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“Humans may have observed the winter solstice as early as Neolithic period\u2014the last part of the Stone Age<\/a>, beginning about 10,200 BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNeolithic monuments, such as Newgrange<\/a> in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland, are aligned with sunrise on the winter solstice. Some archaeologists have theorized that Stone Age people held rituals to capture the sun on the year\u2019s shortest day. More history here:<\/strong><\/em>https:\/\/www.history.com\/topics\/natural-disasters-and-environment\/winter-solstice#:~:text=Humans%20may%20have%20observed%20the,sunrise%20on%20the%20winter%20solstice.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter Solstice is celebrated in many ways over the world…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Soyal <\/strong>is the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi<\/a> Indians of northern Arizona. Ceremonies and rituals include purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. At the time of the solstice, Hopi welcome the kachinas<\/a>, protective spirits from the mountains. Prayer sticks are crafted and used for various blessings and other rituals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Persian festival Yalda,<\/strong> or Shab-e Yalda is a celebration of the winter solstice in Iran that started in ancient times. It marks the last day of the Persian month of Azar. Yalda is viewed traditionally as the victory of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Mithra<\/a>. Families celebrate together with special foods like nuts and pomegranates and some stay awake all night long to welcome the morning sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mcusercontent.com\/1600227139d9d8c47c1e2d251\/images\/6f83260d-9cf2-4a79-2477-28ef5eca432b.jpg?w=688&ssl=1\")
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