One of the most beloved seasons of the year is about to begin. The 2024 Winter Solstice is closer than you think! Here’s when it starts, so you can welcome it properly.
What is a solstice?
Let’s start with the basics: what is a solstice? The term “solstice” comes from the Latin *solstitium*, which translates to “the sun stands still”. This is because, during the solstices, the Sun’s apparent movement along its path north or south seems to pause momentarily before reversing direction.
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What is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice marks the official start of astronomical winter, in contrast to meteorological winter, which begins about three weeks earlier. This event occurs once a year in each hemisphere: in December for the Northern Hemisphere and in June for the Southern Hemisphere, signifying the start of the winter season in each region. While one hemisphere experiences its winter solstice, the other simultaneously celebrates its summer solstice.
This phenomenon is caused by the Earth’s tilted axis, which results in one half of the planet leaning away from the Sun while the other tilts toward it during the solstice.
Although we often associate the winter solstice with an entire day on the calendar, it is actually a specific moment. This moment happens when one of the hemispheres reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun.
When is the 2024 winter solstice?
In 2024, the winter solstice will occur on Saturday, December 21, at 10:44 UTC.
What happens during the winter solstice?
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the transition from autumn to winter. At this time, the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky at noon. After this date, the days begin to gradually grow longer.
Why do days get longer after the winter solstice?
The winter solstice phenomenon is linked to the height the Sun reaches above the horizon throughout the year. This year, on December 21 at 10:44 UTC, the Sun will reach its solstice position over the ecliptic, aligning directly with the meridian line above the southern cardinal point.
From this point onward, the nights will begin to shorten gradually, and the hours of sunlight will increase.
It’s worth mentioning that the start of winter can vary on the calendar between four different dates (December 20–23). However, throughout the 21st century, this seasonal change will only occur between December 20 and 22.
How long is the shortest day of the year?
The shortest day of the year lasts 7 hours, 49 minutes, and 42 seconds. This means that during the winter solstice, the daylight hours are 8 hours and 49 minutes shorter than those of the summer solstice.
Winter solstice celebration
The winter solstice is celebrated by many cultures as a special moment to welcome the new season. Symbolically and literally, this day represents the triumph of light over darkness, as the nights begin to shorten.
While interest in astrology and rituals has grown in recent years, these practices are rooted in ancestral traditions. Many of these rituals involve elements like fire and wooden logs, symbolizing a connection to trees, which are considered sacred in various cultures as a way to communicate with nature.
To honor this day, you can engage in trataka meditation (focusing on a candle flame) or a session of yoga nidra. It’s also an ideal opportunity to spend the evening of the 21st in silence, disconnecting from external distractions and allowing yourself a moment of introspection to connect with your inner self.
Another option is to take a mindful walk, free of music and mobile devices. During this walk, reflect on what you want to let go of and what you wish to invite into your life.
