Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice
The shortest day

That's today

I think I would prefer to celebrate the Winter Solstace than Christmas, for me it makes a load more sense.

Maybe next year eh?

Can anyone tell me why the shortest day of the year is allegedly the 21st Dec but Winter Solstice is on the 22nd?
(or is it me with my wires crossed again?)

Does anyone celebrate the Winter Solstice?

The wife and i celebrate the Winter solstice, this year she went for a pre dawn walk to an ancient site and welcomed the sun back, I unfortunalty had to go to work.

We usually leave a small offering outside to the gods (pretty much the same as leaving and his a mince pie and a glass of sherry).

I've always understood the 21st to be the shortest day therefore it is the Solstice. You can look on the 22nd as being new years day though.

Look forward now to the Sping Equinox

Happy new year

Lee.

Winter Solstice is I believe still celebrated in modern Wiccan tradition.

mogg-y wrote:

I think I would prefer to celebrate the Winter Solstace than Christmas, for me it makes a load more sense.

Maybe next year eh?

Can anyone tell me why the shortest day of the year is allegedly the 21st Dec but Winter Solstice is on the 22nd?
(or is it me with my wires crossed again?)

Does anyone celebrate the Winter Solstice?

I wondered if I had just got my days muddled. Unless I'm mistaken, it might have something to do with the 22nd being the first day of lengthening days? I don't quite know.

I think the date has changed somewhat over time. The 25th used to be the Winter Solstice in the old Julian Calender. Maybe we need to decide which date it should be.

Astornomically, its the 21st (i think)... but it doesnt matter anyway. Nearly all pagans and suchlike follow their own paths so it can be celebrated whenever that particular person wants.

This may clear it up. I have found a reference stating that the date changes between the 21st, 22nd and 23rd depending upon the year, therefore, if this is correct it explains the confusion and why the 22nd seems to be commonly referred to as the Solstice as it sits in the middle.

Oh right I see. I must admit I always thought it was the 21st, but then noticed in diaries etc for the last couple of years had said the 22nd.

I had wondered if it had been something astronomical but what you said Ian really makes sense.

If you celebrate it what kinds of things do you do?

Just looked in this years diary and apparently its on the 21st this year (just in case anyone is interested.... lol)

Remind me nearer the time m8