The words, "Winter Solstice" evoke, in my mind, the images of cold, blue, dark light, and peaceful. I picture a most romantic scene from Dr. Zhivago in which the horse drawn sleigh is slowly going through the bleak countryside. The snow is thick, heavy and deep. Even though the passengers are cold, there is love and peace in that sleigh.
All right, the photo is one I've used before, and it certainly wasn't taken during the winter solstice, but I needed an image, so just pretend, all right?
This year, the winter solstice happens today, on December 21, 2008. I don't know at what time, but the earth will gently tilt to begin a journey into a new season. Today will be the darkest day of the year. Night light will last longer than day light, and because of this, tomorrow, we begin our journey into the light. Each day, until mid-summer, we will add a bit more daylight to our day. At that point, the earth will again tilt to begin the onset of winter and hibernation.
The day after the winter solstice is my favorite day of the year. Each day, we see more light. Each day holds the promise of the upcoming spring. This year, Decembere 21st is the darkest it will be for a long time. Now, we can look forward to spring, where we, again, see the light.
Cool Mallory - that's a wonderful feeling, I know.
ReplyDeleteOf course it means for us that we have just had the longest day....& would you know I missed it! ;o)
I'm ready for it, too, Mallory :) Sorry you missed your longest day, Deb.
ReplyDeleteMallory, I am usually so up on the changing of the seasons and forgot about it being today. Thanks for the reminder! Love that we are now heading towards spring.
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