DESIGN & MEDIA CONCEPTS

Paradigm Shift Media

Winter Solstice 2017

Happy Winter Solstice! This year marks the 18th edition of artwork celebrating the spirit of the Winter Solstice. Once again my tool of choice is Adobe Illustrator. There are times when research into the Winter Solstice reveals very specific traditions while other times; the rituals and observances are a bit more ambiguous. This year’s theme of the bonfire falls into the latter. Should the anticipation of seeing the artwork become too much, the link can be found at the end of the text.

This year we look at the celebratory bonfire which is often burnt on the Winter Solstice. The origin of the word bonfire is hard to trace since the practice dates back to ancient times. It is though the English word “bonfire” comes to us from the words “bone” and “fire”. In ancient times, the Celts held midsummer festivals where they burnt animal bones to ward off evil spirits. They may also have burnt bonfires during the winter months in order to dispose of animal bones accumulated from winter meals. From a more spiritual perspective, the bonfire could be seen as a way of bringing light into the darkness while also bringing people together to share the fire’s warmth.

In observations made centuries apart in Europe, several European writers concluded bonfires still constructed in certain parts of Europe were the outgrowth of an ancient Celtic custom of building large ceremonial fires to honor the sun.

Centuries before the birth of Christ, the British Isles and Gaul (France) were inhabited by the Celts whose powerful religious leaders, the Druids, had the sun as their principle object of worship. To pay homage to this great source of power and light, fires were built at the time of the winter and summer solstices. The Celts were dependent on farming for their tribal livelihood and believed the fires would hasten the return of Spring and prolong the days of Summer.

Following the birth of Christ, Druid beliefs were gradually supplanted by Christianity, and the fire ritual took on religious meanings.

This Winter Solstice was immensely important to the ancient people of northern Europe because they were economically dependent on monitoring the progress of the seasons. Food shortages were common during the first months of the winter, so this festival was the last celebration before deep winter began. Most cattle would be slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter which made for a plentiful supply of fresh meat. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

The Winter Solstice fires, fewer in number, became the Christmas Eve bonfires still burned in certain parts of France. The Christmas Yule log, known in France as “La Buche de Noel”, is also believed to be a remnant of the ancient Winter Solstice fires.

In Spain, the uncommon Winter Solstice tradition of "Hogueras" (bonfires) originated long before Christmas was observed. It is characterized by people jumping over fires as a symbolic protection against illness. This fire-jumping can be seen primarily in Granada and Jaen.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Winter Solstice and a happy holiday season. Please enjoy the artwork and, as always, I look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback.

Click here to view artwork