After Midinváerne, or Midwinter, the day of the winter solstice, the days grow longer. According to the elves, Midinváerne marks the beginning of a new cycle: the sun gradually gains power and all things beneath it are born once again. Winter Shrines erected on this day celebrate the revival of life and light, but also honor the winter, as death and resurrection are two sides of the same coin.
Magic connected to death and cold are particularly strong near the Winter Shrines, and witches can use them to prolong frost and destroy crop. Even witchers bow before the shrines to honor winter and increase the intensity of their Signs.