What day is it?

The winter solstice for residents of the Northern Hemisphere falls on December 21. This day has the fewest daylight hours, and the night is the longest for the whole year. In the astronomical sense, this means that the planetary axis has reached the greatest angle of inclination from the Sun. For all living creatures on Earth, the length of daylight is very important, and the only source of light and heat on our planet is the Sun. As winter approaches, we notice every day that it rises later and sets earlier. Even at noon, the light is low above the horizon. If you look at your midday shadow, it will be the longest during the December solstice.

How did the idea of ​​celebrating the Winter Solstice come about?

Observing the movement of the Sun in the sky throughout the day and at different times of the year, people have long kept track of time and predicted weather and harvest.

Essentially, our daylight hours—the period of time between sunrise and sunset—gets a little shorter every day since the summer solstice in June, which is the longest daylight day of the year.

During the winter solstice, or solstice, the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky for the year. The angle between the sun’s rays and the Earth’s equator is constant for several days before and after this day.

But the shortest winter day is the beginning of the gradual rise of the luminary higher and higher. That is, after December 21, the light part of the day begins to increase and continues to increase until the moment of the summer solstice, when the cycle begins again. While we celebrate the winter solstice, the inhabitants of the Southern Hemisphere celebrate the summer solstice, and for them this day is the longest.

Depending on how far from the North Pole we live, daylight on December 21 can last from 9.5 hours to the complete absence of sunrise. Regardless of what the weather is like outside the window, the day of the December solstice marks the astronomical beginning of winter.

Even Gaius Julius Caesar officially established the date of the celebration of the shortest day – December 25. But the length of the astronomical year does not coincide with the calendar year, that is, a few more hours are added to 365 days. Therefore, over time, the date shifted by 4 days and is celebrated on December 21.

Customs of the ancient peoples of the world

The period of the winter solstice was very important in the culture of the ancient peoples of the world. In fact, many of the customs, symbols and rituals associated with Christmas actually originate from the celebration of the December solstice in pagan times.

Rome

In Ancient Rome, the holiday lasted seven days, starting on December 17. These days were called Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and harvest. During this period, insults were forgiven, wars were suspended, banquets and public festivities were arranged. Even slaves had the right to rest in those days.

Slavs

Our Slavic ancestors had a custom to carol with the arrival of the longest night of the year, because this day was considered the day of the god Kolyada. People tried to get rid of everything old and superfluous, and also made wishes and sang songs in honor of Kolyada, thanking him for the revival of the Sun.

After the adoption of the Christian religion, church officials tried to adapt these traditions to Orthodox beliefs. Christmas was celebrated during the winter solstice.

Ireland

For the Druids, this day was a time of death and rebirth, when the forces of nature and human souls were renewed. They believed that darkness dies and light is born, giving new life to the souls of the dead.

In Ireland there is a prehistoric stone structure of Newgrange. It is built in such a way that on the day of the winter solstice, the sun’s rays penetrate inside the structure and illuminate it brightly for several minutes. Some researchers believe that Stonehenge in England has a similar purpose — to track the movement of the planet relative to the Sun.

Scandinavian countries

In the Scandinavian countries, Yule was celebrated – that was the name of the winter solstice. People lit bonfires in honor of the god Thor – it was believed that he returned sunlight to the earth. Traditionally, a ritual log was burned, and the ashes were collected. It was a talisman against misfortune, it was kept all year round.

China

The ancient Chinese also celebrated the winter solstice. The traditions came from the Eastern philosophy of balance and harmony of “yin” and “yang” energies. It was a time of revival of positive energy, when treats were prepared and the family gathered around the same table.

Interesting facts about the winter solstice

1. The shortest day and the longest night fall on December 21, 22 or 23, when the inclination of the Earth’s axis in the direction from the Sun is the greatest value. The winter solstice falls on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and July 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. Above the horizon line, the Sun is at its lowest point.
2. From the summer solstice, the Sun rises to a lower height above the horizon every day. Name “solstice” arose because it is on this day that the celestial body does not change its position relative to the horizon (meaning the maximum height above the horizon). The duration of the world day is a little more than 8 hours, after which each subsequent day gradually increases, and the Sun begins to rise higher and higher.
3. Happy winter solstice a lunar eclipse is extremely rare. Since 1793, such coincidences have occurred only 10 times, the last time in 2010. By the way, in 2010 a total lunar eclipse also coincided with a full moon. The next full moon and winter solstice will coincide in 2094.
4. Most often, the winter solstice occurs on December 21, but could happen on the 20th or 23rd. The last occurrence on December 23 took place in 1903, the next ones on December 20, 2080 and December 23, 2303.
5. On the Winter Solstice in 1898 Pierre and Marie Curie discovered radium, thus starting the atomic era. In 1968, on December 21, into space Apollo 8 was launchedthe first humans entered lunar orbit and reached the Moon.
6. Famous ancient the Stonehenge complex aligned with the western axis of the sun, and the Newgrange monument is aligned with the rising sun at the winter solstice. The purpose of the structure has not yet been definitively determined, but it is on Solstice that most tourists from all over the world come to Stonehenge.
7. winter solstice – it is not the coldest day, and the event is in no way related to the decrease in the distance between the Earth and the Sun. It is caused by the deviation of the planet’s axis, which is 23.5 degrees.
8. The winter solstice has played an important role in the rites and traditions of various peoples since ancient times. On this day, the Romans celebrated the Saturnalia holiday in honor of the god Saturn, the patron of agriculture. In Iran, the Yalda holiday was celebrated, which symbolized the birth of the Sun God and his victory over darkness.
9. The day on which the winter solstice falls almost 9 hours shorter than the summer solstice. That is, the dark time of the day is longer for a whole working day.
10. On the day of the winter solstice, December 21, 2020, the giant planets Jupiter and Saturn came together so that the distance between them became minimal. Because of this, in the southwestern part of the horizon for an hour and a half, earthlings watched a bright parade of Jupiter and Saturn, which almost merged into one planet when observed with the naked eye. But this is in no way directly related to the solstice. 😉

Frequent Questions and answers about Day of the winter solstice

How to celebrate Day of the winter solstice?

The winter solstice in Ukraine has long traditions. Of course, over time, they have changed somewhat and modernized.

On this day, as before, you can make the most daring wishes – the rising sun will certainly help in their realization. Also, people usually clean the house, put things in order, get rid of old and damaged things.

Perhaps the most pleasant activity of the day will be to install and decorate the Christmas tree, because there is not much time left until the New Year. Children will also enjoy this activity.

In the evening, young girls can dream of the betrothed, as their great-grandmothers did, because the winter solstice is a magical day that encourages esoteric practices.

It is worth spending an evening with the family for a pleasant conversation and a delicious dinner. You can also meditate, because the energy of this day helps to get rid of negativity more than ever.

Why do we love this day?

Whether we love winter or prefer the warmth of summer, the winter solstice is a joy for everyone. Lovers of winter entertainment are happy that snowy and frosty days are still ahead, and for summer fans, the beginning of an increase in daylight means that there is not much time left until spring.

At this time, we sum up the results of the year and determine our intentions for the coming year.

This holiday, more than any other, reminds us that after darkness always comes light. It proves that there is no recovery without a period of rest.

Like all living things in nature, we can use the winter solstice to rest and recharge to prepare for future prosperity. And the energy of this winter holiday gives us harmony and mental balance.

When will we celebrate Day of the winter solstice?

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