When will the day begin to increase? Folk traditions and scientific facts

Since June 22, every day is declining - nights are getting longer and days are shorter. The maximum, when we see the longest night and the shortest day, is reached on December 22. It is from this date that a period begins, when the day will begin to increase and the night will be shortened.

The longest night

If you want to sleep, then the most successful for you will be December 22. Astronomers noticed that the longest night is observed on this day in the Northern Hemisphere. And the next day, when the day begins to increase , the light time will become more and more.

December 22, the sun over the horizon rises to the lowest height. This has a fairly simple scientific explanation. The Earth's orbit has an ellipsoidal shape. The Earth at this time is at the farthest point of the orbit. Therefore, the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere in December rises above the horizon to a minimum height, and the peak of this minimum falls on December 22.

The exact date or not?

It is considered to be a date when the day starts to be added, on December 22. In all the calendars mark it as the Winter Solstice. But if we are absolutely accurate and take into account all the modern studies of astronomers and physicists, we will have to state this fact. The position of the sun's light for a few days before the solstice and after does not change its inclination at all. And only after 2-3 days after the solstice we can state that the time has come when the light day begins to increase.

So if you follow the scientific research, then the answer to the question of when the day will begin to add will be the same - December 24-25. It is from this period that the nights get a little shorter, and the light time of the day is longer and longer. But at the everyday level, the information was firmly fixed, that the time when the light day begins to increase, falls on December 22.

This inaccuracy is forgiven by scientists. After all, sometimes people's signs, based on age-old observations, are much more tenacious than the latest modern research.

Gold for important news

The Slavs not only celebrated December 22 as the date when the day begins to increase in the winter, but also closely watched what weather is set during these days, how birds and animals behave.

It is December 22 attributed to the popular proverb "The sun - for the summer, the winter - for the frost." If this day fell frost on the trees, it was considered a good sign. Hence, to be a rich crop of cereals.

It is interesting that in the 16th century in Russia the bell ringer of the Moscow Cathedral went to the tsar with "important" information. He reported that the sun would be brighter, that the nights would be shorter, and the days would be longer. In general, did not allow the king to forget the date when the day is added. The importance of such a report can be judged from the fact that the tsar always awarded the elder a golden coin. After all, the message was joyful - winter is waning. And although ahead of the residents of Russia were waiting for the cold January snowfalls and fierce February frosts, the very fact that the day wins the night was optimistic.

Glory to the future spring

Why in ancient times such attention was given to the Winter Solstice Day? After all, modern people remember it very rarely, and even more so do not note the date when the light day begins to increase. Unless in the news a short line will remember, that's all. But our ancestors, whose life depended entirely on the Sun and heat, celebrated this date widely and massively.

On the streets, huge bonfires were bred, adults and children jumped through them. The girls drove round, and the boys competed, who will show strength and ingenuity. In ancient Russia, the shortest day of the year was celebrated joyfully and loudly. But Europe has not lagged behind either.

The sun wheel on the monuments of antiquity

In Europe, immediately after the Winter Solstice, pagan festivals started, which lasted exactly 12 days, according to the number of months. People had fun, went on a visit, praised nature and were happy with the beginning of a new life.

In Scotland was an interesting custom. The ordinary barrel was smeared with melted pitch, then it was set on fire and rolled along the street. It was the so-called solar wheel, or otherwise - the solstice. The burning wheel reminded the Sun, people thought that they could control the heavenly body. This solstice was done both in ancient Russia and in other European countries.

It is interesting that archaeologists find the image of the solar wheel in various countries: in India and Mexico, in Egypt and Gaul, in Scandinavia and Western Europe. Such rock paintings are also found in large numbers in Buddhist monasteries. By the way, Buddha is also called "King of Wheels" among other names. Very much like the ancient people to control the sun.

Male power of nature

We celebrated massively the date when the day was added, and in France, where people held costume festivals and gave real balls. On December 22, accompanied by musicians, the people walked along the streets as a demonstration. At the time of the Gauls, it was believed that it was imperative to break the mistletoe on that day, which would bring happiness to the house.

But in ancient China at this time the season of mass holidays began. It was believed that, together with the energy of the Sun in nature, the male power also awakens. A new life cycle begins, which promises happiness. Celebrated this date all - and grandees, and commoners. And so that the work does not interfere with having fun, almost everything, from the emperor to the handymen, went on vacation. The shops were closed, the people went to visit, gave gifts and performed sacrifices.

Today, the tradition to celebrate the winter solstice has almost disappeared. The modern man does not look very often at the sky and believes that he does not really depend on the sun. But a completely wrong opinion. It is the Sun that is the source of all life on earth.