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The winter solstice is a unique astronomical phenomenon that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is on this day that the Earth will reach the point of its orbit when the Northern Hemisphere will be as far away from the Sun as possible.
The winter solstice is the beginning of the astronomical winter and a symbol of the rebirth of light, because after this day the length of daylight will begin to increase. In 2024, the winter solstice in Ukraine will take place on December 21.
What is the winter solstice
The winter solstice or Solaris is the moment when the sun passes through the lowest point of the celestial sphere relative to the equator. This means that the sun's rays fall on the Earth at the smallest angle, due to which the duration of the daylight hours is reduced to a minimum. In Ukraine, this day is characterized by the fact that the Sun appears above the horizon for only a few hours, and then quickly sets.
Traditions and meaning of the winter solstice
For many peoples, the winter solstice had a deep symbolic meaning. This is a celebration of the rebirth of the sun, the victory of light over darkness. Our ancestors associated this day with hopes for a new beginning, renewal of nature and life cycles. For the pre-Christian Slavs, it was the time to celebrate Kolyada, a holiday that symbolized the birth of a new sun.
How the winter solstice affects a person
The change in the length of daylight has a significant impact on human biological rhythms. During winter, when darkness prevails, many people experience low energy, fatigue, or even seasonal depression. However, the winter solstice also offers hope that daylight will begin to increase, and with it, more life energy will return.
The period of winter solstice has always been interesting for astronomers. At this time, there are many astronomical events that can be observed in the sky, in particular:
- A large number of stars in the dark sky.
- A chance to see the meteor showers that are active in December.
- Visualization of the planets that can be observed on clear nights of this period.
So the winter solstice of 2024, which falls on December 21, marks an important astronomical and cultural moment. It is not only the beginning of winter, but also a symbol of rebirth and hope for the return of light. So this is a good time for spiritual renewal and preparation for new beginnings.
