If today feels special, that’s because it is! Today is the winter solstice, also known as the shortest day of the year or a time in which the sun appears at its lowest altitude above the horizon, sometime around noon.
The winter solstice is a key part of history for a few different reasons. It has impacted cultural traditions throughout the ages!. For example, in Neolithic times, since many villagers were not sure if they would survive through the rough winters, they would treat the winter solstice as a time to gather enough meat to last them through the cold.
Did you know?
- In Canada (and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere) the winter solstice is called the “Southern Solstice.”
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is called the “Northern Solstice.”
- In Australia, the winter solstice actually marks the longest day of the year instead of the shortest, because of their location.
- The winter solstice is also called “Midwinter,” “Yule,” and “the longest night.” There are many festivals that celebrate the winter solstice around the world!
Don’t miss the winter solstice this year! And let us know if you did anything special to celebrate.