Every December 21st or 22nd, the top half of the world, also known as the Northern Hemisphere, observes the Winter Solstice, while the bottom half of the world, or the Southern Hemisphere, experiences the Summer Solstice.
On this day, the sun’s rays are directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5°S latitude. In other words, the Northern Hemisphere will experience its shortest day of the year, while the Southern Hemisphere will experience the longest day of the year.
So how do different countries observe this occurrence, and what does it mean for them?
England
The Winter Solstice is a significant event in Wiltshire, England, the location of the famous Stonehenge monument. This grouping of enormous rocks dates back over 4,000 years and has close ties with the sun. Each year on the Winter Solstice, the rocks perfectly align with a picturesque view of the early sunset.
It’s common for people to gather around Stonehenge every December 21st or 22nd to play instruments such as the trumpet and drums in celebration of the sun’s rebirth.
China
Recognizing the Winter Solstice has been a tradition in China since ancient times, with it having as much importance as the Lunar New Year. To celebrate the arrival of winter, people in Northern China will make and enjoy dumplings, while in Southern China, they make glutinous rice balls. Both foods represent harmony and reunion, a vital aspect of the new season.
This day is also believed to be the time when yang energy is at its highest, promoting positivity and masculinity. It is believed yang helps fight off sickness and disease.
Japan
Like in China, the Japanese see the Winter Solstice as an opportunity to ward off illness. However, in Japan, the method involves taking a hot bath with yuzu citrus fruit. Sometimes even animals join in on the bathing experience when zoos provide creatures like capybara with a warm, citrus-soaked bath opportunity.
Guatemala
Even though many Guatemalans now identify as Catholic, on December 21st they honor the past Mayan god of the sun with a Palo Volador, or flying pole dance. To perform the ritual, three men climb up a 50-foot pole. As one man plays the drum and flute, the other two men wrap a rope attached to the pole around one foot. On cue, they jump from the pole, and if they land on their feet, it represents that the sun god is happy and more sunny days are to come.
The Circle of Life
Just as different cultures and countries observe the Winter Solstice as a part of the Earth’s cycle around the Sun, it’s important to consider the life cycle on Earth. One way to provide meaning to the cycle of life is through designing outdoor memorial markers.
Quiring Monuments creates custom headstone graphics, such as a sun and cloud image, to represent the importance of life. Our upright headstones’ colors can also be customized, from black granite headstones to Bahama blue ones. As a monument and headstone company, we collaborate closely with burial sites throughout Washington, including Mountain View Memorial Park. We can provide you and your family with a comforting, personalized experience during a difficult time. Contact us for more information.