Winter Solstice

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A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year. When the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun's apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extreme. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun appears to stand still or come to a stop before reversing direction.

Many cultures throughout the history of the world have observed the time of the Winter Solstice with feasting and celebration. It is also known as a time of purification and rebirth as the sunshine increases and begins to warm the Earth. The Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, 2009 at 12:47 PM EST or 17:47 UT (Universal Time).