Winter solstice calendar. Winter solstice. Astronomical New Year. A cancer cell differs from the usual one by an overestimation of its "I"

The winter solstice is the most important astronomical event in December, which falls on the 21st and reaches its peak at 16:28 Moscow time.

"Belly" to the Sun

What is the astronomical meaning of this phenomenon? December 21 marks the moment of the maximum possible angle of inclination of the Earth relative to the Sun. This angle is 23 ° 26 ". The Earth, as it were, is turned with its "belly" towards the Sun, and its head (the north pole) looks in the other direction, due to which the rays of the luminary fall on the surface casually.

Each of us noticed that in winter the sun never rises high. So, on December 21, 2017, it will be as low as possible above the horizon. Because of this, the day will be the shortest (in Moscow - only seven hours), and the night will be the longest of the year.

At some point, the Earth will cross an imaginary line, after which each subsequent day will give us a little more light, and by the New Year, daylight hours will increase by almost eight minutes.

The real astronomical winter comes just after winter solstice. According to experts, in the northern hemisphere it is the peak of winter, while in the southern hemisphere it is the equator of summer, the day of the winter solstice there is June 20.

The date of the winter solstice almost never changes. The exception is leap years: then what is happening is shifted to December 22 (June 21 - for the south). Other important dates similar to this one are the summer solstice, spring and autumn equinoxes.

From the history of the issue

It turns out that the winter solstice was established more than two thousand years ago. Back in 45 BC. e. Emperor Julius Caesar in his calendar officially determined the date of the winter solstice for Europe - December 25th.

But since the calendar year (365.2500 days) and the tropical year (~365.2421897 days) are not equivalent, every 400 years the actual astronomical solstice shifted back by about three days. In the 16th century, the phenomenon fell already on December 12th.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII decided to restore the exact correspondence between the seasons and the civil year. Guided by the provisions of the Council of Nicaea in 325, he annulled the ten-day error accumulated from the 4th to the 16th centuries. True, he did not take into account the three days that ran between the 1st and 4th centuries. This calendar adjustment moved the northern hemisphere winter solstice to around December 22nd.

So far in the Gregorian calendar, the solstice has fluctuated by one or two days. In the future, there may be an additional shift of one day every 3000 years.

Scholars believe that the solstices have been special moments in the annual cycle since Neolithic times. Astronomical events governed the cycle of day and night, the ebb and flow of the tide, the mating periods of animals, and people have understood this since ancient times. Focusing on the sun, they sowed and harvested, led household celebrated holidays and prayed to their gods.

This is evidenced by the layout of many archaeological sites of the late Neolithic and Bronze Age. For example, the main axes of the Newgrange monument (Ireland) are carefully aligned and indicate on the day of the winter solstice the main axes of the Newgrange monument (Ireland) and the sunset - the axes of the Stonehenge monument (Great Britain).

A feast before the unknown

The winter solstice was extremely important in the life of the primitive community: people doubted that they could survive the winter months - not only frosty, but also hungry.

So the winter solstice was the last holiday before the beginning of the difficult winter period, when fresh meat was consumed the most. Livestock were massively slaughtered - in the cold there was nothing to feed them.

In addition, by the last ten days of December, most of the wine and beer made in the warm season, reached the readiness, and it was drinkable. A kind of winter festival began - a feast, followed by the unknown.

It was the days of the solstices and equinoxes, with the special role of the Sun in the sky, that served as the impetus for the emergence of various deities and traditions.

For example, in Greek mythology, the gods and goddesses celebrated the winter and summer solstices. These days, even the god of the underworld, Hades, was allowed to appear on Mount Olympus.

The Slavs on the day of the winter solstice celebrated folk holiday Kolyada, among the Germanic peoples - Yule, among the Romans until the 3rd century - Sol Invictus.

See with my own eyes

It is difficult to observe the solstices with the naked eye: the luminary moves to the peak point so slowly that it is difficult to determine the specific day of the phenomenon, not to mention its instant. Not to mention the fact that, for example, on the European territory of Russia, the sun is simply not visible at the time of the peak of the phenomenon.

Knowing the time of an event down to an instant has only recently become possible, thanks to accurate tracking of astronomical data.

The actual moment of the solstice is impossible to detect by definition. It is impossible to notice that the object has stopped moving. We can only state that in the current measurement, he did not change his position compared to the previous measurement.

