It’s time.

Today, it’s the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.

🌙It’s the shortest day of the year. I’ve been noticing the shorter days and I’m not very far north in Europe!

🔥The days are short and dark, so to contrast this, fire and light have been important symbols of celebrations.

Thousands of years ago we were already wondering, exploring and inventing. I’ll leave you with some human ingenuity – and let’s use our knowledge to do good to each other and our planet!

Human ingenuity to celebrate the winter solstice

🪨During the Neolithic times (= last part of the Stone Age period, where stone tools were carved and polished) people created monuments to capture the sun.

🪨Newgrange in Ireland, built 3,200 B.C, is one of the earliest examples. This site is actually an ancient temple and it lights up with the rising winter-solstice sun! My family and I watched the live streaming of these celebrations this morning!

🪨Maeshowe in Scotland, built in 2,800 B.C, is another Neolithic monument where the central chamber aligns with the setting sun.

🪨Of course, Stonehenge, is one of the most famous ancient monuments. It was built in different stages between 3,000 B.C. – 1,520 B.C. The stone circle was built around 2,500 B.C. There is also a stone quite far outside the circle, called the Heel Stone that aligns during the setting sun of the winter solstice (and aligns with the rising sun of the summer solstice).

Today, our winter-solstice ritual is probably Christmas! On that note, I wish you cosy festive days ahead!🎄

(Sources: History, Britannica, Newgrange, Historic Environment Scotland, English Heritage, National Geographic)

If you are keen to do something for our planet with your kids at Christmas, why not do it playfully with EcoKids.