In 2017, the winter solstice begins on December 21 at 19:28 Moscow time, when the Sun enters 0° of the zodiac sign Capricorn. According to signs, what the weather will be like today will be the same on December 31st.
The daylight hours will last 6 hours 51 minutes, the night of December 22 will last 17 hours 9 minutes. After this, astronomical spring will begin in the Northern Hemisphere - daylight hours will begin to increase.
Solstice occurs twice a year - in summer and winter. This is an astronomical event - the Sun on this day is at its greatest angular distance from the equator, and, accordingly, its altitude is minimum for one hemisphere of the Earth and maximum for the other. This leads to phenomena such as the longest and shortest daylight hours of the year. The phenomenon received its name because of the location of the Sun in the sky - for several days at noon the luminary is at one constant height - standing, hence the solstice. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere usually falls on December 20, 21 or 22, which is the shortest day of the year.
This is the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice is one of the main solar points of the year in astrology, along with the days of spring and autumn equinox, summer solstice.
Celebration traditions:
Many peoples of the world associated the winter solstice with the coming rebirth; it was believed that the longest night was before dawn. On this occasion, holidays, rituals and other celebrations were held, for which special structures were often built - Stonehenge in Britain and Newgrange in Ireland are oriented along the visual line indicating the sunrise on the day of the winter solstice.
The ancient Slavs celebrated paganism on this day. New Year, better known as Kolyada, among the Germanic peoples - Yule, among the Romans until the 3rd century - Sol Invictus. People lit a ritual fire from oak or pine, which symbolized the rebirth of the Sun. The main decoration of the festive table was a sun-shaped loaf.
In Scotland, there was a custom to launch a solar wheel - a “solstice”: a barrel was coated with burning resin and launched down the street. The wheel symbolized the sun, its spokes resembled rays, and the rotation of the spokes during movement made the wheel look like a luminary.
IN Christian churches, switched to Gregorian calendar, these days the Nativity of Christ is celebrated. Orthodoxy uses the Julian calendar, according to which the date of Christmas coincided with the winter solstice two thousand years ago, but has now shifted later by half a month.
Signs:
The winter solstice, also called the winter solstice festival, is a very important and revered day for many cultures. There are many signs associated with this day.
“Sun for summer, winter for frost!”
Proverb
On December 21 at 21:11 (Moscow time), the earth's axis will deviate at its maximum angle relative to the Sun, which means that the northern hemisphere, far from the center of our system, will receive the least amount of light. In Moscow, a day will last about 7 hours, in St. Petersburg - less than 6 hours, and beyond the Arctic Circle there will be twilight even at noon. This is the winter solstice, after which astronomical winter begins.
People noticed this phenomenon in ancient times and noted its importance. Famous Paleolithic sites such as Stonehenge and Newgrange are aligned with the summer and winter solstices, respectively. Located in Ireland, Newgrange is a mound with huge stone blocks at its base. It was both a burial ground and a religious building with an altar, to which a narrow corridor leads. During the several days before and after the winter solstice, the rays of the heavenly body pull out the dark corners of the underground chamber from the darkness for only 15-20 minutes.
Photo: http://www.knowth.eu/newgrange-aerial.htm
For communities leading a primitive economy, this day marked the beginning of the most difficult time of the year, when nature did not provide any food, and one could only rely on their own supplies. B O Most of the livestock went under the knife due to lack of feed. By this time, the new wine was ripening. Before tightening their belts, our ancestors were not averse to feasting.
The reason for the holiday was the birth of a new luminary at a moment when the forces of darkness are ready to triumph and plunge the earth into chaos.
Solstice were central events in the life of peoples who worshiped the Sun as one of the supreme deities. In Egypt, Amon-Ra was revered, the Incas called themselves “sons of the Sun”, in Babylon the resurrection was dedicated to the sun god Shamash (cf. English. Sunday(resurrection), lit. "day of the sun") Greco-Roman agricultural and solar holidays had a huge influence on the formation of modern Christmas and New Year traditions.
In the second half of December, celebrations were held in Rome in honor of the god of the earth and fertility, Saturn (by the way, Saturday was dedicated to him SSaturday). People believed that when he was an earthly ruler, his subjects did not know poverty, inequality, slavery and war. Saturnalia on a short time restored the Golden Age. For a short time, the slave was equal to the master, criminals received a reduced sentence, and debts were paid. Rural work ended, people sought to complete other tasks.
Many customs of this period are inextricably linked with the onset of the new year. Some peoples celebrated the New Year on the first new moon after the winter solstice. Julius Caesar tied the beginning of the next year to January 1, which in 45 BC. coincided with the first new moon. The month of January bore the name of the Roman god Janus, whose ancient face turned to the past, and his young face to the future. He was revered as a divine gatekeeper, unlocking and locking doors between eras.
