Global Winter Solstice Celebrations: Embracing the Shortest Day of the Year

The winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, is celebrated in various ways around the world. Some traditions include the Iranian Yalda night, where families gather to read poetry and welcome the returning sun; the Chinese Dongzhi festival, which signifies the transition from yin to yang energy and is celebrated with family and a hearty meal; Peru's Inti Raymi festival, honoring the Incan sun god with feasts and mock sacrifices; the Native American Hopi tribe's Soyal ceremony, involving gift-giving, dancing, and purification rituals; and Japanese customs such as taking a hot bath with yuzu and eating foods believed to bring good luck.