Thus, most observations state the day of the solstice, and not its instant.

The Winter Solstice has been celebrated in most countries of the world since the Neolithic (5 thousand years BC), as evidenced by archaeological finds. Find out below what kind of holiday it is, what are its traditions, and how it can be celebrated by a modern person.

Celebration traditions

Winter Solstice Date - December 21-22. It is she who is considered the astronomical beginning of winter. This is the shortest day of the year, after which the duration of daylight hours increases. In the opposite hemisphere of the Earth, the shortest night of the year and the Summer Solstice will come at this time.

Thousands of years ago, the day of the Winter Solstice was revered among the pagans of the world. The European peoples called the holiday Yule or Juul, the Romans - Sol Invictus, and in Iran Yalda. In the past, the end of December was marked with the end of preparations for winter, and easier days in everyday life began.

The Romans, Greeks and Egyptians on December 21 made sacrifices to the gods so that they would return the Sun to the sky. In the north of Europe, they praised Odin, arranged noisy feasts, sang songs. The Scandinavians and Slavs considered bonfires, which symbolized the Sun, to be an important part of the celebration. The Maya Indians played real performances, similar to modern performances by rope jumpers.

With the advent of Christianity, the date of Yule was appointed Catholic Christmas. The similarities between Yule and Christmas traditions are not at all accidental. Christian customs were compiled on the basis of pagan ones - the people did not want to part with their usual rituals. Festive spruce, mistletoe, gift giving and a generous feast - all this was in the pre-Christian period. The birth of the Sun turned into the birthday of Jesus Christ.

The most famous mass modern folk festivals take place near Stonehenge. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world gather to meet the astronomical winter.

Yule cat - the patron saint of the holiday

Yule cat

European pagans believed in the Yule cat - not a very benevolent personification of the holiday. It is black, fluffy and huge, the size of a bull. The eyes of the cat burn with yellow light, the claws are made of iron. Possibly Russian "eshkin cat" has something in common with the patron winter holiday.

The celebration lasted about two weeks, and all this time the Yule Cat was busy hunting idlers and breakers of traditions. According to legend, he will steal food from the table if the feast is not generous and cheerful enough. The cat also steals gifts intended for children who have misbehaved throughout the year. He is ruthless to those who offend pets, especially cats.

Beliefs say that the Yule cat can steal a child from a family that neglects the traditions of the holiday. The holiday patron does not like those who celebrate Yule alone, will punish or even kidnap.

New clothes are one of the holiday traditions. To protect themselves from the antics of the cat, on Yule morning they bought new clothes, often made of red wool. It was supposed to be worn until the end of the celebration. About those who celebrated Yule in old clothes, they said: "he put on himself the Yule cat."

Day of the Winter Solstice among the Slavs - the customs of the ancestors

The eve of the winter holiday bore the name deities of winter and death Karachun. From the eve of the Solstice, winter takes over, power over the world until spring belongs to the dark pagan gods. After the longest night of the year, a new sun is born in the form of Kolyada, one of the incarnations of Dazhdbog. While he is young, the sun warms weakly, but by spring the god will grow up, and there will be more sunlight.

The Solstice is followed Veles days, which last until mid-January. Veles was associated with Santa Claus, his doll certainly adorned the house of a pagan in winter period. Most likely, Christmas signs and customs were formed on the basis of the Veles days.

In the old days, they believed that dark forces could prevent the solar deity from being reborn, and they helped him in every possible way. Therefore, an important attribute of the Slavic holiday of the Winter Solstice was a large fire, as a symbol of the sun. It was bred from oak and pine logs before sunrise. At night they told fortunes and caroled, which later became part of Christmas traditions.

The celebration began at dawn. After greeting the rising Sun, our ancestors arranged noisy feasts with songs and games, led round dances, jumped over fires to cleanse themselves of negative energy. Mandatory elements of the feast were dishes of wild boar, pork and other meats. Uzvara, nuts and pastries were served on the table.

Honoring the Sun, they did not forget about the forest gods. Offerings were left for them - uzvars and ritual pastries of a round shape, which, again, represented the newborn Sun. Treats were also given to deceased relatives.

