Today is...

Winter Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice! Autumn has officially come to an end. The winter solstice occurs when the sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance from the hemisphere, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. For the Northern Hemisphere, this usually occurs between December 21 – 23 each year. In the Southern Hemisphere it takes place between June 20 – 23.

Did you know that the word “solstice” means, “sun stands still”? This seasonal milestone has been celebrated since ancient times. The Romans, for example, honored Saturn, the god of time and harvest, with a weeklong feast called Saturnalia.

While the traditions surrounding the winter solstice differ from culture to culture, most recognize it as a symbol of rebirth. Various festivals, gatherings, and rituals take place today worldwide. To celebrate the winter solstice, attend a local festival or spend time with your friends and family around a cozy fire.

Today is also Kiwi Day & Forefathers Day

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for December 21   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. ________________________________________________________ "Nothing seems so tragic to one who is old as the death of one who is young, and this alone proves that life is a good thing." --Zoe Atkins