Winter Solstice Day is the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
In the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice Day is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Every year, this day occurs between 20th to 23rd December, however, it is usually on 21st December. This day is known for feasting and celebrating in many cultures. This day marks the beginning of longer days and shorter nights until the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere in June. Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year.
History and Significance
Since the beginning of time, this day was marked as the hardest time of the year for early people. All the corners of the Earth have ancient remains that seem to be built around marking the winter solstice day. Some of these are:
- The most famous is the Stonehedge, England which was also known to be built around winter solstice. It is said that every year at sunset on this day, the sun’s rays align with the two giant stones called the central Altar and Slaughter Stone.
- At Sunrise on this day, the rays illuminate the main chambers of the monument at Newgrange, Ireland.
- Mayan City in Tulum, Mexico stands deserted and the buildings have holes. On the day of Winter or Summer Solstices at the time of sunrise, these holes cast a starburst.