Dixya Poudel

Like clockwork, the seasons have changed and it is winter again. Winter solstice takes place in December 21st yearly and heralds the start of winter in the Northern hemisphere. December 21st is also the shortest day while its night is the longest. The word solstice is derived from Latin in which sol stands for “sun” and sistere means “to stand still”. In simpler terms, it translates to “sun stands still.” Winter solstice used to be celebrated by ancient civilisations in hopes that sun would bring warmth in the harsh and cold environment especially in the Northern countries. After the dread of the dark and long night of winter solstice, it was considered that light would be reborn to symbolise rebirth. Therefore, various cultures throughout the world observe winter solstice with significant rituals.

When it comes to the winter season, people are quite divided in their views. Some prefer summer, spring or even autumn instead of winter. They dread the cold days and nights when the air fogs up as one breathes. Snow falls in the cold regions, trees shed leaves, flowers wither and animals hibernate. People have to be confined at home during snow blizzards and brace the cold days with heavy coats, mufflers, gloves, and boots.

They have to contend with bouts of cold and flu and even SAD which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is caused by the lack of sufficient sunshine that leads to a kind of depressive mood in those susceptible. It is during winter that there is news of people dying of hypothermia which is a medical condition in which the body temperature falls perilously below 35 degree Celsius. In exposure to extreme cold, frostbite occurs which is the freezing of skin and tissues. Further, those with gouts or arthritis suffer much pain due to the dipping mercury. The old and infirm are thus quite vulnerable to illnesses during this season as the cold seeps to the bones.

However, winter does have its allures and there are people who eagerly look forward to the icy weather each year. For them it is a season of coziness with copious cups of tea, coffee or cocoa. It is a season of snowfalls and ice-skating or skiing. People enjoy the change in weather with snuggly clothes and outfits and they love to sunbathe when the sun shines. Reading in winter with a cup of coffee curled in hand brings a pleasure to many bookworms. Then it is the season of holidays as well in most parts of the world. Especially those who are of Christian faith look forward to celebrating Christmas and the Western New Year. Christmas and Western New Year’s Day are observed culturally as well and even those who aren’t Christians celebrated the festivals collectively and in a jovial way. Children rejoice during the holidays while they make snowman in the snowy days. Students stay home during the winter respite and often go out with their friends for a cup of coffee and conversations.

As Noelle Vignola has said, “Winter is the time of sacred balance and rejuvenation of life in preparation for the coming spring.” Winter might be the harbinger of the cold and an absence of warmth but it is also a season to revitalise one’s strength for the coming days.