The winter solstice, also known as Yule, is a significant time in pagan rites and customs. Paganism is a nature-based religion that celebrates the changing seasons and the cycles of the earth. During the winter solstice, pagans honor the shortest day and longest night of the year. This celestial event has been marked and celebrated by various cultures throughout history. One of the most well-known pagan customs during the winter solstice is the lighting of a yule log. The yule log represents the return of light and warmth, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun.
Story and Art by: Kamome Shirahama
Witch Hat Atelier is a manga series that explores such themes including ambition, subverting tradition, and the discovery and joy of being able to live out your dreams. I found the form of spellcasting in this world to be pretty interesting, relying on drawing specific sigil patterns on paper or any surface you can feasibly write on with a special type of magical ink and yes, we also learn how the ink is made.
The yule log represents the return of light and warmth, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun. It is traditionally a large log, often oak or ash, that is burned in the hearth for the duration of the solstice. The log is chosen and decorated with evergreen branches, holly, and mistletoe, all symbols of life and protection.
Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen 1 (Paperback)
This is book number 1 in the Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen series.
- #2: Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen 2 (Paperback): $12.99
- #3: Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen 3 (Paperback): $12.99
Description
Witch Hat Atelier is back in this culinary spinoff that lets readers try their hand at recreating a variety of sumptuous recipes. This time, the magic is in the kitchen as Qifrey and the gang whip up everything from sizzling stews to crackling croquettes. Ideal for both existing fans of the main series and newcomers looking for an easily "disgestible" introduction to the world of Witch Hat.
Evening falls on Qifrey’s atelier, and Coco and her fellow witches-in-training take to their beds. In the quiet of midnight, Qifrey and Olruggio are finally free to pursue their culinary experiments. The kitchen comes alive as they whip up puddings, stews, parfaits, and jellies, and when the sun rises, Coco and the gang are there to savor every bite!
Includes a variety of real sweet and savory recipes with step-by-step instructions.
About the Author
Kamome Shirahama is best known in the United States for her comics cover art at DC and Marvel, including such titles as Star Wars: Doctor Aphra and Batgirl and the Birds of Prey. Witch Hat Atelier is her first manga to be released in English.
This is Hiromi Sato's English-language debut.
- Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga / Magical Girl
- Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga / Action & Adventure
- Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga / Fantasy
One day a traveling witch by the name of Qifrey, who is a sort of rebel in the world of magic, visits the shop owned by Coco’s mother. This chance encounter reveals an amazing secret when Coco spies upon him as he prepares his tools and charms to create a spell. With this new knowledge, Coco sets out to create her own magic and becomes a witch with one of the biggest targets on her back when her spell goes awry in a dangerous way. Witch Hat Atelier is a manga series that explores such themes including ambition, subverting tradition, and the discovery and joy of being able to live out your dreams. The manga’s title refers to Coco’s uniform when she leaves home to become a witch’s apprentice and the place of learning she soon comes to live at, an atelier, to learn how to survive this brand-new world of spells and rules that are broken time and time again.
As the log burns, pagans gather around the fire, singing songs and reciting prayers, giving thanks for the past year and looking forward to the coming seasons. Another important tradition during the winter solstice is the exchange of gifts. This practice is believed to originate from the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which coincided with the solstice. Pagans view the act of giving and receiving gifts as a way to honor the interconnectedness of all living beings and to celebrate the abundance of the natural world. Gifts are often handmade or crafted from natural materials, reflecting the pagan belief in the value of simplicity and connection to the earth. Feasting is also a key part of pagan rites during the winter solstice. A bountiful feast is prepared, with traditional foods such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and spiced beverages like mulled wine or cider. Paganism emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body as a way to honor the divine within oneself and all living things. The sharing of food during the solstice feast promotes community and reminds pagans of their connection to the cycles of nature. During the winter solstice, pagans also engage in various rituals and ceremonies to honor the changing seasons and to bring blessings into the new year. These rituals often involve the use of symbols such as candles, crystals, and natural objects to channel and direct energy. The main focus of these ceremonies is to release the old and welcome the new, to let go of negativity and embrace the potential for growth and renewal. In conclusion, the winter solstice is a time of great significance in pagan rites and customs. It is a time to celebrate the return of light and warmth, to give thanks for the past year, and to prepare for the coming seasons. Through traditions such as the lighting of the yule log, the exchange of gifts, feasting, and various rituals and ceremonies, pagans honor the cycles of the earth and seek to reconnect with the natural world..
Reviews for "Pagan gods and goddesses of the winter solstice"
1. John - 1 star - I found "Pagan rites and customs during the winter solstice" to be extremely boring and uninformative. The author seemed to be more interested in his personal experiences instead of providing any real information about the topic. I was hoping to learn about the history and significance of these rituals, but instead, I got a bunch of ramblings about the author's encounters with a few pagans. Would not recommend.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to read "Pagan rites and customs during the winter solstice" as I have always been interested in learning about different cultural traditions. However, this book fell short of my expectations. The writing style was dry and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the author did not provide enough background information or context to fully understand the significance of the rites and customs being described. Overall, I was disappointed with this book.
3. Alex - 1 star - I was hoping "Pagan rites and customs during the winter solstice" would shed some light on the various rituals and traditions observed during this time of the year. Unfortunately, the book was poorly structured and lacked any depth. The author jumped from one topic to another without fully exploring any of them. The information provided was also very basic and could easily be found with a quick online search. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of pagan practices during the winter solstice.
4. Laura - 2 stars - As someone who is interested in cultural and religious customs, I was excited to read "Pagan rites and customs during the winter solstice." However, I found the book to be lacking in substance. The information provided was surface-level and lacked depth. Additionally, the author's writing style was quite dry and uninspiring. Overall, I was left feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied with this book. I would recommend looking for other resources if you're genuinely interested in learning about pagan rites and customs during this time of the year.