The Heliogenna is a modern innovation in the Hellenismos religion in which the Sun God Helios is honored during the time of the Winter Solstice. It runs over a nine day period with the fifth day falling on the day of the winter solstice itself. The days are divided into three segments, the first three days are called "Sunset" the second segment of three days is called "Night" and the final segment is called "Sunrise."
Each segment has its own particular character. The Sunset is a time of remembrance, honoring the Gods through thanks for the blessings of the year, remembering those who have passed, and to usher in the night, the time when the Sun God is diminished and enters the underworld. The Night is a sombre time, when the Sun God is not mentioned or celebrated, but almost mourned as if he had died. During this time, the Chthonic Gods are honored, Hades and Persephone have a day dedicated to them, and the Solstice Itself is celebrated with sombre observance. The Sunrise is exuberant. Celebrate it with parties, dancing, gift giving, New Years like celebrations that celebrate hope for the future and seek the blessings of the Gods in the coming year.
As a modern celebration, the Heliogenna is not found in ancient sources, but some of the celebrations, including those of Dionysos, are attested in ancient times as well as the fact that this time of year was indeed thought of as holy both in Greece and in Rome.
This site is broken down into individual days, and this year, 2006, the first day will fall on Sunday, December 17th and the ninth and final day on Monday December 25th, which is a coincidence and not planned that way.