Signs and Traditions for the Winter Solstice

Fire is one of the most important attributes of Yule. But late December weather is rarely conducive to outdoor picnics. Not bad if you have a stove or fireplace. Otherwise, use candles. They prefer red, orange and other fiery shades. You can symbolically burn a few branches of oak or pine. As you light the fire, say:

The fire burns - it keeps the family from troubles, the flame plays - it drives away evil spirits.

Saluting the Sun with lights is another ancient holiday tradition. There is a lot of room for imagination here. You can leave burning candles near the east window, or go out into the field with sparklers. A prerequisite - do it at dawn.

Pork dishes were indispensable elements of the feast in most countries that celebrate Yule. This is a reflection of the custom to take oaths on this day on a boar's head. Keep this delicious tradition alive and good luck will be on your side for the whole year.

Dress up a spruce, decorate the house with garlands and branches of evergreens. The ancient pagan traditions are not so far from those followed by the majority modern people. The Christmas tree was once called the Yule tree. Even making wishes comes from Yule traditions. But on December 21-22, this is done not at midnight, but at dawn, looking at the awakening daylight.

Buying gifts is an important part of any holiday. According to signs, the one who will please other people's children with toys and sweets will soon be replenished in the family. New clothes will come in handy for you to protect yourself from the Yule cat.

There is an ancient tradition of the winter holiday - to plant any indoor flowers. For each flower, you can make a wish. If it fades, it won't come true. Cut cherry branches are placed in vases. Their flowering will decorate and fill the house with a delicate aroma.

In pagan times, it was customary to predict fate on the Winter Solstice. Try to find out what the future holds with maps, water, paper, and other tools. Can "eavesdrop" your future. Go outside at night and listen to random passers-by. Their words will tell you what to expect from fate. During the day, it is also worth taking a closer look at passers-by. Often there are happy couples - good luck in love. Have you witnessed a theft or a fight? Be vigilant, spirits warn of problems.

A new beginning on the day of the Winter Solstice is a good omen. Any business will be successful. Yule is the right time for serious deals, marriage proposals, job searches. The proposals made on this day can be accepted without hesitation. Declarations of love on the Winter Solstice lead to happy marriages.

Dreams seen in the period from the eve of the holiday to the end of the Veles days are prophetic. Before going to bed, you can think about a certain problem, then dreams will suggest a solution. But remembering and interpreting them will be more difficult than usual.

In Spain, it is believed that walking around the house with a suitcase attracts travel opportunities. If you do not have enough money, free time or energy for a dream tour, try this simple ritual for the Winter Solstice - it works well.

If you believe the signs of winter, what was the weather like on December 21-22, it will be the same for the New Year. Hoarfrost portends a good grain harvest, the wind means there will be a lot of pears and apples in the summer. Rain - to a warm but rainy spring.

Yule rites and rituals

In the old days, mummers went from house to house and sang hymns dedicated to Kolyada, the god of the winter Sun. They danced around sick people so that healing would come faster. In the modern world, it will be possible to realize the rite only in a circle of like-minded people. But you can sing the Kolyada hymn at home, alone. Its purpose is to pay homage to the Sun. Read as you light candles in honor of the daylight:

Bose Kolyada!
Glorious and Trislaven wake up!
Thank you,
for the gracious help to our birth!
And may You be an intercessor in all our deeds,
now and ever and from Circle to Circle!
Taco be, taco be, taco be!

On the Winter Solstice revere restless relatives but do so only after sunset. Treats for them are supposed to be left at the place of death. For the missing, offerings are left at the crossroads. Choose the favorite dishes of the deceased or what was cooked on festive table on this day. Leave a candle or lamp near the treat. In your own words, invite the deceased to treat yourself, ask him not to harm you and your family, to help the living as much as possible. After that, go home without looking back.

Conspiracies on the day of the Winter Solstice

The energy of the birthing Sun contributes to the practice of magic. December 21-22 - auspicious time for any positive sorcery. Meditations and other spiritual practices will have a greater effect than at other times. Witches, sorcerers, esotericists do not miss this strong time like the Winter Solstice.

The simplest holiday ritual - writing lists. At dawn, take two sheets of paper. On one write what you would like to get rid of. This list needs to be burned, imagining how negativity leaves your life. On the second sheet, describe what you would like to receive. It must be stored for a year away from prying eyes, and then burned. You can cross out items that have already been implemented, add new ones, and otherwise adjust the list.

