While many people think of the winter solstice as a day, it technically is one moment in time. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the point at which the sun is exactly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which this year happens on December 21 at 9:27 pm CST. The name solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning "sun,” and sistere, meaning "standstill,” because the sun appears to standstill when it reaches the Tropic of Capricorn.
The solstice marks the shortest day of the year. In fact, in Dubuque, the day of the summer solstice, the longest day, is 6.25 hours longer than the winter solstice. Some cultures consider the solstice the start of winter, while others the midpoint of the season. Meteorological winter, however, begins on the first of December and lasts until the end of February.
The Winter Solstice carries deep significance beyond the astronomical and seasonal. For ancient civilizations, it was a time of both reverence and anticipation. It symbolized the rebirth of the sun, the triumph of light over darkness, and the promise of renewed life and fertility. Cultures across the globe crafted rituals and celebrations to honor this pivotal moment. For many, the solstice still holds significance. Celebrations often include festival gatherings, traditional foods and drinks, and fires and candlelight. Some also focus on introspection, reflecting on the past and looking forward to new possibilities. The themes of hope, renewal, and the return of the light seem to unify them all.
As we welcome the longest night and look forward to the gradual lengthening of days, we can remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always the promise of light and new beginnings. Afterall, December 22 will be one second longer than the day before!