What you should know about the official start of winter

The United States has been experiencing chilly weather lately, with some areas literally freezing over before winter even began. Now the winter solstice, Saturday, December 21st, is just around the corner.

It will be both the shortest day and longest night of 2024.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the solstice also marks the beginning of the pagan holiday Yule. The holiday is meant to celebrate the return of the sun and the rebirth of the land as the days grow longer after the longest night of the year.

The solstice is celebrated by many as a time of rebirth and change. Many cultures throughout human history have viewed the changing of the seasons as an important symbol, and people of various faiths continue to recognize it today.

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What is the winter solstice?

The winter solstice ushers in the astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere will welcome summer with the summer solstice.

The particularly long night and the short day are caused by the Earth’s tilt towards the sun. During the winter solstice, the tilt brings the Earth to its furthest point from the sun, resulting in less sunlight. The solstice itself, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, lasts only a few moments, namely “at the precise moment when one hemisphere is tilted as far away from the sun as possible.”

What date does the solstice usually fall on?

The date of the winter solstice can be any time between December 20th and 23rd depending on the year, but the most common are December 21st and 22nd.

In 2023, the solstice fell on the same day but on a different day, Thursday, December 21st.

Stonehenge and the solstice

Several places around the world are particularly known for celebrating the solstice, including Newgrange in Ireland. Solstices are often associated with pagan religions and attract celebrants of different faiths.

One of the most famous solstice celebrations takes place at the ancient ruins of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, where many people gather to herald the solstice.

There are many theories about the original purpose of Stonehenge, including a burial site, an astronomical observatory, a religious place or place of worship, some kind of gesture or symbol, or a place for ritual or healing. Regardless, it has been the subject of many myths, stories and folklore.

In the 20th century, Stonehenge became a site of religious significance for people who embraced New Age beliefs, including neo-paganism and neo-Druids. When the stone circle was built, it was aligned with the sun, and to this day thousands of people gather to witness the moment when the sun shines perfectly through its pillars.

Without pagans there would be no Christmas tree

Many of the practices we associate with Christmas today come from pagan solstice celebrations, such as Christmas trees and wreaths, which have their origins in the Christmas celebration. The solstice has been revered by human cultures throughout history and is revered as a symbol of new beginnings as people welcome the next season.

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