Purification of the Sort

mother goddess

Magical work to improve the situation with Rod is best done during the Winter Solstice. One of these conspiracies is addressed to Mother Goddess- the female archetype, which in one form or another is present in all religions of the world. It is read at home on the eve of the holiday, on a lit candle:

Take off, Mother Goddess, with your own hands, what is tangled on the roots of the family, what is imposed on the roots of the unkind, what is said with unkind lips, that in ignorance of the unclean it is broken. Truly so!

Extinguish the candle with your fingers. At night, after the shortest day of the year, light it again and say:

The world is getting along well and the fate of my family will be adjusted! May it be so!

This time, the candle must burn to the end. This conspiracy removes negativity from all relatives: evil eye, curses and other unpleasant magical programs.

Wish Fulfillment

In order to fulfill a wish with the help of Yule night magic, you will need 6 ribbons 2-3 meters long. Take the colors that suit your desire. For example, gold, silver and green are for money. Pink, red and white - for desires for privacy. Yellow, purple, and orange represent creativity and academic success.

Light a white candle. Tie the ribbons into a knot while saying the desire out loud. Weave a pigtail out of ribbons, while holding what you want in your mind's eye and reading the plot:

On the Yule night, by the light of a candle, my fate weaves. I weave ribbons - I call on fate: I even weave - I will bring to life (your desire in one phrase).

Repeat the plot all the time while weaving the braid. At its tip, tie a knot with these words:

May what I say come true! I conjure my destiny!

Put a braid of ribbons around the candle, leave the last one to burn out. When the flame goes out, hide the scythe in a secluded place. It should not fall into the wrong hands, otherwise the desire will not be fulfilled. When you get what you want, the scythe should be burned with gratitude to the Higher Powers.

How to speak an amulet for Yule

From time immemorial, on the Winter Solstice, they made protective amulets and talismans. Buy them on the same day better in the morning. You can make a charm yourself, it can be a pendant or a ring, a bag of herbs or an ordinary pin. Listen to your intuition, it will not let you down. The plot goes like this:

Protect me from the evil eye, so that I do not know refusal, protect me from sidelong glances and damage to evil rites.

After reading it, put on the amulet and keep it with you at all times. Repeat every year.

The Winter Solstice is one of the eight pagan days of power a year, when the energy of the Earth and the Sun is especially strong. At this time, one should honor the ancient gods, express respect for the ancestors and their traditions. In the old days it was believed that the observant holiday traditions lucky in literally everything.

The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere falls on December 21, less often on December 22. The reason for this small difference is the leap shift. Already a few days after the solstice and the longest night of the year, it will become noticeable that the Sun will begin to rise a little earlier and set later. There are many prophecies associated with the winter solstice. A few years ago, the world was waiting with fear for the end of the world on December 21, 2012. I described the expectation of a disaster in an article. Consider the solstice as an important astronomical phenomenon, which has been given special mystical significance since ancient times.

December 21st or 23rd?

IN modern calendars the date of the winter solstice and the exact time of the passage by the Sun of the lowest (southern) point of the ecliptic are indicated. Astronomers have compiled tables for the current and subsequent years. These data are replicated by compilers of various calendars, authors of books and articles.

In 2017, the solstice will take place on December 21 at 19.28. The sun sets at 15:58 that day. The length of the day is only 7 hours.

In 2018, the solstice falls at night time (1.22) on December 22. The length of the day is 7 hours.

The time of passage of the lowest point of the ecliptic is considered key point winter solstice. The date is determined: December 21 or 22. Our luminary continues its journey, leaves the sign of Sagittarius and enters the constellation of Capricorn.

We do not notice the second that shortens or lengthens the coming day. Therefore, several nights before and after the winter solstice are considered the longest and darkest of the year. But the day will gradually become longer. By the spring equinox on March 21, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, the time of day and night will be equal. The day will continue to lengthen until the summer solstice.

Chance to change destiny

Since ancient times, the winter solstice was considered such an important event that it was accompanied by the celebration of various gods and spirits. It was the victory of the forces of light over the forces of darkness. Esotericists of our days believe that modern people have a chance to change their destiny for the better, to start a new cycle of changes in their lives.

