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Winter Solstice a crucial part of the natural cycle, marks the time of the year when the light returns as the sun shifts and starts to move northward again. December 21 is the Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice.
Hence the origin of the word solstice, which comes from Latin solstitium, from sol, "sun" and -stitium, "a stoppage." Following the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter. The winter solstice marks the official first day of winter. People have celebrated the day around the world and throughout history. |
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The length of days changes throughout the year. Day length varies because of the Earth's tilt.
The Earth travels around the sun. But the Earth does not orbit with the North Pole at the top and the South Pole at the bottom. Instead, the Earth is tilted slightly. Because the Earth is tilted, different parts of the Earth face the sun at different times of year. Half the year the sun is hitting the Northern Hemisphere and half the year it's hitting the Southern Hemisphere. The Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice occurs when that hemisphere is tilted the farthest away from the sun. This happens every year between December 21 and 23. The Southern Hemisphere has its summer solstice when the Northern Hemisphere has its winter solstice.
To the ancients, it appeared as if the Sun and Moon stopped in their flight across the sky�this is the longest night of the year and was a time of both anticipation and rejoicing at the Sun's rebirth out of the Goddess. The Sun's representation as the male divinity, or celestial ruler, predates Christianity. In addition, the sun appeared in the sky for shorter and shorter periods each day, giving rise to the fear that it might disappear altogether, leaving the world in darkness and cold. The strengthening of the sun following the solstice was a reason for celebration, signifying the return of hope for a new spring. As with other rituals and celebrations, the Church felt that by assimilating this holiday into the Christian beliefs, it would help convert those who still followed the Olde Way.
The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Ancient Egyptians held ceremonies during the solstice. And more than 4,000 years ago in Ireland, people built a tomb designed to let in light only during the solstice. Native Americans, such as the Hopi and Zuni Indians, celebrate the day. And people have honored the solstice in China, Japan, and Taiwan too. Even Hanukkah and Christmas are related to the winter solstice. Most are religious holy days, and are linked in some way to the winter solstice in the Northern Hempsphere.
In a real sense, the sun begins anew its journey toward longer days, times of new growth and renewal of the world once again. In a spiritual sense, it is a reminder that in order for a new path to begin, the old one must end and that spring will come again. |
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