“Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.”
Victor Hugo
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”
Albert Camus
The Winter Solstice is an astronomical phenomenon that marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn. There are a number of sites around the world that have been built with the timing of sunrise alignment on the shortest day of the year.
Newgrange, Ireland
At sunrise on the shortest day of the year, for 17 minutes, direct sunlight can enter the Newgrange World Heritage Site, Ireland monument, not through the doorway, but through the specially contrived small opening above the entrance known as the ‘roof box’, to illuminate the Chamber.
Solstice Luminaries
Closer to home, in Hartford, the West End Civic Association (WECA) at 4:25 p.m. will take part in a Solstice Luminary event. They will light the neighborhood to bring joy and beauty to the holiday season.
Details and instructions + where to send photos Follow them on Facebook: @WECAHartford
American Eagle Financial Credit Union‘s Magic of Lights at the Oakdale Theater
Celebrate the longest night of the year by lighting it up with a drive-through holiday light experience. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Wallingford’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Buy your ticket in advance. Tickets benefit Foodshare.
Winter Solstice: A Musical Offering of Hope & Light
Waterbury Symphony Orchestra will perform virtually at 7:45 p.m. Even in the dark days of a pandemic, music is undeterred in its ability to bring us together and lift our spirits! On the longest night of the year, many traditions celebrate light and hope. Join the WSO on Monday, December 21st at 7:45 p.m. as we shine the light of community and share the joy of music. The program will present a mix of seasonal favorites that celebrate the different holiday traditions that make up our community, featuring soprano Michelle Johnson and baritone Brian Major along with organist Christopher Houlihan and WSO Principal Trumpet John Charles Thomas.