In our time, on the day of the winter solstice, people have replaced sacrifices with ... gifts. On this day, it is desirable to decorate the Christmas tree, or at least purchase it.

In ancient times, many people were afraid of the darkness of the long night. They dispersed it by lighting fires. The man was scared, he wanted to protect himself from witchcraft and evil triumphing on a dark night. Over time, round dances, dances and songs on the night of the winter solstice have become part of the traditions of many peoples. Echoes of ancient times are lit candles in our houses and apartments, a fire in a fireplace or a Russian stove. Looking at the flame, we discard the negative that has accumulated in the soul. It is interesting that in Russia on December 22, on Anna Winter (Dark), pregnant women were forbidden to kindle the stove. Knowledgeable old women made sure that future mothers did not leave the hut on this day.

There is a wonderful way to remove many obstacles on the path of spiritual development. They say that you need to write down your problems, shortcomings and grievances on a piece of paper, read them aloud, and then say goodbye to them. After that, the paper is burned. Of course, you should not forget about fire safety measures.

Pancake is a symbol of the Sun. On the morning of December 22, unmarried girls bake pancakes and pancakes (even lean ones), dreaming of a prominent groom. married women they ask the husband to love and take care of the household.

Even the simplest wreath of shiny tinsel will help to divert the forces of evil during the days of the longest dark nights. It must be hung on the door of a house or apartment (from the outside). Feng Shui experts can use a mirror that reflects negative energy for this purpose.

Make a wish

Try to make a list of several important things for the year ahead of time. You will need it in the morning after the longest night of the year. Read it, think over a plan of action. Feel how the energy of light gives you strength, increases your energy potential and increases the desire to act. Tested on myself: it works. Of course, all the cases from the list must be realistically feasible.

I like the toast "For good luck!". Be sure to include this wish in congratulations on your birthday and New Year. I consider Lady Luck an important person to attract. The first few days of birth after the winter solstice are suitable for this. I advise everyone to hang or put a red bauble in the room. You can tie a red bow "for good luck" so that it radiates a sense of joy and expectation of a miracle.

If it is important to become rich, you really need money, then you can’t do without a horseshoe. She is placed on the windowsill not at night, but in the early morning after the winter solstice. "Horns" towards the room to protect themselves from the forces of evil. When the full moon comes, the position of the horseshoe is changed, its “horns” are turned to the glass and left there until the morning. During this time, the energy of wealth and prosperity will accumulate in the horseshoe. The people have always believed in the power of the horseshoe, so many rituals are associated with it. I described some of them in the article.

On dark December nights, there is little chance of seeing a starry sky with shooting stars. Let's try to make a wish and convince ourselves that we have become a hero winter fairy tale. It remains to remember this state and say three magic words: “So be it!”.

Folk omens

Frost on the trees December 21 - to the harvest of grain crops.
Cherry twigs bloomed for Christmas, put into the water on December 21 - for the harvest of cherries, sweet cherries and plums.
Clear day - on New Year's Eve the sun will appear.
Thaw - summer will be warm.
Blizzard and snow - frequent rains in summer.
It is believed that the weather on New Year's Eve will be the same as on the longest night of the year.

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solstice

In 2019, the winter solstice falls on December 22 at 04:19 UTC or 06:19 Moscow time. The Winter Solstice is a wonderful moment for the return of positive creative energy, which is reborn and begins to accumulate, opening a new cycle of its development: the New Year is born!

Solstice or « Solstice« this time is usually called because for several days preceding the phenomenon and following it, the sun practically “freezes” above the horizon at the same height every noon, almost without changing the declination. Then the light gradually, at first very slowly, begins to rise again. At this stage, daylight hours gradually begin to increase, until the onset of the second,

summer solstice. On the day of the winter solstice, the sun rises to its lowest height above the horizon, nature freezes, peace, stability and constancy reign in the world. This quiet, powerful energy of peace permeates everything around - the sky, the stars, the trees, and the snow. Everything radiates peace and quiet joy.

