A solstice, as defined by the dictionary is "a furthest or culminating point; a turning point". The winter solstice occurs when the sun is furthest from the celestial equator (a theoretical projection of the earth's equator into space). Technically, the winter solstice lasts for only the instant of time during which the sun is at its furthest. However, "winter solstice" typically refers to the entire day. In the Northern Hemisphere the day of winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and the point at which days begin to lengthen. This usually occurs on the 21st or 22nd of December. There are much more fascinating aspects to the winter solstice, however. For thousands of year the winter solstice has been associated with religious and philosophical importance. Around 46 BC, the 25th of December was established as the winter solstice. At that time the Julian Calender (named after Julius Ceasar who first int...
FOLKLORE, FACTS AND FEATURES ABOUT HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD