Winter solstice is one of the most awaited events of the year.
Throughout the year, this date has tons of meaning for cultures
worldwide that celebrate it. The winter solstice is related to unique
traditions all around the world.
During this time the antique Mayan culture used the date to
celebrate the arrival of the sun at its highest point. This phenomenon
is known as the “still sun” and has its own astronomical significance.
ELife knows how important it is to arrive anywhere with the best
car transfer service!
We want to share the best places to spend the
winter solstice with you. Besides that, we will also tell you
about the summer solstice that happens on the Southern
Hemisphere, along with the best locations to celebrate it. Book your
airport transfer
in advance with us!
Traditionally speaking, the summer and
winter solstices help mark the changing of the seasons in
conjunction with the autumn and spring equinoxes. In Mayan culture,
December 21 has a unique meaning that not many cultures share.
While the winter solstice marks the shortest days on one side
of the world, the summer solstice announces the beginning of
the warmer months and much longer days. Did you know that during this
time we see very noticeable changes in nature?
In the case of the old residents of the Mayan metropolis,
historians theorized that it was a time of great importance, as this
season allowed the land to rest for the next agricultural cycle. And
even when this was a long time ago, its symbolism is still present
today.
The winter solstice plays a very important role in cultures
around the world, from ancient times to the present day. Since antique
times, the importance of the sun for life has been talked about, and
even its existence since before.
That is why in almost all of the cultures around the world there have
been great cults around the stars. For example, in Christianity many
festivities are directly related to the solar or lunar calendar . To
name one holiday, Christmas commemorates the
Undefeated Sun celebration
did you know that?
ELife knows the importance of discovering the world. That's why we
offer the
best cars
for enjoying unique transfer experiences around the world. If you want
to discover the best places this winter solstice, don't forget
to book your transportation in advance.
The Mayans were skillful architects and designers, that's why the
cities of the Mayan world were built for more than just aesthetics, it
also had to do with the orientation and shape of their main
structures, playing with light and shadow.
In this way, they could know precisely the temporal location on the
calendar. This is the case of the
Pyramid of Kukulcan, which was discovered in the twentieth century along with other
Mayan archaeological sites, helping them to know the precise day of
the solstices and equinoxes during the year.
Isn't it incredible the meaning that this celebration had in the past
for our ancestors? If you want to visit the
Pyramid of Kukulcan, remember that ELife can take you there
with its taxi hailing service. Available 24/7!
Amaterasu is the Japanese sun goddess. She is the daughter of the
creator goddesses Izanagi and Izanami and is the center of the
Shinto religion. The significance of the sun goddess to the Japanese is immense
since she is considered a pillar for the sun to spread its blessings
over the new earth.
Amaterasu is the embodiment of the "rising sun" and is a symbol of the
Japanese flag. Its significance is not only that it illuminates all
things, but also provides food for all living creatures and marks the
movement from day to night.
The beginning of winter is celebrated with a requiem or liturgical
celebration for the dead to please Amaterasu. Every December 22,
bonfires are lighted on Mount Fuji to encourage the return of
the sun.
Awesome, right? Remember that ELife offers ground transportation from
Narita International Airport to Tokyo for only 161 USD! Also, you can
enjoy the
Winter Solstice Festival!
Yule holidays are celebrated in the Scandinavian countries such as
Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The winter solstice on that side
of the world marks the end of darkness and announces the arrival of
light on December 21. For these cultures the
winter solstice signified the triumph of life over death.
This was a time of celebration for families and warriors, who gathered
at the fire to celebrate that they were alive and remember those who
passed away along the year. A curious fact is that the first
inhabitants performed sacrificial rituals in tribute to Beiwe, the
goddess of the sun.
White female deer are usually sacrificed with the only purpose of
making the goddess return to the world of the living. This festivity
gave origin to what is known as Christmas. In fact, the Finnish legend
of the Joulupukki, transformed in what we now know as Santa Claus.
Visit the Lapland region so you can enjoy the northern lights and the
beautiful festivities of winter solstice! We'll see you next
time, traveler.
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