The Winter Solstice

Today, many people still make the journey to ancient sites that align with the sun at the time of the solstice.

One such place is the passage tomb at Newgrange in County Meath, one of Ireland's most famous neolithic monuments.  Constructed around 3200BC, it has often featured in Celtic folklore and art.  The sunrise of the winter solstice casts light through an opening above the doorway.  The passage and chamber inside are bathed in light for around 17 minutes.  You can watch a live stream of this event each year.

Other popular locations for observing the solstice are at stone circles, such as those at Ballynoe, County Down, Drombeg in West Cork or Beaghmore here in County Tyrone.

Over 4000 years ago, the winter solstice played a part in the building of the amazing Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt. Today, tourists still gather to witness the winter solstice sun bathe areas of the temple in light. 

Although today may be the shortest, darkest day of the year, the fact that the days following the winter solstice grow longer and brighter is thought to denote the triumph of light over dark.

In Celtic mythology the Oak King was a symbol of light and summer and the Holly King symbolised darkness and winter. Caught in a perpetual battle, The Oak King would triumph at the Winter Solstice and would then be defeated by The Holly King at the Summer Solstice who would reign until the next Winter Solstice, when the Oak King would triumph once more. 

Here's to lighter, brighter days ahead.