From June 22, every day is on the wane - the nights are long and the days - shorter.Maximum when we see the longest night and the shortest day, achieved on December 22.This date comes a time when it begins to be added to shorten the night and day.
longest night
If you want to sleep, the most successful for you will be December 22.Astronomers noticed that in the northern hemisphere this day there is the longest night.And on the following day, when it begins to be added day light time will become more and more.
December 22 the sun rises above the horizon at the lowest height.It has a fairly simple scientific explanation.Earth's orbit is elliptical shape.The Earth at this time is at the farthest point of the orbit.Therefore, the sun in the Northern Hemisphere in December rises above the horizon at a minimum height, and the peak of this minimum falls on December 22.
exact date or not?
considered to be the date when it begins to be added Day, December 22.All calendars celebrate it as the day of the winter solstice.But to be absolutely precise and consider all current research astronomers and physicists, you have to admit this fact.The position of sunlight for a few days before and after the solstice does not change its slope.It was only after 2-3 days after the solstice, we can say that now is the time when daylight begins to be added.
So if you follow the scientific research, the answer to the question of when it begins to be added daily, so be - December 24-25.It is from this period, the nights are a little shorter, and daylight hours - longer and longer.But in everyday life firmly lodged the information that, when the light begins to be added Day falls on December 22.
This imprecision scientists forgiven.Indeed, sometimes folk omens based on ancient observations, much more tenacious than the last date of the study.
Gold for the important news
Slavs not only celebrated December 22 as the date when the day begins to be added in the winter, but watch closely what the weather is established during these days, the behavior of birds and beasts.It
December 22 attributed proverb "The sun - the summer, winter - the cold."If this day falls frost on the trees, it was considered a good omen.So, it is a rich harvest of grain.
Interestingly, in the XVI century in Russia itself zvonarny mayor of Moscow cathedral went to the king with "important" information.He reported that the sun will burn brighter now that the nights are shorter and the days become longer.In general, the king did not give to forget the date when the day is added.The importance of this report can be judged from the fact that the king is always rewarded elder gold coin.After the news was joyous - winter is on the wane.Although ahead of Russian citizens still waiting for snow and cold January February's fierce frosts, the fact that the day of the night wins, was optimistic.
Fame next spring
Why so much attention paid to the ancient Day of the winter solstice?After all, people today remember him very rarely, and even more so do not mark the date when daylight begins to increase.Is that news in brief remember them, that's all.But our ancestors whose lives are entirely dependent on the sun and heat, this date is widely celebrated and mass.
The streets were diluted huge bonfires, jumped over them and adults and children.Girls circle dances, and the guys competed, who will show the strength and ingenuity.In ancient Russia the shortest day of the year celebrated joyfully and loudly.But Europe is not far behind.
solar wheel on the ancient monuments
In Europe, just after the winter solstice pagan festivals started, which lasted exactly 12 days, the number of months.People had fun, went to visit, praised the nature and enjoyed the beginning of a new life.
In Scotland, had an interesting custom.Ordinary barrel smeared with melted resin, and then set fire to it and rolled down the street.It was a so-called solar wheel, or otherwise - solstice.Burning wheel resembled the sun, people thought that they could manage the heavenly body.This solstice done and ancient Russia and other European countries.
Interestingly, archaeologists have found an image of the solar wheels in a variety of countries: India, Mexico, Egypt and Gaul, in Scandinavia and Western Europe.These rock carvings are also abundantly present in Buddhist monasteries.By the way, the Buddha because, among other names is also called "King of the wheel."I really wanted people to manage the ancient sun.
Men
force of nature were common date that the added day, and in France, where people staged costume festivals and gave real balls.Accompanied by musicians December 22 people walked the streets as a demonstration.During the time of the Gauls it thought that certainly need that day to disrupt a branch of mistletoe, which will bring happiness into the house.
But in ancient China, at this time the season began mass holidays.It was believed that with the energy of the sun in nature awakens and virility.Starting a new life cycle, which promises happiness.We celebrate this date all - and nobles, and commoners.But the work does not interfere with having fun, almost everything, from the emperor and ending Unskilled goes on vacation.Shops were closed, the people went to visit, gave gifts, and made sacrifices.
Today, the tradition of celebrating winter solstice practically disappeared.Modern man is not too often looks at the sky and thinks that he is not from the sun very much depends.But quite a misconception.It is the Sun - the source of all life on earth.
