Dec. 21, 7:03 a.m. denotes the moment of the winter solstice on the West Coast this year. The winter solstice occurs when the Earth, tilted on its axis, is as far away from the sun as possible.
While the occurrence of the solstice is a short moment in time, it happens on the shortest day of the year with the least amount of sunlight in the northern hemisphere. Accordingly, each December solstice brings the longest night. Resulting from the Earth’s orbit and axis tilt, exact times vary according to location. Annually, the time shifts and can occur on December 21 or 22.
The modern world is a much smaller place than it was a century ago. Technological communications and air travel bring together folks from the northern and southern hemispheres. Modern interrelatedness has caused a switch in thinking about the classic terms used for the winter and summer solstices.
The solstice for December signifies winter in the Northern Hemisphere but summer in the Southern Hemisphere. To avoid confusion, the terms December Solstice and June Solstice are becoming popular.
The solstice name dilemma became real for me when I was writing for a San Jose publisher. He sent me to an international writers’ conference twice a year. English-speaking writers from all over the globe gathered to brainstorm ideas.
Inevitably, upside-down seasonal topics came up. Writers from Australia were quick to jump in whenever someone mentioned ideas for the winter or summer solstice. In December they were looking forward to summer’s warmth while we northerners were thinking about hunkering down by a blazing fire with hot tea.
Since the moment of the solstice is not repeated each year and varies slightly from place to place, ancient folks in European pre-Christian times delayed celebrations. In December, observers stood vigil for a few nights to determine whether nights were actually getting shorter and days were indeed getting longer.
The waiting period postponed celebrations until about December 25. Then, many farm animals were slaughtered in order to avoid feeding them throughout the winter. Additionally, the fall harvest provided for feasting celebrations before folks hunkered down during the cold days to come.
While celebration of the lengthening days is a grand idea, the solstice also marks the beginning of a long winter. With the oceans’ chilling effect, the warming of the Earth is a long, slow process.
In modern times, on or near the longest night of the year, solemn services are held in some communities. These “Blue Christmas” events give support to folks suffering the loneliness of lengthy nights due to the loss of loved ones.
Elvis Presley and other artists popularized the Blue Christmas concept. Written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson, the song was first recorded by Doye O’Dell in 1948.
“Blue Christmas” reminds us of those who are missing someone they love during the holiday time. While many are celebrating with red and green, those remembering lost loved ones are feeling blue. If possible, do something special for someone lonely this season.
The winter solstice on the ancient Roman calendar signified that the days were significantly lengthening again. Eventually, the celebration of the “rebirth of the sun” was incorporated into a celebration of the symbolic birthday of Jesus.
Making a solstice connection, Christians recognize the “Son of God” by many titles, including “The Light of the World” and “Sun of Justice.” These concepts comingled with solstice themes, so that December 25 became a fitting day to memorialize their belief in the holy birth.
In modern times, celebrating the coming of winter cold would not be joyful without the holiday activities during this season. Christmas usurps the dreaded winter aspect of the solstice with jolly grand festivities.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
