This morning at around 4:22 am PST marks the Winter Solstice. The solstice is not just the official beginning of winter, it is also, quite literally the darkest day of the year. The reason for the short day is because the rotation of the earth causes the sun to be in its southernmost position. The earth will continue to rotate around the sun, putting the sun in a more northward position, but it will take time. This “time,” to us, means winter.
The word, solstice, according to the good ol’ Farmer’s Almanac comes from the Latin words, “sun” and “to stand still.” Even though each day, the “point on the horizon where the Sun rises and sets” advances, the change around the solstice is so slight, that the sun appears to stand still–hence the word. Don’t you feel a little more informed, now? Also, just because it is the darkest day of the year, it doesn’t mean it’s the worst of the weather to come. The earth climate takes a second to feel the repercussions of the earth’s path. So, it isn’t usually until January or February that the limited energy coming in toward the earth finally wreaks havoc on the temperatures.
I look at the darkest day of the year as a good thing–it means that we are over the hump and on our way, however slowly, to longer days {and eventually better weather}. Each day after the solstice brings me one day closer to getting back outside and working in the garden. At least, that’s how I’ve decided to look at this year. Instead of impending doom, I am going to consider this brief transition around the sun a move toward brighter days. Glass half full, people.
For today, though, slide into your jammies when the sun goes down {it’s gonna be early}, and ride out the longest night of the year with your favorite movie and favorite people.
Happy Winter Solstice,
Mavis
GBMAXX says
December may be marked by Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but for pagans it’s the time to celebrate Yule. The holiday marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and celebrates the rebirth of the sun and beginning of winter. It is one of the oldest winter celebrations known to man, lasting 12 days long beginning on the date of the winter solstice.
Susan says
Winter solstice 2016 in Northern Hemisphere was at 4:44 AM on
Wednesday, December 21
All times are in Central Time.
You need to check your facts before your post.. we all make mistakes but we do not publish them usually!
Lauren says
Hello from the other side! Summer solstice here and I need all the extra seconds I can get.
Deborah says
Today in 1901, my grandmother was born. She lived to be 101-1/2. She’s been gone many years, but I still miss her horribly. I think of her often, as well as my mother. They were good, strong women. So, the first day of winter is a good day for me. Also my 27th anniversary is coming on the 24th. ❤️