Solstice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
☀️
solstice
[ˈsɒl.stɪs ]
Definition
astronomical event
A solstice is an astronomical event that occurs twice each year, when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest and shortest days of the year. The summer solstice occurs around June 21, marking the longest day and shortest night, while the winter solstice occurs around December 21, marking the shortest day and longest night. These events are significant in many cultures, often celebrated with festivals and rituals. The word 'solstice' comes from the Latin solstitium, which means 'sun standing still'.
Synonyms
change of season, solar event, turning point.
Examples of usage
- The summer solstice is celebrated with various festivals.
- Many cultures have unique traditions for the winter solstice.
- The solstice marks the changing of the seasons.
- During the solstice, the sun appears to stand still in the sky.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures have festivals celebrating the summer solstice, such as Midsummer in Europe and Inti Raymi in Peru.
- The winter solstice signals the return of longer days and is celebrated in various cultures, including Yule in Northern Europe.
Astronomy
- During the summer solstice, the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The opposite occurs during the winter solstice, leading to the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
Psychology
- The change in daylight hours during solstices can affect people's moods, with longer days in summer often boosting spirits.
- Conversely, shorter days in winter may lead to feelings of sadness in some, a phenomenon known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Literature
- The solstice has been a theme in literature, representing change, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.
- Famous poets have used solstices in their work as metaphors for transformation, such as the dawn of new awareness during the longest day.
Origin of 'solstice'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin 'solstitium', where 'sol' means 'sun' and 'stitium' means 'to stand still'.
- In ancient times, the solstice was crucial for farmers to understand the changing seasons for planting and harvesting.
The word 'solstice' has its origins in the early 14th century, derived from the Latin term 'solstitium'. This Latin word is a combination of 'sol', meaning 'sun', and 'stitium', which means 'to stand still'. The term reflects the sun's apparent pause in its path during the solstices, as it reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky. The two solstices, summer and winter, have been observed by various civilizations throughout history, influencing agricultural practices, calendar systems, and cultural celebrations. The concept of the solstice has deep roots in various mythologies and religions, symbolizing rebirth during the winter solstice and the height of life during the summer solstice.