Today is the shortest day of the year

[gopiscrap]

On this darkest of days in which might be the darkest of years, may you find light and warmth. More importantly may we be light and warmth for one another today and though out the coming year!!!! Happy Solstice!!!

[mtnsnake]

1. It's definitely nice to think the days will be getting a little longer from now until late June, and

don't forget to look up into the night sky between 6 and 7 PM tonight for the once in every 800 years "Christmas Star" event where it looks as though Jupiter and Saturn converge, even though they are still far apart. Unfortunately, it's too cloudy in my area to see it.

[Journeyman]

2. Ring Out These Solstice Bells . . .

Now is the solstice of the year,
winter is the glad song that you hear.
Seven maids move in seven time.
Have the lads up ready in a line.

Ring out these bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.

Join together beneath the mistletoe.
by the holy oak whereon it grows.
Seven druids dance in seven time.
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.

Ring out these bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.

Praise be to the distant sister sun,
joyful as the silver planets run.
Seven maids move in seven time.
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.
Ring out those bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.
Ring on, ring out.
Ring on, ring out.

[LastDemocratInSC]

3. Actually, the day is the same length as any other day.

But the period of daylight is the shortest of the year.

So there!

[maxsolomon]

4. Here in Seattle, its the rainiest day of the entire year.

It is dark, windy, gloomy and very very wet.

We need to light to return!

[gopiscrap]

7. I am in Tacoma

I know exactly what you mean

[Blue_true]

10. Is that the case most years? nt

[gopiscrap]

13. yup

[Blue_true]

14. I visit that region. I honestly didn't know that. Thanks. nt

[maxsolomon]

17. Not like that.

Set a record high temp for 12/21, 59 degrees F. 1.5" of heavy rain, then it SNOWED.

Most rain in the PNW is a light "misty" rain, and thunderstorms are rare.

[Blue_true]

18. Rain and snow in the same day, oh the perils and joys of colder climates.

As a Floridian, I am always in wonder when I am in a place and see rain and snow in the same short timeframe.

[lunasun]

5. Happy Winter Solstice

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. Dark as a pocket by 4:30 PM. I am looking forward to brighter days,

both literally and figuratively.

[Towlie]

8. This is the first of three holidays in a row celebrating exactly the same thing.

 
?

Today is the winter solstice, the day originally intended to be the beginning of the new year.

December 25th was also meant to be the day of the winter solstice before it was arbitrarily chosen as the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus, in order to make it easier to convert Romans who were already celebrating that date for other reasons.

And January 1st is the day we celebrate the New Year today.

[Towlie]

9. Rachel Maddow sees it differently. She just said it's "the longest night of the year."

 
?

[Blue_true]

11. Which is correct also.

In Florida the day length changes are not as noticeable during the earliest part of the cycle.

[Towlie]

15. "The earliest part of the cycle" - What a hilariously nonsensical phrase!

 
?

I love it!

[Blue_true]

19. As an Engineer, I was trained and now practice breaking single events into pieces.

It works for engineering, but can sound silly when applied to other things in life. But, at this point, I am down the rabbit hole and can’t help it.

[bdamomma]

12. Same to you

Happy Solstice Day DU family, let's hold on tight. 30 more days till Jan 20th.

[aidbo]

16. Remember, it's the longest night and shortest day for those of us in the northern hemisphere.

[11 Bravo]

20. Every day that Lard Butt remains in office seems like an eternity.