The Longest Night: Welcoming the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice, that longest night of the year, is soon upon us. And as with any change of season, it will be celebrated in a variety of ways around the world. From ancient times to the present, people have observed this moment with rituals meant to invite light back into the world and to gather warmth, food, and community against the cold.

Christmas market at Tallin, Estonia. Photo by Guillaume Speurt.

The Markets

Ages ago special market days were held just before the solstice to allow village folk to stock up on extra supplies to last through winter. Over time, these winter markets gave way to bustling Christmas markets selling special handcrafted gifts and local delicacies and treats. Famed Christmas markets like the one in Nuremberg, Germany; the Tivoli Christmas market in Copenhagen; and one of my favorites, the Tallinn Christmas market in Estonia are still thriving today. I imagine walking the cobblestone lanes under twinkling lights, finding lace shawls and cute Estonian Sheep Puppets like these that Carol Rhoades knitted from handspun yarn, inspired by an Estonian knitter's collection.

Adorable sheep puppets by Carol Rhoades. Photo by Joe Coca

The Santurantikuy Christmas market in Cusco, Peru, has been a Christmas Eve tradition for over five hundred years. Artisans set up on the Plaza de Armas early in the morning on December 24th and sell their ceramics and textiles and other artisanal goods until the evening. Maybe shoppers can buy tasseled scarves like this Peruvian Tasseled Scarf Linda Ligon made, based on the colors and textures of Andean weaving. Find this free scarf pattern to download in the PieceWork library.

Linda joined lengths of i-cord to form a Peruvian Tasseled Scarf. Photo by Joe Coca

An Alternative Stroll

Most of us will not be able to walk through a famed Christmas market this year, but we can take an easy stroll through the PieceWork Library and Shop choosing from the many patterns to welcome winter!

This weekend, I will gather with good friends, as I do each winter solstice; we’ll dance around a small fire, drinking in our fill of light as the darkness dwindles. And, of course, I’ll find time to finish my holiday knitting. I hope you find a touch of light for the longest night of the year as well, and warmth and color and handcrafted blessings for the whole season.

—Karen