Winter solstice and new moon in December: when will they occur?

At the end of December every year, the winter solstice occurs – a natural phenomenon when the sun sinks lower relative to the earth’s horizon. The Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest daylight hours and longest night of the year. And after the winter solstice, each subsequent day of daylight will be longer than the previous one. In 2023, the winter solstice falls on December 22.

In addition, in mid-December the last new moon of the year will take place, the powerful impact of which, according to astrologers, will bring significant changes to all areas of life.

We tell you details about the winter solstice and the new moon in the material REN TV.

Winter Solstice 2023

When does the winter solstice arrive?

This year’s winter solstice will occur on Friday, December 22nd. Known and the exact time of the winter solstice: 3 hours 27 minutes Greenwich time – 6 hours 27 minutes Moscow time. It is at this moment that the height of the sun will be minimal, that is, the sun will be at its lowest point relative to the earth’s horizon for the year.

By the way, when the winter solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, on the contrary, the summer solstice occurs in the Southern Hemisphere.

What happens on the winter solstice

The winter solstice is the moment when the Sun passes through the southernmost point of the ecliptic (great circle of the celestial sphere) for the Northern Hemisphere, and the northernmost for the Southern Hemisphere. That is, the height from the horizon to the Sun is minimal compared to other days before and after the winter solstice. Astronomical winter will begin in the northern hemisphere of the planet, and summer in the southern hemisphere. At the same time, the northern hemisphere experiences the shortest daylight hours and the longest night. There will be 7 hours of daylight on December 22, 2023.

For several days before and after the winter solstice, the Sun seems to stop for a short time and “hold this height.” That is why the phenomenon is called “solstice”. At the above time, it will be possible to observe the lowest position of the Sun above the horizon in the northern hemisphere of the Earth.

After the winter solstice, each subsequent day of daylight will be slightly longer than the previous one.

polar night

Meanwhile, at the same time, the polar night sets in beyond the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees north latitude) – the sun does not rise above the horizon for more than a day. The duration of the polar night varies depending on the location of a specific geographic point relative to the Earth’s rotation axis. For example, in Murmansk the polar night lasts from December 2 to January 10 – it lasts 40 days.

Why does the winter solstice occur?

The winter solstice occurs due to the characteristics of the earth’s orbit and the tilt of the earth’s axis. The Earth moves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit, and the planet’s axis of rotation is slightly tilted relative to the plane of this orbit – the axis tilt is approximately 23.4 degrees. These changes in the Earth’s position relative to the Sun affect the seasons and serve as the basis for the winter and summer solstices.

The main difference between the summer solstice and the winter solstice is that in the first case the Earth’s pole has a maximum angle of inclination towards the Sun, while in the second the Earth’s pole has a maximum angle of inclination away from the Sun.

What traditions were associated with the winter solstice?

Among the ancient Slavs, the Winter Solstice was the Day of the God of the Winter Sun – Kolyada. The holiday personified faith in the victory of good over evil. On this day, mummers walked in groups around the courtyards and sang so-called carols, with which they glorified the owners of the house and promised wealth. The God of the Winter Sun was also glorified with songs and dances around the fires.

On Winter Solstice Day, a circle-shaped pie was baked in every house, and ritual dolls were placed in a place of honor in the hut. Dwellings were also decorated with sheaves of hay and spruce branches. The Slavs were sure: the more joyfully the holiday was, the brighter God would illuminate life in the new year.

Rituals and traditions

It is not surprising that so many beliefs, rituals and traditions are associated with the winter solstice. It is believed that on the shortest day of the year, a colossal amount of energy is generated in nature.

Thus, there has long been a belief that before the winter solstice it is necessary to carry out a general cleaning of the entire house and throw out old things. Thanks to this, space is cleared for something new and joyful.

Ritual of letting go of negativity

Among other traditional rituals was a ritual for releasing negativity, which must be performed at sunset before the solstice. To do this, you need to write down on paper a list of all the negative things that happened over the past year that you would like to forget. After this, it is recommended to burn a sheet of paper on the street, imagining how all the sorrows “burn out” in the fire.

