Every year, the winter solstice is celebrated worldwide with great enthusiasm. This extraordinary astronomical phenomenon marks the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. It symbolizes the beginning of winter and the maximum tilt of the Earth away from the Sun, resulting in lower temperatures and less sunlight.
The winter solstice occurs twice a year, in June and December, and signifies the change of seasons. During the winter solstice, the Sun is directly positioned over the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located 23.5 degrees south of the equator. This position causes the Sun to be at its lowest point, shortening the hours of daylight and causing a drop in temperatures.
The term “solstice” comes from the Latin words “sol,” meaning sun, and “stit,” meaning still. This name reflects the position of the Sun during this phenomenon, as it appears to remain still for several days. According to NASA, residents of the northern hemisphere have less than 12 hours of daylight on this day, while in the southern hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year.
Ancient civilizations were fascinated by the movement of the Sun, resulting in the construction of impressive monuments such as Stonehenge in England and Torreon in Peru. Stonehenge was designed to align with the rising Sun during the solstice, and currently, people gather there to witness this spectacular event. Additionally, the sunrise during the solstice at Stonehenge is livestreamed on the English Heritage website, allowing people from around the world to join in the celebration.
In Austria, the winter solstice is particularly celebrated through the tradition of Krampus. In the city of Hollabrunn, people dress up as Krampus, a half-demon, half-goat figure who playfully scares passersby. This tradition serves as a lighthearted way to punish children who misbehave during the Christmas season.
The winter solstice reminds us of the celestial rhythms of the Earth and the interconnectedness of cultures throughout the centuries. From ancient monuments to colorful customs, these traditions continue to fascinate and unite people in celebrating this astronomical phenomenon.
Sources:
– NASA: [Link]
– English Heritage: [Link]
FAQ:
What is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon marking the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. It symbolizes the beginning of winter and the maximum tilt of the Earth away from the Sun, resulting in lower temperatures and less sunlight.
Why is this phenomenon called “solstice”?
The term “solstice” comes from the Latin words “sol,” meaning sun, and “stit,” meaning still. This name reflects the position of the Sun during this phenomenon, as it appears to remain still for several days.
What are the traditions associated with the winter solstice?
People around the world celebrate the winter solstice with various traditions. Examples include observing the sunrise at places like Stonehenge in England or participating in the Krampus festivities in Austria.
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk