December Solstice in Netherlands ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of December Solstice in Netherlands and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of December Solstice in Netherlands and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In the Netherlands, the December solstice occurs when the sun is directly overhead at noon at the Tropic of Capricorn. This happens on either December 21 or December 22 each year. At the December solstice, the days are shortest and the nights are longest. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium, which means “sun standing still.”
The December solstice is an important day in many cultures around the world. In Europe, it was the traditional start of winter. For farmers, it marked the end of the growing season and the beginning of the time for slaughtering animals and preserving meat for the winter. In pagan religions, the solstice was a time to celebrate the sun god or goddess. Many of today’s Christmas traditions, such as decorating evergreen trees and giving gifts, have their roots in pagan solstice celebrations.
In the Netherlands, the December solstice is not a public holiday. However, many people take the day off work or school to enjoy the shorter days and longer nights. Some people use the extra hours of darkness to go stargazing or to enjoy winter sports. Others simply spend time with family and friends.