4 Ways the Winter Solstice is Celebrated Around the World

The winter solstice means the return of the light, and cultures from the Middle East to Scandinavia to North America have been celebrating it for hundreds of years.

By Monica Cull
Dec 21, 2022 4:30 PMDec 21, 2022 4:23 PM
Winter Solstice
(Credit:Drepicter/Shutterstock)

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The winter solstice marks the return of the light, or if you’re a Doctor Who fan, being halfway out of the dark. Dec. 21 or 22 marks the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere) and is celebrated in various ways across various cultures. The solstice has even inspired traditions for holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah. Here are four ways the solstice is celebrated around the world. 

1. Lucia’s Day 

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