Dec. 21 is what we officially refer to as the Winter Solstice. This day has the ignominious distinction of being the shortest day of the year (in the northern hemisphere). Of course while every day is essentially the same length (24 hours the last time I checked) the solstice has the fewest number of daylight hours. This day is synonymous with coldness and darkness and dormancy but it is also associated with celebrations of renewal and hope and generosity and introspection. It is the beginning of the return of the sun.
Historically, the winter solstice has been celebrated in many cultures over thousands of years. In Ancient Rome it was called Saturnalia and commenced Dec. 17 and lasted for seven days. In Scandinavia it was called the Feast of Juul (this is where our Yule Log tradition comes from). Poland has a festival called Gody that centers on forgiveness and sharing. Pakistan celebrates Chaomos, which focuses on purification. There are many examples of cultures that celebrate the winter solstice as a time of rebirth and renewed light in the world and it is no coincidence that the Roman Catholic Church decided to designate Dec. 25 as the birth of the “true light of the world.”
Back when life was simple and humanity was rooted to nature, it was recognized that the worst was over after Dec. 21, at least in terms of light. Indeed, each day hence forward will be about 3 minutes longer. This predictability and rhythm can bring us peace and hope. Yes, it will still be dark when we wake up and probably dark when we come home from work, but ever so slowly it will improve.
Our gardens will transcend from total dormancy to gradual awakening starting with winter bloomers like witch hazel and lionel fortesque mahonia, winter daphne, sarcococca and dawn viburnum. Bulbs will emerge from the cold damp ground and burst into full bloom as early as next month (my daffodils are already up). Perennials like primroses and hellebores are already blooming as are pansies (seems like they never stop blooming). My Cornelian cherry typically blooms all of January and February.
So while Dec. 21 is the first day of winter, it is also the end of shorter days and that is cause for celebration. In this crazy world — where commercialism bombards us and the majority of us are disconnected from the rhythms of nature — it is worth it to stop and contemplate our place on this planet. Contrary to the holiday hustle, winter is a quiet season when we should spend time reflecting on our relationships to nature, our community, our family and the world as a whole. And what better place to contemplate than in our gardens?
Regardless of our religious persuasion, winter is an excellent time to deepen our spiritual understanding of life and how interconnected we are. Bundle up, go outside and commune with nature. Tune into natural rhythms and find your center where the physical reality of our gardens meets the spiritual awareness of our souls. That meeting place is where one can truly see the light of creation.
Steve Smith is owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached online at info@sunnysidenursery.net.
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