31,819 views
December 21st is the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere! December 21st is the winter solstice. December 21st is an important turning point in many Pagan cultures, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun after the darkest night of the year and the beginning of the days to lengthen. It symbolizes the rebirth of light, the continuation of the cycle of nature as it should be, hope and renewal. This date has been celebrated with different names and various rituals. It has been celebrated as Yule in Scandinavian and Germanic peoples, Alban Arthan in Druid traditions, Saturnalia in Rome in honor of the agricultural god Saturn, Dongzhi Festival in China, and Şeb-i Yelda in Iran. In the Turks, epics are read not only on this night but throughout the long winter nights. These epics strengthen the bonds of the community, strengthen the sense of belonging, and create solidarity. They give moral advice and entertain people. We also read long epics on this date every year. With the wish that light will defeat all darkness… 8:27 Bamsı Beyrek and Banı Çiçek – Dedem Korkut Oğuznames 3:29:23 Evliya Çelebi in Erzurum 4:31:22 Şıpsevdi, Alafranga, Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar Click for the Epic and Tales podcast playlist. • Epic and Tales