Happy Green Baby

Winter Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice! Autumn has officially come to an end. (Just in case you were wondering as you are plowing 3 feet of snow from your driveway!)  The winter solstice occurs when the sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance from the hemisphere, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. For the Northern Hemisphere, this usually occurs between December 21 – 23 each year. In the Southern Hemisphere it takes place between June 20 – 23.

Did you know that the word “solstice” means, “sun stands still”? This seasonal milestone has been celebrated since ancient times. The Romans, for example, honored Saturn, the god of time and harvest, with a week-long feast called Saturnalia.

While the traditions surrounding the winter solstice differ from culture to culture, most recognize it as a symbol of rebirth. Various festivals, gatherings, and rituals take place today worldwide.

How will you celebrate the winter solstice?  I recommend spending time with your friends and family maybe around a cozy fire with a warm beverage in hand, or possibly by starting a family tradition and have family & friends over for dinner, or maybe doing something nice for someone else as it is the season of giving...Regardless of how you spend it (maybe frantically wrapping Christmas presents) - Happy Winter Solstice!!!

 

*When we make small changes every day to lessen our impact on the environment, we make a difference*

HappyGreenBaby.com

 

http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/2013/12/21/winter-solstice

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Did you know...

Did you know...that today is Canada Day?   In 1867, the Constitution Act united Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada Province (modern-day Quebec and Ontario) into a single country.  The Constitution Act of 1867 also granted Canada some independence from England.  Today, Canadians will celebrate today with barbecues, parades, concerts, and fireworks.

Did you know...that some great inventions  have come from Canada?  Canadians are responsible for light bulbs, telephones, zippers, egg cartons, snowmobiles, instant mashed potatoes, peanut butter, walkie-talkies, IMAX, Trivial Pursuit, basketball, and ice hockey!

Canadian or not, celebrate the great nation of Canada by learning more about their great country!

Happy Canada Day!

 

Resource:  http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/2013/7/1/canada-day

Happy Summer Solstice!

Today is the Summer Solstice! (However, this year is a bit off and it actually started yesterday).  For people who live in the Northern Hemisphere of the world, today is the longest day of the year and the first official day of summer.   In the Arctic Circle, there will be 24 hours of daylight!  

The summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt is closest to the sun. This occurs in late June for the Northern Hemisphere and late December for the Southern Hemisphere.  The time of the solstice depends upon your position on Earth and, as a consequence, where you are in relation to the sun.  

The summer solstice is a significant time for many religions and cultures. Today, people all over the world will mark this important milestone in the year with festivals, gatherings, and rituals.  How will you celebrate?  Whatever you do, grab your shades/sunscreen and get outside and enjoy the day!!  

 

 

 

 

**Making the world a greener place - one baby (family) at a time**

HGB

 

Credits/References:  

Info:  http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/summer-solstice

Photo:  http://www.meme4u.com/ecards/celebrate_the_date/summer_solstice/card_1601.htm