The days are getting very short, we’re almost to the shortest day of the year, which falls early this Saturday, the 21st. The exact crossover point is reported to be at 4:21 a.m. EST, 1:21 a.m. here in PST.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day, longest night, end of autumn, and the beginning of winter. It is the time when the days finally begin to lengthen.
We humans have celebrated this milestone for several tens of centuries. The farther from the equator humans live, the more it rises in importance.
Religious holidays tend to cluster at this time of year but recognizing the solstice came first. Think Stone Henge and the Maya Calendar.
Personally, I am not happy when it’s too early for the evening meal and, looking out the window, it’s dark outside. I feel a bit cheated.
Hat tip to GoT House Stark for use of their “family words” as my title.
