December 21, 2022.
Jumpin’ Jack, feathered flock ….. Fall dances into winter
Days turn cold, nights long dark ….. Return sun! Kat doth hinter.
Sleepy plants above ground rest ….. Awaiting warming sun.
But underground, plant roots fest ….. Winter is for fun.
Today’s the day, Earth’s tip at max ….. Solstice is upon us.
Sunlight grows, it bounces back ….. Time to raise a ruckus……
What is a Solstice and Why.
Ancient astronomers, noticing that when the Sun reached either its highest (Summer) or lowest (Winter) point in the sky for the year, appeared to stand still. They came to know these two days as “solstice,” a word that combines the Latin “sol” for Sun and “sistere” for To Stand Still.
Contrary to common thinking, the Solstice doesn’t last a full calendar day. Instead, it lasts only a brief moment before the earth begins to right itself, causing daylight hours to either shorten (Summer Solstice) or lengthen (Winter Solstice). And depending on where you live, the change in daylight hours can be swift (8-9 minutes/day above the Arctic Circle), to less than 1 minute/day as you near the equator.
The Northern Hemisphere’s Winter Solstice 2022, occurs Wednesday, December 21st. Also known as the hibernal (from the Latin hibernalis which means anything wintery) solstice or The Longest Night, it’s the time when the Earth reaches it maximum tilt away from the sun. The Winter Solstice, the day the sun is as far south as possible, marks the official beginning of astronomical winter (as opposed to meteorological winter, which starts about three weeks prior to the solstice). And just for fun ….. stand outside at noon on December 21st, and if the sun is shining take a look at your shadow. This will be the longest shadow you’ll cast for the whole year!
Solstice marks the changing of seasons, and has been cause for celebration in many cultures over hundreds of years.
How will you commemorate this Winter Solstice!
a curious nature 
I love this one. Thanks for keeping me on your list of posts. Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2023.
Sue
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Thanks so much Sue! This one was especially fun ….. and created all sorts of story lines in my head! I love your comments, and really appreciate you following my posts! Happy holidays!
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Wonderful way to mark the solstice, Barb! I love how you weaved the rabbit into the design! And, the quote is brilliant — I just learned about Rumi through reading Susan Cain’s book Bittersweet. Our morning was full of low angled sun rays beaming on our back yard forest with a gorgeous yellow-golden tint and we just had to get out for a walk in the frosty, crusty snow! Happy Winter Solstice!
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Brrrrr ….. sounds like lots of winter up your way! But how lovely to have a view of a frosty forest, despite the crispy, crunchy weather! Thanks for the comments, Karen! Have a wonderful holiday season!
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Happy winter break, Barb and looking forward to chatting again in the new year!
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I always learn so much from your posts. I wish I had read this sooner! I was out taking Max for a walk and could have noted my shadow (and his!). The wind has kicked up and quite gusty. Made a quick trip to Costco (if that’s even possible) and picked up a few things including a case of Meiomi Pinot Noir. I’m ready for the onslaught of tomorrow’s predicted -27° windchill! You guys stay warm as I’m sure this polar vortex will not leave you out if its grasp. Happy Winter Solstice
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Thanks always for following my posts, Cass! We may not get much of this winter blast, but wow ….. keep warm up there!
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Loved the cheerful poem, and thoughts of longer daylight hours.
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Wow! Thanks for the comments, Elaine! High praise! And I’m also looking forward to longer days.
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I sound like a broken record, but I LOVE this picture. I am always incredulous when looking at what you have made the tangles into…and the hare with his decorations! I’m sorry I missed seeing my long shadow on the 21st. A new project at work had me so focused, I didn’t even look at my personal emails.
The feels like temp has been below 0 for two days…I’m ready for longer, sunny and warmer days.
Enjoy your Christmas, Barb and we’ll talk soon@
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Thank you so so much dear Susan! I especially loved creating this leaping hare …. Surely there’s a story behind his romping? I’ve heard your weather has been bitter cold. Us too, but seasonally expected. Glad your new work project is keeping you inside and warm. Happiest holiday season to you and Art! Let’s chat soon!
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