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 ...

In that context, darkness can feel oppressive, and on the winter solstice, darkness is at its ... via outdoor worship services involving prayer hikes, kite making and, in the fall, baking ...

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.

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.

Timelapse: Watch as crowds gather at Stonehenge to mark the winter solstice In nearby Avebury ... tradition known as "wishing trees", done as prayers to the tree spirits or in the memory of ...