Today marks the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, officially marking the start of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Every year the solstice’s date changes but it typically takes place a few days before Christmas.
In 2023, it took place at 3.27am on December 22. Sunrise occurred at 8.23am and sunset is due at 3.53pm.
Only seven hours and 50 minutes of daylight are expected in London today.
However, some areas of the country can anticipate an even shorter daytime, with Edinburgh set to receive just under seven hours of sunlight.
Thankfully, days will get longer from tomorrow, until the Summer Solstice next June when more than 16 hours of light is expected.
The meaning of Solstice can be traced back to the Latin roots of the word.
Its origins lie in the Latin word ‘solstitium’, translating to ‘sun standing still’.
It received this name because the sun seems to ‘stand still’ over the Tropic of Capricorn as it reaches its furthest point from Earth.
Because of the Earth’s tilted axis, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the ‘shortest’ day in December.
It’s when the sun is at its furthest point from the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in the fewest hours of daylight.
However, countries located in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia, will today see their longest summer days as they at their closest to the Sun.
Their winter solstice occurs in mid-June annually.
Celebrations revolving around the solstice are still in practice today.
Crowds flocked to Stonehenge in Wiltshire early this morning to celebrate the solstice, in line with traditions as old as the monument itself.
Visitors hope to catch sight of the sun through the stones as it rises.
Archaeologists estimate that Stonehenge was built between 3000 BC and 2000 BC.
It’s thought that ancient civilisations constructed the monument to track astrological movements, including the sun’s.
Cultures throughout the world have celebrations rooted in the solstices.
Ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia around the time of the winter solstice, resembling present-day Christmas traditions. Gift-giving, as well as lavish feasting, was widespread.
In South Korea, a snowy winter solstice is thought to signal a bountiful harvest, and the day represents the sun’s rebirth. Red bean porridge is a popular dish at this time of year as its colour is thought to ward off ghosts and bring luck.
