In the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice is the year’s day ... of the winter at this powerful time. We have winter dance ceremonies; prayers for the new year to come, for the berries ...

In 2023, the winter solstice takes place on Friday 22 December ... spirits called kachinas down from the mountains and prayer sticks are made to carry out rituals and blessings.

Prayer sticks and kachina dolls are often made in preparation for the celebration. Fire, needed to light the dark days of winter, has traditionally been part of winter solstice celebrations.

After the winter solstice, the Earth will begin tilting ... But for areas south of the equator, it is the opposite. Want to know prayer times where you live? Find out prayer times in Columbus ...