Winter Solstice Celebration
Location: Keewaydin Farms, 15270 Haucke Ln, Viola, WI 54664
Date: Saturday, December 21st, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Details:
The Winter Solstice marks the time of year when the path of the sun across the sky is furthest south in the Northern Hemisphere (December 21st or 22nd) and we experience the shortest day and longest night. This time also marks the astronomical beginning of the winter season as well as the moment we begin gaining daylight. The Winter Solstice has played an important role in cultures worldwide from ancient times until today and many of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals associated with Christmas come from solstice or yule celebrations of ancient cultures. Human beings have an age-old relationship with the sun and have associated this dark hour with death and rebirth, when the old sun dies and the new one is reborn, a time when the natural world and our own spirits are renewed. It is a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the next. It is a time to gather together to celebrate the successes of the past year and the hope of returning light and life. In Ancient Rome, the Winter Solstice festival or “Saturnalia” began on December 17 and lasted for seven days. It was held to honor Saturnus, the Roman god of agriculture and harvest, and was characterized by festivities. Some traditional activities include gathering around a fire, decorating with evergreens (symbols of abundance), lighting candles, preparing a feast, building a yule altar, leaving offerings for nature, generosity (gift-giving), and singing.
Our 2024 celebration will include cross-country skiing around the farm (as long as there is snow), a solstice spiral walk and candle lighting, a community yule altar, evergreen wreath making, wrapping sage for smudge sticks, making yule logs, decorating an edible tree for wildlife, hot drinks and snacks. We hope you can join us to celebrate this special time of year.
Free Event
Some paid activities and vendors accept cash
No ATM on site.
Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Donations Appreciated
Email: joy@driftlesscuriosity.org with any questions.