Today, December 21, marks the Winter Solstice, the longest night and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. From the beginning of human history, people have observed various “festivals of light” on or around this day. Whether it’s Saturnalia, Yule, Tōji, Dōngzhì, Christmas, or another observance, it’s the time of year when people instinctively pause to reflect on the turn of the season.

The Central Rappahannock Library in Virginia has an interesting blog post that explores some of these traditions.

May you all find light in the darkness, and joy in knowing the traditions of your ancestors.

The post Solstice, family, and tradition first appeared on California Genealogical Society.