Midwinter traditions surrounding the Winter Solstice stem from pre-Christian celebrations and rituals, many of which seem to be in stark contrast to each other until their esoteric symbolism is properly deciphered and their ancient universal origins are fully understood.
Winter Solstice is the start of Capricorn Season, when pagan Rome celebrated the Sun’s entrance into Capricorn as Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the nocturnal Sun, the pre-Christian time of rebirth and renewal.