BLOGGING THE VIEW: 9 fast facts about the winter solstice

South Africa has been gripped in an icy chill, with destructive winds, floods and snowfall already recorded countrywide.

This Saturday, 21 June will the winter solstice, the heart of the winter season, which means we still have quite a while to go before the weather warms up.

Here are 10 things you should know about the winter solstice in South Africa.

1. When is the winter solstice?

In the southern hemisphere, the winter solstice usually falls on 21 June, although occasionally it can occur on 20 or 22 June, depending on the year. This year, the solstice occurs on Saturday, 21 June, officially marking the peak of winter.

2. It’s not necessarily the coldest day

Many people assume the winter solstice is also the coldest day of the year, but that’s not usually the case. While it’s certainly chilly, the coldest weather typically hits a few weeks later due to something called seasonal lag, when the earth’s land and oceans take time to cool down fully after the sun’s weakest point.

3. The sun takes its lowest path

On the day of the solstice, the sun reaches its lowest arc in the sky, rising late and setting early. This results in the shortest period of daylight all year. In Johannesburg for instance, the sun will rise at about 7am and set just after 5.15pm, offering less than 10.5 hours of light.

4. Why does it happen?

The winter solstice is because the earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees. During the solstice, the southern hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the sun, receiving the least direct sunlight.

5. It’s celebrated worldwide

Many cultures have honoured the winter solstice for centuries. From Yule festivals in northern Europe to Inti Raymi in Peru, people use this time to gather and celebrate the return of the sun. While not traditionally marked in South Africa, it’s a perfect excuse to light a fire, share warm food, and enjoy midwinter rituals of your own.

6. Solstice signals rebirth

In ancient times, people saw the winter solstice as the ‘death and rebirth’ of the sun. From the next day onward, sunlight slowly begins to return, minute by minute, a hopeful sign that longer, warmer days lie ahead.

7. Stone circles

Most people know about Stonehenge in the UK, which aligns with the solstices. But South Africa has its own ancient stone circles, Adams Calendar in Mpumalanga. While their full purpose remains a mystery, some researchers believe they may also have tracked solar movements, recording the winter and summer solstices.

8. An astrological shift

In astrology, the winter solstice marks the beginning of Capricorn season, which is a sign associated with grounding energy, goal-setting and discipline.

9. Nature slows down

Wildlife and plant life also respond to the winter solstice. Many trees are bare, birds migrate, and animals adapt to the cooler, darker days. Even in cities, you might notice how nature becomes quieter.

Wrap up against the winter chill this week, but be pleased to know that there will be more sunshine coming our way from Sunday!

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY