Winter Solstice 2024: The Shortest Day and the Start of Winter

The winter solstice on December 21, 2024, marks the shortest day and the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This celestial event, caused by the Earth's tilt, results in the longest night of the year. Following the solstice, days gradually lengthen, bringing more sunlight. The solstice has been celebrated worldwide through ancient rituals and traditions, including festivals like Saturnalia, Stonehenge gatherings, and the Hopi Soyal Ceremony.