The Winter Solstice
The winter solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 each year in the northern hemisphere. It occurs on or around the shortest day of the year. It is recognized as the first day of the winter season.
This is the days of the year when the sun is at it most southernly (lowest) place in the sky in the northern hemisphere.
There few hours of daylight. In the southern hemisphere this same day is marked as the beginning of summer, with long hours of daylight.
Diagram courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This is because the northern half of the planet is titled away from the sun and the southern half is tilted towards the sun.
After the winter solstice the days begin to grow longer. With the promise of more daylight and warmer days, this is a time of rejoicing.
These special days have been marked by celebrations all over the world. The festivals are celebrated by food, games, contests, dancing and music.
Ysyakh celebrations in the Jatutsk region of northeast Russia celebrates midwinter. There are races of all kinds including runners, horses, sled dogs, and reindeer. And the people dance and feast.
Lantern festivals in the Philippines feature glowing lanterns at sunset along the main streets of towns. Neighbors compete to see who can display the best lantern. There are band playing music and singing.
Toji is held at shrines in Japan. It is a day of joy. Workers take holidays, offerings are made to the ancestors and pumpkins are eaten for good luck. Shrines host bonfires to encourage the early arrival of spring.
From Winter Solstice Return to Nature in Winter
|
