The shortest and darkest day of the year. But definitely a cause for celebration! Our days now begin to lengthen. I much prefer the seasons with lengthening days - every day is brighter than the day before.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, 2008 at 7:04 AM EST and 12:04 UT (Universal Time).
I agree - it's great to think that we've turned the corner, even tho there's no real difference in daylight yet.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog - will return to savour when I've time after all the seasonal busy-ness.
Solstice is something I have been waiting for since late October/early November. Celebrating the start of the lengthening days, even the few seconds/minutes we'll see at first, is such a joy. And I think it is one of the most hopeful days of the year. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThis post and the one last week with your crop list for 2009 leads me to believe you take part in the gardener's winter solstice ritual I wrote about yesterday. (Linked to my name on this comment).
ReplyDeleteIndeed the solstice has an unusual significance for gardeners, especially those of us from the cold winter climates!
Will -
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your solstice ritual post. I do indeed follow this - almost to the letter. I'm very religious about this one. Funny how you knew this!
I feel the solstice is the true beginning of the new gardening year. I used to do the paper thing (awaiting catalogs, handwritten plans and lists, circled catalog entries, etc), but alas, I loose things, so I celebrate now with by e-ritual.
I blog plans, I blog a seed list, check out information in on-line catalogs, and finally order seeds on-line. The ritual is still accompanied by music and a beverage. Often also by candles and spouse and son equally immersed in on-line activities. (Quality family time?)
Today as I 'celebrated' I commented to my spouse that I was probably the only one getting so excited by next year's garden today. With 12 inches of snow drifting outside.
Thanks for your comment. Maybe I'm not the only one...