Water purification ritual

The so-called healing bath was considered an equally popular ritual. To do this, they turned off the lights, lit candles and lay down in a bathtub full of hot water. After which they closed their eyes, remembered all their experiences, “gathered them in a fist” and let them go, simultaneously flushing the water.

Ritual of making a wish

On the day of the winter solstice, it is also customary to make wishes that imply a renewal of life. A wish is made at dawn. To do this, you need to stand facing east and look in the direction where the sun rises. When making a wish, you should mention as many details as possible.

How different peoples celebrated the winter solstice

For thousands of years, the winter solstice has been of great importance to all peoples. At the same time, ancient world cultures had their own celebration customs. Some of them have survived to this day, but most are now associated with current holidays, such as Hanukkah or Christmas.

Ancient Roman Saturnalia

In ancient Rome, on the day of the winter solstice, the holiday of Saturnalia was celebrated – in honor of the god of agriculture, Saturn. The celebration lasted from December 17 to 23. By this time, all agricultural chores were completed, and they began to have fun.

Yule among the ancient Germans

Yule is a pre-Christian Scandinavian holiday celebrated by historical Germanic peoples in Northern Europe. On this day, they lit trees symbolizing the sun to receive warmth and light and thus celebrate the rebirth of the sun. It was believed that it was on the day of the winter solstice that the Oak King was reborn, who warmed the frozen ground and gave life to seeds in the soil.

Holiday in Christianity

In Christianity, these days the Nativity of Christ is celebrated, which is celebrated on January 7th. The date is two weeks behind the solstice due to the use of the Julian calendar.

Holiday in Slavic culture

The Slavs celebrated the day of Karachun – the harsh deity of winter. They believed that Karachun brings winter cold to the earth, plunging nature into winter sleep. Another name for the deity is Korochun, which means “the shortest.” Bonfires were burned everywhere, which were designed to help the Sun gain victory over death and be reborn. After Karachun, the nights waned and the daylight hours became longer.

Born on the winter solstice

It was believed that a person born on the day of the winter solstice is distinguished by the highest degree of endurance and fortitude. He will encounter many difficulties on his way that will make him wise. Subsequently, such a person can become a spiritual teacher. It is believed that those born on the winter solstice will live a long life.

Signs for the winter solstice

• If there is a lot of frost on the trees on the winter solstice, there will be a good grain harvest.
• If the north wind blows on this day, the direction will not change for exactly three months.
• If the shortest day is sunny, then spring will be late.
• Whatever the weather will be like in the week following the winter solstice, it will be like that throughout the next year.

New Moon in December 2023

When is the new moon

Last new moon of the year will last almost 27 hours – from noon on December 12 to 15:00 the next day. By the evening of December 13, the Moon will move from the fiery sign of Sagittarius to the earthly sign of Capricorn.

Astrologers’ predictions for the new moon

At the same time, astrologers believe that December 13 is the most dangerous of all difficult days of the lunar month. At this time, the days of Hecate come, black moonless nights.

It is believed that during the new moon period, due to the decrease in sunlight, one may feel a loss of strength, lethargy, laziness and deterioration in well-being.

According to astrologers, men during this period can react more sharply to unpleasant situations and the words of others. In turn, women on the new moon may feel prolonged fatigue and lack of energy. It is believed that it is better to postpone physical activity to another day and engage in calming meditation or take a relaxing bath.

Moreover, people who believe in astrology convincedthat this is one of the most unfavorable days for work – it is likely that any business will go down the drain. Trade deals will not be successful either. Astrologers advise postponing negotiations on this day and not completing previously started work.

It is also reported that the health effects on this day are also complex. It is recommended to cleanse the body.

In general, the situation on the day is very nervous, contributing to the emergence of various quarrels, squabbles, disagreements, scandals, conflicts, as well as the presence of hostility, anger, anger, envy and other negative events and emotions. It is also recommended not to get married on this day.

However, the constellation Sagittarius, on the contrary, is believed to give strength to the fiery zodiac signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) to achieve their goals and desires.