Midwinter and the longest night

What it is for

For farming societies, midwinter was a time of rest, stored food and anxiety about the coming months. Rituals marked the turning point, when the days start to lengthen, and gave people a reason to gather and share what they had. Religions later gave the season new meanings, from the birth of Christ to the rededication of the Temple, but many older customs of fire, light and green plants were kept. The festival offers warmth, company and hope at the hardest time of year, and it is often the most family-centred time on the calendar.

Common elements across cultures

Light is the main symbol: bonfires, candles, lamps, Yule logs and, today, strings of electric lights. Evergreens, such as fir, holly, ivy and mistletoe, bring a sign of life indoors. A great meal is shared, with roast meat, sweet dishes and drink. Gifts are given, and in many places a figure such as Saint Nicholas, Father Frost or Befana brings them. Songs, carols and plays are performed, and people make visits to relatives and neighbours. A period of twelve days or so, from Christmas to Epiphany, is a holiday time in much of Europe.

Food, dress and music

Winter foods are rich and warm: roast goose and ham, stollen and panettone, tangyuan rice balls in China, sweet porridge in Scandinavia, pomegranates and watermelon at Yalda, latkes and doughnuts at Hanukkah. Mulled wine and hot punch warm the guests. Dress is often festive, with red and green, and woollen jumpers have become part of the tradition. Music is central: carols, hymns, folk songs, bells and brass bands. Many communities have their own dances, plays and processions, such as mumming and the Lucia procession in Sweden.

How it is changing

Midwinter has become a global holiday season, with shared symbols, such as the tree and the lights, found even in countries with few Christians. At the same time, many people are returning to older ways, celebrating the solstice itself, or reviving local customs, such as Yule logs, wassailing and winter markets. In multicultural cities, several festivals fall within a few weeks and neighbours join each other's celebrations. Concern about waste has led many families to make gifts, reuse decorations and buy less, and charities collect food and gifts for those who are alone.

Midwinter and the longest night around the world

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Traditions to start with

Yaldā NightThe Persian longest night.DongzhiThe Chinese winter solstice.HanukkahThe Jewish festival of lights.ChristmasThe Christian feast of the birth.YuleThe old Germanic midwinter feast.KwanzaaThe African-American celebration.Saint Lucy's DayThe Swedish festival of light.MatarikiThe Maori midwinter new year.

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