Winter Solstice 12-21-12

Winter Solstice happens on a busy day.  As if  being the Mayan Doomsday isn’t enough, today is the shortest day of the year, which is what the Winter Solstice is.

Astronomically,  Winter Solstice represents the shortest day and the longest night, when the sun is lowest on the horizon in the northern hemisphere.  After 12-21-12, the days will get longer.  12-21-12 marks the first day of winter–known to the ancients as the starving time or the dark time.  Daylight on Friday, December 21, 2012 will officially be 9 hours, 26 minutes long.    Winter begins at 11:09 a.m.  (The Washington Post says 6:12 a.m. but who’s counting?)

The Capital Weather Gang reports some interesting facts HERE.

Winter was a very terrifying time for ancient people.  Darkness consumed much of their day.  Freezing temperatures, snow, ice and freezing rain made life difficult and dangerous.  Survival was never a sure thing.   Too much snow could trap the ancients inside their shelters which were usually caves.  Those who couldn’t get out often died of thirst and hunger.  Its no wonder that rituals began and the night before winter began was one of merriment–a little cheer to tide the folks over until spring.

Ancient, earth-centered religions still worship deities during this time of year.  Old customs are revived for another year.  Myths involving Holly King battling the Oak King are told as the Oak King kills the Holly King.  In June, at the Summer Solstice, the Holly King kills the Oak King and the year circles on around again, as the people tend their crops and look forward to harvest.  Many of the traditions of the ancient people have survived and have been incorporated into both the Jewish and Christian traditions and appear in Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations.  Mistletoe, yule logs, oil lights, even the Christmas tree all come from ancient times and  more agrarian societies.

The good news is, after today, the days will start growing longer.  That is the winter hope.  meanwhile, there are at least 3 cold months to get through until spring.  That’s a good reason to celebrate.  I hate the short days and love the cooler weather.   On Sunday, March 10, at 3:00 a.m., daylight saving times starts again.  Spring will officially begin Wednesday, March 20, 2013.  Start planning now.  Easter should be on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox on March 20.  So…what is the date of Easter?