For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. š
This year on Dec 21st (2023) we celebrated the shortest day of the year, a day marking the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It also marks the beginning of Yule, a winter festival followed by the Neo-Pagans.
Oldest festival with origins among the ancient Norse thousands of years ago, it is celebrated with light, fire and feast. Yule logs are burned, reenactments of battle between the Holly King and Oak King are some of the activities folks participate it. Some simply stay awake until dawn, and worship the sun as it rises.
Galavant Reflections 