December Solstice in Togo ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of December Solstice in Togo and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of December Solstice in Togo and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The December solstice occurs when the sun is at its farthest south point from the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the winter solstice and in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the summer solstice. On the day of the December solstice, the sun rises at its earliest point in the morning and sets at its latest point in the evening. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium, which means “sun standing still.” This name is fitting because on the day of the solstice, the sun appears to stand still in the sky before changing direction.
In Togo, the December solstice marks the beginning of the dry season. This is the time of year when the sun is highest in the sky and the days are longest. The dry season lasts from December to March, and during this time, the average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The December solstice is an important time for farmers in Togo because it signals the start of the planting season. Crops such as maize, rice, and peanuts are planted during the dry season and harvested during the wet season.
On the December solstice, many people in Togo celebrate the sun god, Mawu. Mawu is the creator god in the traditional religion of the Ewe people. She is often represented as a woman with the sun on her head. On the day of the solstice, people offer sacrifices to Mawu and ask for her blessing. They also take part in special dances and ceremonies to honor the sun god.