It was believed that with every change of seasons, passages to other worlds opened. The souls of deceased ancestors could visit the world of the living. They should have been met and received with dignity funeral meals and prayers. Thus, on festive table funeral dishes arose, in the Russian tradition - sochivo.
In the same time, dark forces they could also leave their possessions and wander the earth in search of lonely and defenseless victims. For this reason, people at this time were supposed to stick together and defend themselves from evil spirits.
They protected themselves with the help of disguises and masks (it was assumed that hostile spirits either did not recognize A hide a person, or consider that the place is already occupied by other evil spirits), with the help of various amulets (ritual figurines were displayed in certain places, branches sacred trees and the doors and corners of the house were decorated with wreaths of them). Fire was considered the most effective method of protection.
If the darkness that reigns in December brings melancholy to us, modern residents who have electricity in our homes and on the streets, what can we say about those who had only an oil lamp and a torch? Light, the soul asks for light! Bonfires, candles, torches, fiery performances delighted the eye on an impenetrable night and gave a signal to the sun to return.
Among the Germanic peoples this holiday was called Yule (in different languages Yule, Joll, Joel or Yuil), among the Slavic - in different ways, for example, Kolyada. It began with the appearance of the first star in the sky and lasted 12 days. The duration is probably related to lunar cycles. IN lunar month 29 days (and 30 every 2 months), which is almost 12 days (11 1/4) less than in solar year. This difference was considered “nobody’s” time, unsuitable for business.
They didn’t spare the fire for Yule. For all 12 days, the Yule log, which represented the world tree, smoldered in the hearth. It was lit from a piece of last year's log, which helped connect the times. East Slavs they burned a piece of log and rolled it around the village. Rolling it back into the fire burning meant guaranteeing good and prosperity for the entire settlement in the coming year. Among the southern Slavs, such a block of wood was called badnyak. Sometimes they gave him a beard—the badnyak embodied old year, giving way to the young.
The holiday ends on Twelfth Night with a blazing bonfire, round dance and performances. Like, for example, Hogmanay in Scotland. Formally, it marks the last day of the year and is celebrated on December 31st with fireworks, a torchlight procession and concerts. They must perform a song adapted from a folk ballad by the beloved Scots poet Robert Burns (18th century), whose birthday on December 25 is celebrated with a feast with traditional dishes.
Other traditional elements of late December include holly, ivy and mistletoe. They have been used for decoration since the Saturnalia. Ideas about the miraculous power of mistletoe go back to ancient times. For the Romans, she personified life and promoted conception. For the Scandinavians it was a symbol of peace. Enemies who met under the mistletoe had to make peace. This custom passed on to modern tradition kissing under the mistletoe: Young Harry Potter kissed a girl under the mistletoe for the first time at the Yule Ball.
The holly is known not only for its decorative effect, but also for its useful properties. Healing drinks are made from some varieties. In addition, the bush makes an excellent hedge. For the Druids, he personified the sun. It was customary for them to decorate houses at the most dark time year for protection from hostile spirits.
Yule has its own guards. In Iceland, for example, for some reason it’s a cat. It was believed that by the holiday one should have time to process all the shorn wool and make clothes from it. The Yule cat walked around and checked for new things. Lazy idleness, that is, those who had nothing, " scary beast» took away the festive lunch; or ate the lazy one himself.
Since ancient times, the goat or goat has been associated with the end of December, since the winter solstice point was previously located in the constellation Capricorn (now it has moved to the constellation Sagittarius). Finnish Father Christmas is called Joulupukki, which means "Yule goat". The Germanic, Slavic and Scandinavian peoples had a similar custom of “driving a goat”. The young men put on a fur coat with the fur turned outward, a horned mask, and went from house to house, putting on performances and joking with the owners. The goat teased the girls, caressed the children, then suddenly “died” and “resurrected” only after a treat. All this symbolized the eternal renewal of nature.
The festival timelessness of the solstice (both winter and summer) abolished behavioral norms and allowed ritual outrages. Thus, some “goat” songs and performances had frivolous content - for the sake of increasing fertility. Feigning debauchery evil spirits, young guys could overturn carts, break fences, steal equipment, etc. On Epiphany (the 12th night of Yule), a “bean king” was elected - a man who found a bean in his piece of pie became a clownish ruler and gave ridiculous orders to his “subjects.”
The shortest day in 2018, as usual, will be the winter solstice. This day, or rather the phenomenon, always happens in December. Already known now exact date and time of winter solstice 2018.
The ancient Slavs called this day the Day of Renewal and Birth of the Sun. Some peoples even celebrated the New Year on the winter solstice. Winter solstice date in 2018: December 21st. During this period, the night is the longest and the day is shortest.
The shortest day of 2018 is expected to be Friday, December 21, 2018. In Russia, the shortest day is December 22 due to time differences. The longest night in 2018 is the night from December 22 to 23. The winter solstice will occur at 22:23 on December 21 UTC or 01:23 on December 22 Moscow time.
