Today is the Winter Solstice, considered the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Since the Autumnal Equinox, the days have been getting shorter, and the nights have been getting longer.
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Due to the sun being in it’s southernmost position, you will also have the longest shadow today.
The nights will get shorter, and the days longer, and in March, the Vernal Equinox will mark the day when days become longer than the nights.
The word solstice comes from the Latin sol “sun” and sistere “to stand still.”
Many people see the winter solstice as the mid-point of winter, as the days will now grow in length.
The Yule is considered to be a precursor to many modern winter celebrations, in which light is celebrated, and trees are celebrated.
Throughout human history, individuals have marked the changing of the seasons with petroglyphs, stone structures, and temples.
All of humanity shares the experience of the Earth moving through space, our seasons shifting, and the repeating cycle of how we experience the world around us.
Holidays and traditions are an important part of life.
Many who wish to change society attack traditions, in an attempt to alter how an individual views their place in the world, and assimilate them into a new culture.
Living rooted in the natural world, and being connected to the seasons, can provide individuals with a cultural foundation beyond the control of any authority.
For the average American, many holidays are based on government decrees, and separating ourselves from government holidays and embracing traditional holidays can be a good step towards moving culture away from the State.
If you can develop your own traditions, revolving around your family history, and your experience of the world, you can create a culture that can last beyond your lifetime.
Even though today is short, and the night is long, this is a perfect opportunity to remember that the night does not last forever, that summer is on it’s way, and spring blossoms will return soon.
Sign up for the Free State Colorado Newsletter:
Comments? Leave Them Below!
Recent Comments