7 Old Wives’ Tales About Babies Born On The Winter Solstice

The Earth’s tilt begins the slow return back toward the sun after reaching its furthest endpoint on the winter solstice, so it makes sense that babies born that day are thought to be the catalyst for the sun’s return. Winter solstice celebrations often center on the arrival of lighter days, Bustle previously reported. Is that tiny babe of yours technically a light god or goddess? Perhaps.

This old wives’ tale about winter solstice babies actually has mythological roots. One pagan myth points to the birth of a “young sun” by the Norse Goddess Frigga on the winter solstice, as reported by Seldean Smith for Day Translations. Both the Japanese Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, and the unconquered Sun of Persia, Mithras, were born on winter solstice as well, bringing the “sun” and light with them.

OK, maybe not as actual babies, but with a winter solstice birthday, the person your baby will eventually grow to be could be someone who is driven, motivated, and goal-oriented. Astrologically speaking, winter solstice aligns with the start of Capricorn season. As Romper previously reported, this cardinal Earth sign is known for being especially driven and self-aware. Expect that your winter solstice baby may act like a miniature adult who will thrive when challenged. (As a Capricorn myself, I completely co-sign this.)

Is your little one more likely to stir things up if they're a winter solstice baby? In a way, it makes sense that babies born during this specific time might be seen as wild and free as the celebrations that take place on this date of astrological and mythological significance. Giving birth on the winter solstice could be trickier than other days, as Romper previously reported, and that could just be the beginning of a drama-filled existence with your new bundle of joy.

​​Prior to these modern times, winter was a difficult season and many cultures sought to find meaning in those unforgiving conditions. Fred Jennings, one of the owners of occult store Catland Books, told Refinery29 that the Druids viewed the Winter Solstice as a test of endurance and thus anything that survived the harsh night was exceptionally resilient. That's why evergreen plants, symbolic of lasting life, were often used in the ancient Celtic celebrations and rituals.

It's not surprising that the lunar phases play a role in certain old wives’ tales about babies born during the winter solstice. For instance, the Almanac also stated that December moon, winter Solstice babies are more likely to be lucky and successful in life. Winter solstice also happens to be just a few days away from Christmas, which is pretty lucky when you’re a kid who gets presents twice in one week.

The word solstice is derived from two latin terms that translate to “sun” and the phrase, “to stand still,” according to Dictionary.com. So, it actually makes a lot of sense that winter solstice babies are believed to be pretty chill.

Dr. Xenia Gonda, an assistant professor at Semmelweis University in Budapest, published a study in the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology examining scientific evidence that verifies the claims of Eastern European old wives’ tales and folklore. The study stated that, "those born in the winter were significantly less prone to irritable temperament than those born at other times of the year." So, there might actually be some truth to the superstition that winter solstice babies have a more pleasant disposition than others.

In ancient Austrian, German, and Swiss mythology, on the winter solstice, the goddess Holle, "checked the quality of each woman's work and offered rewards or punishment," as explained in the second volume of the Encyclopedia of Goddesses and Heroines by Patricia Monaghan. From those old stories came the folklore that babies born during winter solstice had the hardworking quality of the goddess Holle. In fact, if your baby is born on winter solstice, a sweet December baby name to consider is Holly — a nod to the goddess and the season of good tidings.

And if you do have a sweet winter babe born on the winter solstice, it’s nice to connect those ethereal vibes with your child’s name. Here are some sweet baby names perfect for a little one born on the winter solstice:

• Lucia; “light” and represents Saint Lucia Day
• Cole; “coal black” and represents the fire and warmth of winter solstice celebrations
• Bridget; “strength” and represents the resilience needed for winter
• Matilda; “battle-mighty” and represents the resilience needed for winter
• Scarlett; “red” and represents the flames to keep warm in winter
• Ember; “amber” and represents the flames to keep warm in winter
• Hope; “hope” and represents the hope needed for winter
• Asher; “fortunate” and represents the blessing of light to come
• Ethan; “strong, firm” and represents the resilience needed for winter
• Rupert; “bright fame” and represents the light to come