Today is Tuesday December 21, 2010
4 Days till Christmas
11 Days til 2011
Winter Solstice
Can you believe it? It is officially winter. As the earth rotates the sun, winter solstice occurs when the sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance from the northern hemisphere resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. This event also signifies the reversal of gradually lengthening nights and shortening days.
Though it was recognized on a different date, the winter solstice was first observed in 45 B.C. on the Julian Calendar. Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar in 1582, bringing the northern winter solstice to the date that we celebrate it today, around December 21st.
The interpretation of the winter solstice differs from culture to culture. Most countries however, recognize it as a symbol of rebirth. Various festivals, gatherings, and rituals take place today worldwide. To celebrate Winter Solstice, attend a local festival or just sit cozy by a fire with your friends and family.
Today is also Kiwi Day & Forefathers Day
"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/
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On this day in History:
| 1620 - The "Mayflower," and its passengers, pilgrims from England, landed at Plymouth Rock, MA. 1879 - Ibsen's A Doll's House was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a revised happy ending. 1913 - The "New York World" Sunday edition included a crossword puzzle as an added feature of the "Fun" supplement. It was the first crossword puzzle to be published. 1937 - Walt Disney debuted the first, full-length, animated feature in Hollywood, CA. The movie was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 1968 - Apollo 8 was launched on a mission to orbit the moon. 1995 - The city of Bethlehem passed from Israeli to Palestinian control. |
Quote of the Day:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
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