The shortest day of the current year lasts only 7 hours and 20 seconds. The shortest December day in 2018 was shorter than the June solstice by 10 hours and 33 minutes. The night from December 22 to 23 will last 17 hours.
On the day of the winter solstice, the daylight occupies its lowest position above the horizon, while in the summer, on the day of the summer solstice, it is at its maximum. After the winter solstice, the day will slowly and gradually increase, and the night will decrease.
Despite the fact that the solstice phenomenon is of an astronomical nature, people over time have identified some traditions that should be followed to make December 21 a success. So, on this date it is customary to do cleaning. In order to meet the period when the visible days will increase in duration, people throw out all unnecessary things from the house. The reason for this is the desire to let solar energy into your home, freeing up as much space as possible for it.
In addition, in order to restore material order in your home, you need to clear your thoughts of negativity. To do this, you should join lovers of meditation practices or read a prayer, which will give you the opportunity to express your painful feelings and let go of all grievances and fears.
All kinds of fortune-telling rituals are very popular on Winter Solstice Day. This is due to the fact that on this date there is an abundant energy surge, which allows you to look into the future and find answers to many questions that concern people. At the same time, you can make a wish that will definitely come true, thanks to the large flows of solar energy on the planet.
Of course, you should congratulate your loved ones on Winter Solstice Day on December 21, 2018. This is a joyful holiday, like many others that are celebrated throughout the year. He has great importance for people, and therefore is highlighted as a separate date in the calendar.
The weather that will accompany people on December 21st will not last for the next 10 days. If a snowstorm occurs on the Winter Solstice, then we can expect a snowy New Year.
You can find out about an excellent harvest in the coming year by looking at the tree branches on December 21. If they are covered with frost, then field workers should be happy good news. In order to produce a lot of berries in the coming year, you need to cut a branch from the cherry tree and put it in water. If it starts to come down to the Christmas holiday, then it will be possible to reap the berry fruits. ABOUT large quantities fruits can be foreshadowed by weather without wind and blizzards. In order to independently attract a rich harvest, you should go out into the garden and shake the tree that produces fruit.
Spring is expected to be wet and with heavy rainfall if it rains on the Winter Solstice.
The shortest day of the year is December 21 or 22 (depending on the shift in the calendar). It has a special name - “Winter Solstice Day”. This is the day of the shortest daylight (only 5 hours 53 minutes) and the longest night. From the next day, as you know, it begins to gradually increase. In scientific terms, this is due to the fact that the inclination of the Earth’s axis of rotation relative to the Sun takes on its maximum value.
In many cultures, this day has always been a significant event, always associated with rebirth. For example, in primitive culture, the beginning of the Solstice was not exactly a joyful day; it was more associated with the beginning of famine. Because primitive people they didn’t really know how much supplies they needed to prepare for the cold weather. In the Early Middle Ages it was a holiday as beer and wine generally matured by mid-December.
Longest day of the year
The longest day of the year occurs on June 21 or 20. You've probably already noticed that it's light outside even at 11 p.m. True, then, as with the “winter” daylight hours, the daylight hours begin to gradually decrease, this becomes noticeable already in August.
IN modern world The days of the winter and summer solstice are not a holiday, but many traditions have been preserved to this day. For example, the carols beloved by children were originally dedicated to December 20, only then they migrated to the post-Christmas weeks until Epiphany (January 19). IN Ancient Egypt Summer Solstice the priests attached great importance. In Russia, the holiday is better known as Ivan Kupala Day, when celebrants swim, jump over bonfires, tell fortunes and look for branches of ferns (which, according to legend, bloom on this holiday).
Observing the solstice is difficult because the sun moves slowly towards its point. Only recently have scientists begun to determine the exact time of an event down to the instant.
Everyone knows that during the solstice, the height of the celestial body above the horizon is maximum or minimum exactly at noon, at this moment the length of day or night is maximum for us. There are only two solstices in the year, in winter and summer, when the shortest day and the longest night are celebrated.
Since ancient times, people have revered the sun and watched it with winter solstice There are various beliefs to this day. For example, they used it to judge the future harvest.
When will the shortest day and longest night be in 2019?
In the future 2019, from the twenty-first (12/21) to the twenty-second (12/22) of December, therefore, on this day there will be the shortest day, that is, the twenty-first of December (12/21) (the duration of which is one minute to seven hours).
What is the longest night?
On the longest night, darkness prevails and seems like pitch darkness. The Slavs believed that this was a victory of darkness over light, but with dawn, light won. It was at this time that various rites and rituals were carried out since ancient times, since it is considered the most favorable for changing oneself in better side. Also, the British believed that on this night you need to joke and laugh a lot, because they believed that by voicing problems, they would definitely be solved after the “Merry Night”.
How long is the longest night of the year?
Seventeen hours and one minute is the length of the longest night of the year (17 hours and 1 minute).