Sunday, December 21 is the winter solstice, the shortest and darkest day of the year. Though it may seem simple, it has so much interesting science, traditions and historical events that follow it.
Science
This phenomenon creates the longest night and shortest day of the year. This is caused when the Earth is tilted as far away from the sun as possible. This moment is not only a specific date, but a definite time as well. The true winter solstice happens the instant the Earth is furthest from the sun at exactly a 23.5 degree tilt on Earth’s axis.
Traditions
Some cultures symbolize the winter solstice with death and rebirth. Alban Arthan, an ancient Celtic religious celebration honors the winter solstice as the rebirth of the sun. Another tradition believes that the longest night of the winter solstice holds evil spirits that lurk in the dark. According to Zoroastrian beliefs, which was an ancient Persian religion, these spirits follow the control of Ahriman, the evil spirit of destruction and chaos.
History
The winter solstice was not only celebrated today, but we also celebrated it many years ago. The Roman holiday, Saturnalia honored the day along with the ancient Norsemen who celebrated the holiday of Yule on winter solstice. That is why the yule log is so popular around Christmas time.
Though the winter solstice is a short event, there are many fascinating facts and traditions that come with it.
Sources:
“Winter Solstice – Natural Phenomena (U.S. National Park Service).” Www.nps.gov,
www.nps.gov/subjects/naturalphenomena/winter-solstice.htm.
Rose, Jane, and Karin Crompton. “25 Facts about the Winter Solstice, the Shortest Day of the Year.” Mental Floss, 20 Dec. 2018, www.mentalfloss.com/culture/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-winter-solstice. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
“Winter Solstice – Alban Arthan | Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids.” Druidry.org, 15 Dec. 2019, druidry.org/druid-way/teaching-and-practice/druid-festivals/winter-solstice-alban-arthan.
“Angra Mainyu | Definition & Facts | Britannica.” Www.britannica.com, 16 Oct. 2025, www.britannica.com/topic/Ahriman.
HISTORY.com Editors. “Winter Solstice – Date, Definition & Traditions | HISTORY.” HISTORY, 21 Sept. 2017, www.history.com/articles/winter-solstice.
