So today is the shortest day. Things will start to become lighter. Today we had one of those very dull days. We had the lights on for most of the day. There was heavy cloud and snow flurries. We got about 2 cm ( 3/4 inch)of snow. We had a high of minus 6 C ( 24 F). It was a most dismal day.
The sun rose at 8:42 AM and set at 4:24 PM which gave us 7 hours and 42 minutes of sunlight except that it was very cloudy.
A recent morning with pale moon and jet vapor trail.
What intrigues me is how people throughout history have observed winter solstice. They didn't have accurate measurements to tell when the sun rose and set. Yet winter solstice was very important to them. They didn't always get the exact day of the solstice.
The ancients realized that the solstice was an important day and in many cultures a celebration was held. Rural people knew that the days would get longer but knew that there was much more winter to be experienced. They knew that they had to have adequate food supplies for themselves and their animals.
Then things get a little complicated when we use different calendars. The day still happens. Only the number changes.
So do you look forward to winter solstice ? What does winter solstice mean for you?
I may be the oddest person in the world but I love the winter solstice. Perhaps it’s because the 21st of December is my sister’s birthday. Perhaps it’s because I’m very comfortable with the dark. For most of my younger years I had headaches. The light hurt. The dark did not. I love cloudy days, rainy days and I do love beautiful sunny days. I’m glad God gave us all four seasons and every kind of weather.
ReplyDeleteOutdoor people appreciate the weather and seasons because you know them by experience. I back packed for many years so I enjoy your posts.
DeleteAbsolutely, yes! The winter solstice is a happy day even if it turns out dark and dreary. But today we had bright sunshine for most of the day, a day where the sun rose at 7:55 and set at 4:20. We marked it was a little party with a shut in friend of Norwegian heritage. As people with Nordic ancestry ourselves, we feel a great affinity to this day. Then this evening we went to Wild Lights at the Seattle zoo, to celebrate the light! For Northlanders, the Winter Solstice was the original "reason for the season".
ReplyDeleteWinter solstice has much more meaning in the north. As you know I lived above the Arctic circle so sunlight was important.
DeleteIt's not a big deal for me, but it is a significant date. I like the changing seasons, light levels, and such.
ReplyDeleteAs an outdoors person you can appreciate the seasons.
DeleteIt is my birthday and I think it is unfair that I was born on the shortest day of the year...ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of that one. So belated happy birthday.
DeleteWe celebrated with drums and other percussion instruments.Had a big crowd
ReplyDeleteYes, anything for a party!
DeleteFor me, it's the beginning of the return of the light. I sleep much better in the winter nights with the window open and the bedroom door closed, snuggled under my warm down comforter with hubby beside me. In the summer the light lasts way too long and I don't sleep nearly as well when it's warm. Spring and fall are my favorite times of the year. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't sleep with your windows open here. The long days seem to give you more energy and you need lass sleep.
DeleteWell, right now it's the day after . . . and I already feel a little brighter!
ReplyDeleteRight on. You'll have to be restrained when we get to the spring equinox.
DeleteI'm intrigued, too, how long the solstice has been a part of winter celebrations. Many traditions with ancient roots. In Minnesota we celebrated with candle-lit skiing and a bonfire. Last night in South Carolina we started a new tradition with a celebration at the beach.
ReplyDeleteThe important thing is that both of your celebrations are outdoors.
DeleteWinter's my favourite season. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't have to look for a name to know who's comment this was.
DeleteI like winter although it isn't my favorite time of year, which is fall. Are you doing any ice skating lately?
ReplyDeleteFall is mellow and pleasant. Yes, I skate every Tuesday and started the last Tuesday in August.
DeleteI love this day of the year because as of the next day, we begin to enjoy more daylight!
ReplyDeleteIt must have been scary for earlier human civilizations to see these changes and have no explanation for why they were happening. I guess, in the depths of winter, they simply had to take comfort in the knowledge that good times would come again. Kind of the way we have to think about Trump's presidency!
ReplyDeleteI do look forward to the winter solstice for what it brings...hope. Still here on the Minnesota tundra our dreary cold day usually kindles my desire to fly off to Florida....
ReplyDeleteI would happily skip winter and go right to Spring! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeletePartly because I am a lifelong atheist, the winter solstice means a lot to me. The wheel has turned. I reflect upon the departed and look forward to The Earth's renewal - to the first flowers of springtime, the first swallows of summer, the first berries of autumn. I am part of the human chain that journeyed from one winter solstice to the next. It's how we measure life.
ReplyDeleteHi Red, I usually post something about solstice on John's Island but didn't say much on this last one. It seems like, as I get older, time goes by faster and faster. Do you notice that? Anyway, thanks for the solstice info. Here it is Christmas Eve and I want to send you and the Micro Manager greetings for a Merry Christmas tomorrow! John
ReplyDeleteI love winter and the beginning of the darker time of year. It isn't really a big deal like it was when we lived in Alaska. There the solstice was celebrated twice a year with a big festival. They were always fun to be part of.
ReplyDeleteI wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Red.
I am glad that the earth is tilting back. It does seem to be too long of a winter when the arctic winds blow across our plains. I do like watching the sun rise a little bit more to the left each morning once the clouds go away.
ReplyDelete