Since June 22, every day is declining - the nightlonger, and days shorter. The maximum, when we see the longest night and the shortest day, is reached on December 22. It is from this date that a period begins, when the day will begin to increase and the night will be shortened.
The longest night
If you want to sleep, then the most successfulyou will be December 22. Astronomers noticed that the longest night is observed on this day in the Northern Hemisphere. And the next day, when the day begins to increase, the light time will become more and more.
December 22, the sun over the horizon rises tothe lowest height. This has a fairly simple scientific explanation. The Earth's orbit has an ellipsoidal shape. The Earth at this time is at the farthest point of the orbit. Therefore, the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere in December rises above the horizon at a minimum height, and the peak of this minimum falls on December 22.
The exact date or not?
It is considered to be the date when it starts to addday, December 22. In all the calendars mark it as the Winter Solstice. But if we are absolutely accurate and take into account all modern studies of astronomers and physicists, we will have to state this fact. The position of the sun's light for a few days before the solstice and after does not change its inclination at all. And only after 2-3 days after the solstice we can state that the time has come when the light day begins to increase.
So if you follow the scientific research, thenthe answer to the question of when the day will begin to be added will be this - December 24-25. It is from this period that the nights get a little shorter, and the light time of the day is longer and longer. But at the household level, the information was firmly fixed, that the time when the light day begins to increase, falls on December 22.
This inaccuracy is forgiven by scientists. After all, sometimes people's signs, based on age-old observations, are much more tenacious than the latest modern research.
Gold for important news
The Slavs not only celebrated December 22 as a date,when the day starts to add in the winter, but also closely watched what weather is set during these days, how birds and animals behave.
It is December 22 attributed to the peopleproverb "The sun is for summer, winter is for frost". If this day fell frost on the trees, it was considered a good sign. So, be a rich harvest of cereals.
It is interesting that in the 16th century in Russia the bell ring itselfthe elder of the Moscow Cathedral went to the king with "important" information. He reported that the sun would be brighter, that the nights would now be shorter, and the days would be longer. In general, did not allow the king to forget the date when the day is added. The importance of such a report can be judged from the fact that the tsar always awarded the elder a golden coin. After all, the message was joyful - the winter is waning. And although ahead of the residents of Russia were waiting for the cold January snowfalls and fierce February frosts, the very fact that the day wins the night was optimistic.
Glory to the future spring
Why in ancient times such attention was paid to the Daywinter solstice? After all, modern people remember about it very rarely, and even more so do not mark the date when the light day begins to increase. Unless in the news a short line will remember, that's all. But our ancestors, whose life depended entirely on the Sun and heat, celebrated this date widely and massively.
On the streets, huge bonfires were bred, they jumpedthrough them, adults and children. The girls were playing dances, and the guys competed, who will show strength and ingenuity. In ancient Russia, the shortest day of the year was celebrated joyfully and loudly. But Europe has not lagged behind either.
The solar wheel on the monuments of antiquity
In Europe immediately after the Winter Solstice Daypagan holidays were started, which lasted exactly 12 days, according to the number of months. People had fun, went on a visit, praised nature and were happy with the beginning of a new life.
In Scotland was an interesting custom.The ordinary barrel was greased with melted resin, then it was set on fire and rolled along the street. It was the so-called solar wheel, or otherwise - the solstice. The burning wheel reminded the Sun, people thought that they could control the heavenly body. Such solstice was done both in ancient Russia and in other European countries.
Interestingly, archaeologists find an imagesolar wheel in a variety of countries: in India and Mexico, in Egypt and Gaul, in Scandinavia and Western Europe. Such rock paintings are also found in large numbers in Buddhist monasteries. By the way, Buddha is also called "King of Wheels" among other names. Very much like the ancient people to control the sun.
Male power of nature
We celebrated massively the date when the day is added, andin France, where people held costume festivals and gave real balls. On December 22, accompanied by musicians, the people walked through the streets as a demonstration. At the time of the Gauls, it was believed that it was imperative to break the mistletoe on that day, which would bring happiness to the house.
But in ancient China at this time the season beganmass holidays. It was believed that, together with the energy of the Sun in nature, the male power also awakens. A new life cycle begins, which promises happiness. Celebrated this date all - and grandees, and commoners. And so that the work does not interfere with fun, almost everything, from the emperor to the handymen, went on vacation. The shops were closed, the people went to visit, give gifts and make sacrifices.
Today is the tradition to celebrate Winter DayThe solstice has almost come to naught. A modern man does not look very often at the sky and believes that he does not really depend on the sun. And after all absolutely erroneous opinion. It is the Sun that is the source of all life on earth.
