The winter solstice right before the Christmas holiday brought out many people to the Huntley Meadows park on Dec. 21 as they celebrated the first official day of winter. It marks the day with the fewest daylight hours of the year and is celebrated in different ways all over the world. At Huntley Meadows, there were about 15 participants joining the county naturalist to experience the event. The naturalist talked about the science behind the solstice and the nightlife at Huntley Meadows. They spotted some deer grazing nearby and a beaver swimming in the wetlands area.

It was a chance to discuss the trees and wildlife in the park as well. 

 

The actual astrological event of the 2023 winter solstice was at 10:27 p.m. that night when the earth’s orbit is at the right point. After that, each day will gain a certain amount of daylight. Around the world, various cultures celebrate it in different ways. In Scandinavia, it’s the Feast of Juul with a yule log; In Poland it's the "Gody," observance where people show forgiveness and share food; in Pakistan it's the Chaomos festival where they take baths; in Guatemala they celebrate with a pole dance called "Palo Volader." 

The summer solstice, the day with the most daylight, occurs on June 21.