Winter Solstice History
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year as the Northern Hemisphere is angled the farthest away from the Sun on this day. The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere happens every year around December 21 or 22.
Winter Solstice Facts
- On the Winter Solstice, there are 24 hours of sunlight in the Antarctic Circle, and 24 hours of darkness in the Arctic Circle.
- Many pagan rituals have revolved around the Winter Solstice. The short days and long hours of darkness prompted rituals intended to lure the Sun back.
- The Mayan calendar ended on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012.
- 10 inches of snow melt down into only 1 inch of rain.