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 ...

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.

Traditionally, the winter solstice was a time when cattle were ... would cut mistletoe that grew on oak trees and give it as a blessing. Oaks were seen as sacred trees and the fruit of the ...

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.

around June 21 (commonly known as "Summer Solstice" for being the first day of summer and the longest day of the year) and December 21 (commonly known as "Winter Solstice" for being the first day ...