Happy Winter Solstice 2008 | What is Winter Solstice?

Happy Winter Solstice 2008. What is Winter Solstice? The word solstice derives from Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). It is the shortest day of the year, respectively, in the sense that the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a minimum for the year. The winter solstice usually occurs between December 20 and December 23 in the northern hemisphere. Many cultures celebrate this time because the worst of winter is behind them. The longer days and extended hours of sunshine symbolize light and birth. Many cultures celebrate by lighting fires or candles.

The winter solstice occurs at the instant when the Sun’s position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equatorial plane from the observers’ hemisphere. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the event of the winter solstice occurs some time between December 20 and December 23 each year in the northern hemisphere, and between June 20 and June 23 in the southern hemisphere, during either the shortest day or the longest night of the year, which is not to be confused with the darkest day or night or the day with the earliest sunset or latest sunrise. (Source: Wikipedia Winter Solstice)

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, 2008 at 7:04 AM EST and 12:04 UT (Universal Time).

In the Southern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice takes place on June 20, 2008 23:59 UT (Universal Time).

Worldwide  interpretation of this event varies from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time. So, are you celebrating Winter Solstice today?

Happy Winter Solstice 2008!

Related Links:
Winter Solstice – Chiff
Wikipedia – Winter Solstice