E the very better days in a year when you can really change your destiny. That is, to be reborn in the same way as the Sun. Three days before December 21 and three after is an energetically charged time. Strong flows of energy descend on Earth, which activate the matrix of creation. During the longest night, you can not only guess, but also engage in spiritual practices, meditate, make wishes and develop your magical abilities.According to ancient legend, a wish made on the night of the winter solstice will surely come true, and oaths and promises will bring a lot of positive changes. In addition, good results will be brought at this time: healing rituals, rituals for gaining wisdom, strength and attracting prosperity. cards (Tarot). At this time, you need to mentally or in meditation get rid of everything unnecessary, obsolete, both in your home and in your soul. You can write on paper whatever you want to get rid of and burn it. And in the morning, try to meet the sunrise and congratulate him on his birth, thank him for everything that he gives us. The sky is opening and strong flows of energy are coming to Earth.

It is favorable to make plans for the whole year (preferably write in a notebook), make wishes, use intention, conduct meditations for yourself and for the whole Earth. All this will have a special power due to the natural rhythms of nature. You can not be sad, offended, swear, remove damage, the evil eye is in no case impossible.

The winter solstice is the time to recharge with positive energy. .

This is a time of Hope and Opportunity. Should I miss this chance?

Rites and traditions

The astronomical arrival of winter, spring, summer and autumn among the ancient peoples has always been considered the main holidays - Days of Power. These are the days of the summer and winter solstice, and the spring and autumn equinoxes. It was believed that on the day of the winter solstice all sorts of boundaries between the worlds of spirits, people and gods are erased, and direct communication between them is possible.

The day of the winter solstice in Slavic is called Kolyada. All holidays associated with the movement of the sun were the most significant among all peoples. For ancient people, each change of year was important and carried life meaning. In December, they met winter and the Sun, after the darkest night, it took on a new birth, and therefore it was believed that this was a new Sun. Kolyada is also called "White Svyatki". It was customary to give round kalachi to Kolyada. The main attribute of the festival was a fire depicting and invoking the light of the sun, which, after the longest night of the year, had to rise higher and higher.

In Europe, these days began a 12-day cycle of pagan festivities dedicated to the winter solstice. The ancient Germans celebrated Yule(means rotation, torsion, wheel, turn). Yule was considered a pagan holiday, but was held in Christian times, combined with Christmas.

In France, colorful festivals and costume balls are also held during the winter solstice.

On the day of the winter solstice in Scotland it was a custom to start the sun wheel - « Solstice. The barrel was smeared with burning tar and let down the street. The wheel is a symbol of the sun, the spokes of the wheel resembled rays, the rotation of the spokes during movement made the wheel alive and looked like a luminary.

The winter solstice earlier than all other seasons was determined in China (in Chinese calendar 24 seasons). In ancient China, it was believed that from this time on, the male force of nature rises and a new cycle begins. The winter solstice was considered a happy day worthy of celebration. On this day, everyone - from the emperor to the commoner - went on vacation. The army was brought into a state of waiting for orders, border fortresses and trading shops were closed, people went to visit each other, gave each other gifts.

In India, the winter solstice is Sankranti- celebrated in Hindu and Sikh communities, where on the night before the celebration bonfires are lit, the heat of which symbolizes the warmth of the sun, which begins to warm the earth after the winter cold. In the center of folk festivals, there is always a chariot decorated with flags and flower garlands, symbolizing the life path of a person.

The winter solstice was celebrated in Persia as the birth of the sun god. Mithras, which was supposed to defeat winter and make way for the coming spring.

The celebration of the winter solstice in the traditions of different nations has much in common. The central place has always been given to the customs of commemoration, attempts to win the favor of the forces that visited the world on the darkest night. Many of the rituals of antiquity have survived to this day. For instance, Christmas tree became the "heiress" of the decorated tree, symbolizing life - the main attribute of Yule. The tradition of giving gifts, carols and treats on holy days reflect the ceremonies of sacrifice. And New Year's lights and candles now represent bonfires, which were designed to both protect and help in communicating with spirits and mysterious forces.

It is noteworthy that the legendary ancient megaliths - the Mayan Observatories, the Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge and other religious buildings - were extremely precisely "tuned" to the winter solstice. This no doubt suggests the importance of the sacred rituals performed during this period of time.

Coming in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21 (22), the day of the winter solstice is marked by the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Since ancient times, this event had a sacred and mystical meaning in the cultures of different peoples. Many traditions and rituals are associated with it, some of which have been safely preserved to this day.

scientific explanation

Every year on December 21 or 22, the winter solstice is marked by the fact that the Sun rises above the horizon to its lowest height. It is believed that from this moment comes astronomical winter. The night at the winter solstice is at its longest, the day at its shortest, and the midday shadow at its longest.

