Historical Context of the Midwinter Soup Frenzy:

Cultures throughout the world have had midwinter rituals.  The Pagans would light large fires to encourage the return of the sun.  The Midwinter Soup Frenzy builds on this tradition, and, in a modern spirit of energy efficiency, puts large pots of soup on the fires.  No need to waste a perfectly good fire.  The fire encourages the return of the sun, and the soup encourages friends to join you while you wait for this return.  It has never failed.