Today is the winter solstice, a time in which the Sun appears at its lowest altitude above the horizon, sometime around noon. This means that it will be the shortest day of the year!
The winter solstice is a very important part of history in many different ways. It shows how certain cultural traditions have come intro practice. Also, 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, set to take place today at exactly 11:12 a.m.!