As winter continues to grasp Kansas City, its people are getting ready for the shortest day of the year: the winter solstice on December 21, 2024. This annual celestial occurrence represents not only the longest night of the year but also marks a turning point at which daylight hours will begin their slow ascent.
What is the Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice marks that time of the year when the Earth’s axis tilts the Northern Hemisphere further away from the sun, which means that daylight will be at a minimum. On December 21, in Kansas City, there will be only 9 hours and 25 minutes of daylight because the sun rises at 7:34 a.m. and sets at 4:59 p.m. It is a symbol of pause, reflection, and renewal.
The word “solstice” is derived from Latin words meaning “sol,” or sun, and “sister,” or stand still, referring to a kind of pause the sun has in its movement to start the season.
Winter Solstice Traditions and Celebrations
From this day forward, daylight hours will grow longer and peak for the summer solstice, June.
Throughout history, the solstice has been a time of rebirth and renewal worldwide. The ancient rituals of worshiping the return of the sun are seen in the current-day festivities of this day. Deep in the cultural and spiritual realm, many Kansas City residents look at this as an opportunity to reflect on their selves, express gratitude for what has been, and set intentions for the upcoming year.
Here are activities to celebrate the solstice:
- Nature Walks: Get outside, and be with the rhythms of the season.
- Lighting of Candles/Lights: Turn on candles or festive lights in your abode to symbolize the return of light.
- Assemblages: Share a warm evening with family and friends going over the successes and lessons from the past year.
Increasing daylight after the solstice.
After December 21, daylight in Kansas City grows incrementally. By Christmas Day, the sun will set by 5:01 PM, and on New Year’s Day, it will set at 5:06 PM. The days are getting longer, offering relief from the long dark evenings of fall and early winter.
Here’s a glimpse of the upcoming daylight schedule in Kansas City:
- January 15: Rise at 7:35 am. Set 5:20 pm.
- February 1: Rise at 7:24 am. Set 5:39 pm
- March 9: First Sunday of daylight time; sets 7:19 pm.
The Science Behind the Short Days
Winter has its short days due to the Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt. Winter days have to be short in the Northern Hemisphere since this hemisphere faces away from the sun during these seasons, increasing the temperatures, and bringing forth cold temperatures.
However, the longer days of the sun after the solstice remind us that the planet Earth is always in cycles and offers promises of renewal. As the solstice approaches Kansas City, this time is a great time to reflect on personal growth and to set new goals for the year 2025.
Looking Ahead
Winter solstice also coincides closely with the Gregorian New Year, a perfect symbolic time to lay the old to rest and welcome new opportunities. However quiet or festive, be it individual rituals, reflection, or gathering, there is scope to honor and celebrate nature’s cycles and the promises of brighter days.
Mark your calendar for December 21, and take some time to appreciate this sacred transition. As the days grow longer, Kansas City will soon move from the hush of winter into the vitality of spring.
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