Celebrating The Solstice
Today is the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. The sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn giving us short days and long nights. On the contrary, in the southern hemisphere they are enjoying nice long summer days.
I dislike snow, cold and the darkness that comes with the winter season. So why am I celebrating? Even though it will continue to get colder for another month, I’ll celebrate the lengthening days and the coming spring. Only 89 more days until the first day of spring!
Some solstice facts
- The solstice occurs because the earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees.
- The word solstice comes from ancient Latin. Sol meaning “sun” and sistere, “to stand still.” For several days before and after the solstice the sun appears to stand still in the sky and it’s noon time elevation does not change.
- Some say early Christmas celebrations have their roots in the Feast of Saturnalia, a winter solstice celebration to the Roman god Saturn. When Christianity was introduced to the Roman Empire, the church allowed the feast to continue but dedicated it to the birth of Christ.
- The custom of giving presents comes from the Roman feast of Saturnalia.
- Stonehenge is aligned with solstice. The timber circle is orientated towards the rising sun on the midwinter solstice.
Are you a summer person or a winter person?
It’s no secret I’m a summer person! I need warmth, sunshine, gardens, birds, and outdoor life without shivering cold.
Under My Apple Tree 
I’m the same Leslie – I don’t like snow, cold and darkness either. Give me summer anytime. Actually, early spring is nice too, because it’s the promise of warmer weather.
Let’s celebrate that the days are lengthening again! Yay!
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My favorite time is just when spring is turning into summer, about the end of June. Flowers look good, I can eat veggies from my yard, baby birds are flying around, lots of sunshine… yaaay!
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Leslie
I’d have to say winter because makes me want to cozy up to bed with tons of books and I love reading so that’s good:)
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I like some of the winter side effects… like hot apple cider, a fire in the fireplace, a warm blanket… but only for a month or so. Then I want warm weather back!
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I like this post. And me. I like both times of the year. There is something about the stillness of winter that I like, and yet the summer and growing thing is wonderful also. 🙂
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One of the few times I enjoyed winter (yes, I’m actually saying that) was on an early morning walk in the fresh snow. Beautiful, peaceful, and I took lots of good photos.
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Autumn is my favorite season, but if I must choose between cold & warm, summer will win hands down. Boo to needing 14 layers of clothes to go outside, and slipping a dozen times between the house & the car, and spending 20 minutes scraping the windshield and so on…..Boo, I say! Hiss, hiss, boo! And hurray that the days are now getting longer – and lighter – and warmer….did I say hurray?
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Oh yes, lots of hisses and boos here too, especially when it gets really icy and it takes forever for the car to warm up.
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I’m definitely a summer person. I’m happy for the longer days but I dislike the colder weather.
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I can take a little bit of chill, but my tolerance wears off after a few days! Then I start dreaming of beaches and Caribbean vacations.
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I like all of the seasons. However, I live in Southern CA. 🙂
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