Winter Solstice Leaves Us Wondering, Will the Sun Come Out Tomorrow?
Ann Arbor, MI — Superman may need to take the day off on December 21st. This day is the shortest day of the year with the longest night thanks to winter solstice. Solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice a year when the earth’s axis is most inclined toward or away from the sun causing the sun’s apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extreme. While many people speculate that Superman gets his power from the sun, one thing we do know is that the residents of the northern hemisphere will experience the sun in its lowest position and the first official day of winter.
For many years winter solstice has been celebrated as the birth of a new solar year. For many, it is a festival of inner renewal and many choose to greet this day by ringing bells in the direction of the sun at dawn. Many well known Christmas traditions can be traced back to pagan worship of winter solstice. The Roman celebration “Sigillaria” saw parents giving their children gifts of earthernware, rings and seals and decorating their homes with green plants. “Jiuleis”, a festival held by Scandinavian barbarians, can be credited for the creation of the Yule log. During the festival of food, drink, and dance, the Yule log was burnt as a symbol of melting the heart of a cold and dreary winter. In Norse mythology, Balder, the God of Summer, was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe and Newgrange in Ireland was built to celebrate winter solstice.
For people who wish to avoid winter and the celebration altogether, the southern hemisphere will be experiencing their summer solstice the same day when the sun moves to its highest position. We can thank the different seasons in the two hemispheres on the sun’s tilt which supplies more direct sunlight to one hemisphere while depriving the other hemisphere of equal direct sunlight.
Whether you chase the sun to Australia, ring bells in celebration of a new solar year, or partake in Christmas traditions, December 21st will bring an opportunity to everyone.