December Solstice in St. Barts ― Date, History, and Details
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History of December Solstice in St. Barts and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The December solstice occurs when the sun is at its farthest south point from the equator. This happens on December 21st or 22nd each year. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. The sun rises and sets at its lowest points in the sky, and there are fewer hours of daylight. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. The sun rises and sets at its highest points in the sky, and there are more hours of daylight.
The word “solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium, which means “sun stands still.” This is because the sun appears to stand still in the sky at the point of the solstice. It reaches its highest point at noon and then begins to descend. This is due to the Earth’s tilt on its axis. The December solstice marks the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
In St. Barts, the December solstice is a time of celebration. The islanders celebrate the longest day of the year with a festival called “La Fête du Solstice d’Hiver.” The festival includes music, dancing, and food. It is a time for the community to come together and enjoy the warm weather.