the time to wind down the year that was and reflect on all the things that have happened to and around us, from the joyful and profound, to the complicated and mundane.

Winter occupies, the dark half of the year.

A time for respite for reflection...

The winter solstice 'Yule' (the shortest day of the year) suggests the breaking of the dark and the eventual reawakening of the sun.

The 'halcyon days' (rooted in greek myth) are the days for calmness and reflection, between Christmas and New Year. Followed by a 'new Moon' a time that represents beginnings and renewal.

While the 'Perihelion' (when earth is closest to the sun) occurs two weeks after the solstice. Leading us into the 12th night known as 'wassailing' (a time of feasting and looking forward to new growth) Ending on a 'Full Moon' best known as a time of transformation.

Winter Solstice Schedule...

Halcyon Days

Dates: 14th–28th December, spanning the winter solstice on 21st December.

Description: “Halcyon Days” symbolises peace and happiness, rooted in a Greek myth about a magical bird calming the sea to protect her nest.

Winter Solstice (Midwinter/Yule)

Date: 21st December.

Description: The shortest day of the year and the start of winter. The solstice is a brief moment marking the sun’s “return.”

Traditions: Influenced modern celebrations like Christmas and Hanukkah.

New Moon: 30th December

Represents new beginnings, a time to reflect on the past, learn from it and move forward.

Perihelion

Dates: January 2–3.

Description: When Earth is nearest to the sun, about 91.5 million miles away.

Facts: Happens two weeks after the winter solstice. Earth’s elliptical orbit causes slight tidal changes but minimal climate impact.

Wassailing

Dates: Twelfth Night (January 5th), though events vary from late December to February.

History: From Anglo-Saxon times, “wassail” means “be in good health,” tied to ensuring cider for workers.

Traditions: Involves singing, dancing, and drinking to bless orchards. Children carry wassail boxes with dolls of Mary and Jesus, singing carols or chanting to trees for growth.

Full (Wolf) Moon: 13th January

Represents completion, abundance and transformation.

2. Spring

3. Summer

4. Autumn

Winter — originally written by Ian Kettle during his years as a tutor at Central Saint Martins. Reproduced here with respect and full credit.