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It’s Winter Solstice tomorrow. Traditionally Winter Solstice marks the start of Christmas and New Year celebrations worldwide. Winter Solstice is that day of the 12 months once we see fewest hours of daylight. After Winter Solstice, days begin turning into longer and nights shorter for individuals within the Northern Hemisphere and it is simply the reverse within the Southern Hemisphere. Let’s check out when and why Winter Solstice occurs, and the traditions related to it. Countries and cultures have distinctive methods of celebrating Winter Solstice. This 12 months, the day is particular because it coincides with a shocking celestial occasion – the ‘Great Conjunction’ of the Jupiter and Saturn, occurring after almost 400 years.
What is Solstice?
The world ‘solstice’ is derived from a Latin phrase that means the ‘stalled solar’. Both Summer and Winter Solstices are astronomical occasions marking the motion of the Sun and alter within the period of day and evening time.
When is Winter Solstice?
Winter Solstice within the Northern Hemisphere, takes place between December 19 and 23. This 12 months it’s on Monday, December 21.
Northern Hemisphere Winter Solstice Time and Date in India
(North America, Central America, Europe, Asia, northern Africa)
December Solstice in New Delhi, India is on 21st December, 15:32 IST
Why does Winter Solstice occur?
Around this time yearly, nations within the Northern Hemisphere are farthest from the Sun and the Sun shines overhead on the Tropic of Capricorn. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 levels because it rotates across the Sun. This phenomena causes the motion of the Sun from the Northern to the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa bringing in seasonal adjustments within the 12 months.
Winter Solstice: History and traditions
- Ancient Romans celebrated the day in honour of Saturn, the god of agriculture. Every week-long celebration would lead as much as the Winter Solstice.
- In the United Kingdom, individuals historically collect at Stonehenge to look at the dawn and sundown on Winter Solstice. But this 12 months, owing to the pandemic, the gatherings will not be allowed however individuals can watch it on-line. Historians and archeologists consider that Stonehenge was straight linked to monitoring the annual motion of the Sun.
- A Winter Solstice in Japan known as Toji. The Japanese consider that the Sun will get stronger from this present day, bringing with it luck for the individuals.
- The Chinese name the Winter Solstice Dong Zhi that means ‘winter arrives’. People rejoice and welcome the return of longer days.
- The historic Norsemen in Scandinavia celebrated Yule on Winter Solstice. As the Sun returns to the Northern Hemisphere, males within the household would convey residence giant logs, which got here to be referred to as Yule logs. People would mild the logs and feast round it.
- Winter Solstice in Iran known as Chelleh evening. Persians on Winter Solstice cook dinner particular meals like lamb stew, dishes with dry walnuts and pomegranates. They mild a hearth, learn poetry and sit collectively round a hearth.
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