What is a Winter Solstice?
Winter solstice occurs in both hemispheres at different moments during the year. For the Northern Hemisphere, winter solstice occurs on either December 21st or December 22nd. During this event, the Sun is farthest away from the Northern Hemisphere at its southernmost point. Winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere occurs in the same way, expect the Sun is at its northernmost point. However, these two instances do not happen at the same time. Winter solstice for the Southern Hemisphere occurs on either June 20th or June 21st. The irony of winter solstice in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is that while one hemisphere is experiencing winter solstice, the other experiences their summer solstice. For instance, if the Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice occurs on December 21st, then the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing summer solstice at the same time. Why do the two hemispheres experience different seasons at the same time, and how is the Sun closer to one hemisphere than another? The answer to these questions is found by understanding the Earth’s tilt on its axis. The Earth does not lie on a vertical plane. Rather, the Earth averages a tilt of 23.5º. While the positioning of the Earth’s tilt never changes, Earth’s position in its annual orbit does. Therefore, during certain times of the year, one hemisphere will be closer to the Sun than its opposite. For example, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun on December 21st and 22nd, experiencing winter, but the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward it, experiencing summer. Due to the Sun being at its furthest point from either hemisphere during winter solstice, the least amount of daylight will be experienced on this day. Increasing distance from the Sun means a gradual decrease in daylight. The Sun’s path in the sky grows shorter as a hemisphere approaches winter solstice. The opposite is true for summer solstice. During summer solstice, a hemisphere will experience the most amount of daylight for the year. While many locations across the globe experience winter in full flux before this event, the winter solstice is supposed to mark the beginning of the winter season. Leading up to the winter solstice, days are shorter, and less daylight is experienced. Following winter solstice, the days gradually grow longer, and more sunlight promises the arrival of spring.
When Can We Expect the Winter Solstice this Year?
For 2022, winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is predicted to be on Wednesday, December 21st at 4:47 p.m. EST. It is likely that the Northern Hemisphere will experience just under nine hours of daylight. On this day, the North Pole will be tilted farthest from the Sun out of any other day during the year. It is likely that the North Pole will experience zero hours of daylight during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice. On the other hand, Antarctica will experience 24 hours of daylight, as it lies in the Southern Hemisphere.
Significance of the Solstice
While the winter solstice might not arouse profound sentiments in many, it held and still holds great significance for many cultures. Although the day of the winter solstice is the darkest of the year, the days following this event grow lighter. In this way, many view the winter solstice as a spiritual rebirth, where light gradually begins to shine after a time of darkness. Furthermore, cultures have created festivals, events, and gatherings around this day. For instance, the Dōngzhì Festival is celebrated in China to commemorate the passing of the winter solstice. The Dōngzhì Festival has been around for over 2,000 years and lasts for over two weeks. During this event, families will gather and feast on tangyuan, which is a dish that symbolizes prosperity and reunion. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was celebrated on the winter solstice to worship the god Saturn. Saturn was the god of agriculture and time, and Romans worshipped this deity during the winter solstice in hopes that crops would be plentiful following the winter sowing season. To celebrate this holiday, Romans decorated their homes with wreaths, took time off school and work, played music, gave gifts to one another, and threw outrageous parties and events. In the United States, the Native American Zuni and Hopi tribes celebrate Soyal on the winter solstice. Soyal celebrates the return of the Sun from its winter slumber. Soyal takes place for 16 days and includes activities like prayer, participation in a feast, and dancing. Dancers wear masks and costumes, children receive dolls that represent the spirit Kachina, and the community is blessed through these traditions.
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Winter solstice for the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Wednesday, December 21st. Winter solstice for the Southern Hemisphere will occur on either June 21st or 22nd. What happens on winter solstice? Winter solstice marks the beginning of winter. It is also the day that experiences the least amount of sunlight out of all other days during the year. What is the significance of winter solstice? Many believe that the winter solstice signifies rebirth.
