WINTER SOLSTICE DAY IN DIFFERENT CULTURES

The winter solstice is the moment when the Sun is at its minimum height above the horizon. The inclination of the axis along which the Earth rotates is at its maximum during the solstice, towards either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, the solstice occurs twice a year: in June, when the day becomes the longest, and in December, when the night turns out to be the longest. The phenomenon got its name because a few days before and after this moment, the position of the Sun in the sky at noon hardly changes. On the night of December 21-22 is the winter solstice, when the astronomical annual cycle ends, when you need to part with the old and not take it with you in the new year. This is the beginning of the astronomical winter. The longest night and the shortest day of the year. This is the holiday of the beginning of winter among the ancient Turks, the day of the renewal of time. A balloon reigns in space. For this reason, the Kazakhs call the first month of the winter season "zheltoksan" (December). December 25 is Nartugan Day, which is the same as Christmas in Europe, i.e. the birthday of the prophet Isa (Jesus). Kazakhs called the day of the winter solstice "karatun" (black night). For the nomadic people, karatun had a deep symbolic meaning and was perceived as a moment of transition when darkness reaches its peak, and then on the Day of Nartugan renewal and growth begin. This period was considered a time of reflection, inner purification and preparation for new life stages. Many nations celebrated the winter solstice. Among the ancient Slavs, the winter solstice marked the holiday of Kolyada, one of the most important holidays of the year, dedicated to the sun, its rebirth and the victory of light over darkness. It was believed that on this day the terrible Karachun, the deity of death, the underground god who commands frosts, and the evil spirit, took power. The ancient Slavs believed that he commanded winter and frost and shortened the daylight hours.