Beginning of Winter

The Beginning of Winter, also known as the Winter Solstice, is an annual event marking the astronomical start of the winter season. Observed worldwide, it is the time when the tilt of Earth's axis is farthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. The solstice has been celebrated for millennia by cultures across the globe, serving as a significant event in various religious and cultural traditions.

In the United States, the Winter Solstice has been observed by Native American tribes long before the arrival of European settlers. Native American cultures held various ceremonies throughout the centuries to mark and honor the solstice, which they viewed as a time of rebirth and renewal, signifying the return of longer daylight hours. Today, many Americans may not be aware of the traditional significance of the Winter Solstice, but its influence can still be felt through popular holiday customs, such as Christmas and Hanukkah, whose origin dates back to pre-Christian and pre-Jewish Solstice celebrations.

Though the Observance of the Beginning of Winter is not a federal holiday in the United States, many Americans acknowledge and observe the solstice through a variety of private celebrations and communal gatherings. People light candles, attend bonfire ceremonies, or host feasts with friends and family to mark the return of the light and the promise of spring. On this day, December 21st or 22nd (depending on the year), the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth experiences its longest night and shortest day, making it one of the most prominent markers in the astronomical calendar.