The Winter Solstice

This year, the Winter Solstice falls on Sunday 22nd December, which means that the shortest day is just around the corner, the days will soon be getting longer and Spring will be here before we know it!
 
But before we wish away this season, we wanted to introduce you to the origins of the Solstice, what it is and why we celebrate it.
 
Also known as Midwinter, the Winter Solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun.  It happens twice a year, once in the Northern Hemisphere and once in the Southern. For us here in the UK, it means that the light we receive on the 22 December is considerably less than in June.
 
The winter solstice has been cause for ritual and celebration since the earliest human times, with many of our Christmas traditions evolving from these rituals. Although not religious in origin, solstice celebrations occur throughout many different cultures and countries, more as observances of an astronomical or natural phenomenon. It has always marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun.

Read More