December Solstice in South Africa ― Date, History, and Details
December Solstice in South Africa may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of December Solstice in South Africa and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of December Solstice in South Africa and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
December solstice is the longest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In South Africa, it falls on June 21st or 22nd. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium, which means “sun standing still.” At the solstice, the sun appears to stand still in the sky before reversing direction and beginning to move southward again.
The December solstice occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. This is the latitude 23.5 degrees south of the equator. In the Southern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the start of summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the start of winter.
In South Africa, the December solstice is a time of celebration. Many people take the opportunity to spend time outdoors, enjoying the warm weather and longer days. Festivals and events are often held to mark the occasion.