Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice: The Returning of the Light

Photo: Great Gray Owl, Sandy Sisti/Audubon Photography Awards
 

Please join us tomorrow in celebrating both science and nature - December 21 is the Winter Solstice, which marks the exact moment when half of Earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun.

Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rituals. It marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun; the gradual waning of daylight hours is reversed and daylight begins to grow again. You might recognize this day by lighting a candle just after sunset, reciting a poem, refilling your birdfeeder, making a donation to a non-profit that helps wildlife, and spending time with loved ones around a fireplace. Take a moment to be grateful that we have warmth and food for the winter, while nonmigratory birds face a long winter in the elements. Read this article to learn more about how birds stay warm in winter, or watch this video to learn about feeding birds this winter. You can donate to ASNV in honor of the Winter Solstice here.