Yin and Yang, the opposites of each other, are part of the philosophy of Chinese and Japanese cultures. Both philosophies connect the Solstice to yin-yang energy. The yin side of the yin-yang symbol represents the dark and cold, while the yang side represents the light and warm.
The Chinese celebrate the Winter Solstice as a resting and regeneration time. They believe the Sun and Moon reach their peaks on the Winter Solstice and that the yin side of the yin-yang reaches its peak.
The Solstice is a time for self-reflection and self-growth. During this time, people set intentions for the new year and release unwanted habits. By doing so, they create a new beginning for themselves.
Many cultural traditions in the Northern Hemisphere have long told stories about mythical monsters that can eat humans in the dark, steal sunlight, or play tricks on people. Some of these stories are based on kinder beings, but others are based on myths.
Winter Solstice is a time to honor the darkness and light, to let go of what no longer serves us, and to celebrate the return of the sun. It is also a time to celebrate the natural cycle of life.
Chinese and Japanese cultures believe the yin-yang symbol represents the opposites of cold and light. The light side of the yin-yang represents the feminine, while the dark side of the yin-yang is the masculine.
In both Chinese and Japanese cultures, the winter solstice is a time of celebration. During this time, people gather to celebrate the return of light and to set intentions for the new year. They also write down what they would like to let go of.
There are also several traditional winter solstice rituals. One practice involves lighting a candle from a spiral of evergreen boughs. Attendees throw paper scraps into the fire, which symbolizes wishes for the new year.
Another tradition involves creating a maze of 600 candles, which symbolizes letting go of old thoughts and embracing new possibilities. This practice is also associated with the Burning of Clocks festival, a celebration of light in the seaside town of Brighton, England.