10 Enchanting Winter Solstice Celebration Photos

In England, many Druids celebrate the longest night of the year by conducting a ritual at Stonehenge. While it is the first day of Winter, many of the modern-day Druids are celebrating the fact that the days will get longer until the Summer Solstice in 2013.

The ancients held many feasts to honor the changing of the seasons: Saturnalia, Yule and Meán Geimhridh are just a few examples. But today, many Druids and other Pagan paths chant, dance and sing at Stonehenge and bring these ancient Solstice celebrations to life once more. Here are some of the best shots from the event.

The Winter King Blesses His Followers

A Druid Leader Talks to the Crowd

The Crowd Cheers for the First Day of Winter

The Druids Lead the Ritual for the Solstice

A 'Merlin' Lookalike Watches the Ritual

Celebrating the Rising Sun

The Winter Solstice Sun Rises Upon Stonehenge

A Match Made in Druid Heaven

The Crowded Ritual at Stonehenge

The Crowd Watches as the Sun Rises