This year's December Solstice will occur at approximately 5:30 UTC (12:30 a.m. EST) on December 22, 2011. What does this mean? In simplest terms, it means we've reached one of the two annual moments when the Sun is at its greatest distance from the Earth's equator. In the case of Winter Solstice, it's the day we receive the least sunlight and experience the shortest day of the year. The opposite solstice occurs around June 21.
Because of the Earth's tilt, people who live in the Southern Hemisphere experience the opposite seasons and solstices. While the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, the Southern is tilted toward it. The December Solstice for people who live in Australia, for example, marks the longest day of the year.
Midwinter Yule and Winter Solstice Celebrations
The celebratory day, between December 20 and 23, during which the Winter Solstice occurs is called Midwinter or Yule, although it's also called the beginning of the calendar Winter. Midwinter celebrations and traditions symbolize survival of the cold, dark season with hope for new life and growth in the warmer, lighter days to come as the sun has returned.
Winter Solstice Animations
Here are a few animated illustrations of the relationship between the Earth and Sun at Winter Solstice.
- Mathisfun.com: The Seasons. A collection of illustrations and animations about the cycle of seasons.
- Earth-Sun Geometry: Winter Solstice Animation. A quick animation demonstrating the Earth's tilt and rotation at Winter Solstice.
Midwinter Solstice Activities, Traditions, & Rituals
Winter Solstice celebrations center around the turn from the dark to the light. The birth of the sun or "the son" are common themes across cultural traditions. It's a time to bring out the candles, paper lanterns, and Yule logs to light the darkness and to craft and decorate with snowflakes, winter mandalas, and evergreens.
- Learn about Winter Solstice ancient traditions (ancient origins, sacred plants, history and traditions).
- Learn about the symbolic battle between dark and light at School of the Seasons with comparisons of many solstice cultural traditions and rituals.
- The Symbolism of the Winter Solstice - Why Christmas is celebrated on the Solstice.
- Early Winter Solstice Celebrations - How Christ and Santa Claus came into Solstice celebrations.
You may view the Winter Solstice is a celestial seasonal event, a spiritual tradition, or both. In any case, there's plenty of fun and interesting science, history, and cultural tradition to explore.
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Sources:
Barss, Karen. "Winter Solstice for Kids." factmonster.com, retrieved 22 Dec 2011.
Imbornoni, Anne-Marie. "Winter Solstice." factmonster.com, retrieved 22 Dec 2011.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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