Did you know that the Northern Hemisphere's Winter Solstice is today? It might interest you to know that our Winter season started at 11:03PM (UT)... Welcome to the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Brr!
It's probably not a surprise that many cultures and religions have incorporated these seasonal changes into their traditions throughout history. The Winter Solstice marked a significant annual moment in Europe (see the Stonehenge and Newgrange monuments, which are aligned with the winter solstice sunrise and sunset, as well-known examples), and probably all over the world. It was believed to mark the last feast of the year, a time of food rationing and reversal, the annual rebirth of the sun gods, and the year itself. Some people in the United States celebrate a special Mass during this evening, since it falls so close to Christmas.
Here's a link to a few scientific facts about the Winter Solstice, if you want to understand more about what a solstice actually is.
If you're too cold (or hot), the Summer Solstice will be on June 21st, 2015, at 4:38PM (UT).
This solstice has many names, depending on where you are seasonally and globally.
So,
Happy Hibernal Solstice, if you are in the Northern Hemisphere,
and Happy December Solstice, wherever you may be!
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