It is customary to call this time “solstice” or “solstice” because for several days preceding the phenomenon and following it, the sun practically “freezes” above the horizon at the same height every noon, almost without changing declination. Then the light gradually, at first very slowly, begins to rise again. At this stage, daylight hours gradually begin to increase, until the onset of the second, summer solstice.

You should know that the solar year is not equal to the calendar year - it lasts 365.25 days. In this regard, the time of the solstice shifts every time. For four years, the difference between the calendars will be exactly one day, and in order to compensate for it, it is customary to add one day, February 29, in every fourth (leap) year.

The astronomical longitude of the sun on the day of the winter and summer solstices is 90 and 270 degrees, respectively.

Winter Solstice in the Ancient World

The winter solstice has held a special place in culture and belief since the Neolithic period. Ancient people, who deified the forces of nature, believed that on this day the Sun was born and the year began. The longest night was supposed to be the highest point of dominion in the world of death and the forces of Darkness. With the rising of the sun, a new life cycle began. Reviving with the onset of the day, the luminary again began to win back its power, awakening nature to life.

It was believed that on the day of the winter solstice, the barriers between the ghostly world and the kingdom of the living are erased, enabling people to communicate directly with spirits and gods.

In Persia, on this day, the birth of Mithra, the god of the Sun, was celebrated. According to tradition, he annually defeats winter and clears the way for the coming spring.

For pagan Europe, the winter solstice was marked by a twelve-day cycle of sacred festivities Yule, a symbol of the mystery of the renewal of nature and the beginning of a new life. In these few nights, according to legends, all the worlds intersect in a single place - Midgard (on our Earth). Gods, elves and trolls are found among ordinary mortals, communicate with them, and the souls of the dead leave the gloomy underworld for a while. According to beliefs, sorcerers from among the people are also able to leave a physical shell at this time, turning into werewolves or spirits.

The inhabitants of ancient China associated the day of the winter solstice with the increase in the male power of nature. In India, this holiday is also celebrated - it is called "Sankranti".

Maya views of the winter solstice

An extremely interesting fact is that the legendary megaliths - the observatories of the Mayan tribe - were extremely precisely "tuned" by their creators to the winter solstice. Similar discoveries were made when studying Stonehenge in England, Newgrange in Ireland, and the Egyptian pyramids.

According to the Mayan calendar, the winter solstice in 2012 was of particular importance. He was supposed to complete the current cycle of the existence of human civilization on earth, numbering five thousand two hundred years. Many scientists mistakenly interpreted this event as the coming end of the world. Now another hypothesis prevails: Mayan astronomers were able to calculate that on this day our Sun will cross the axis of the center of the galaxy. From this time, the countdown of the new galactic year was supposed to begin, which would last 26 thousand years according to the light calendar - exactly until the next such event. At the same time, the Maya did not at all consider that the phenomena they designated threatened humanity with death.

Winter Solstice in ancient Russia

For our distant ancestors, the Slavs, this day has been revered as a holiday since ancient times. In pre-Christian Russia, the onset of the pagan New Year was celebrated during the winter solstice. He was associated with the birth of Dazhdbog - the son of the supreme blacksmith god Svarog - who gives people warmth and light.

People believed that the formidable frost god Karachun, who became the prototype of the present Santa Claus, stops the Sun on this day. Rites performed at the very long night, were called to help the Sun overcome the cruel Karachun, personified the victory of Light over Darkness. At the same time, fearing to anger and offend the harsh god of winter, people cajoled him, not forgetting to present sacrificial food.

The birth of the god of fun Kolyada also fell on the day of the winter solstice. The holiday of the beginning of the first month of winter - Kolyadnya - was celebrated until January 6, traditionally calling these days "carols".

Rites and traditions

Many of the rituals of antiquity have survived to this day. For example, the New Year tree became the "heiress" of the decorated tree, which symbolized life - the main attribute of Yule. The tradition of giving gifts, carols and treats on holy days reflect the ceremonies of sacrifice. And New Year's lights and candles now represent bonfires, which were designed to both protect and help in communicating with spirits and mysterious forces.