Day winter solstice in 2016 it falls on December 21st. In 2016, the winter solstice begins on December 21 at 13.45 Moscow time.

Solstice is one of two days a year when the height of the sun above the horizon at noon is minimum or maximum. There are two solstices in the year - winter and summer.

On the day of the winter solstice, the sun rises to its lowest height above the horizon.

In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on December 21 or 22, when the shortest day and longest night occur. The moment of the solstice shifts every year, as the duration solar year does not match calendar time.

The Sun, moving along the ecliptic, at this moment will reach the most distant position from the celestial equator to the side South Pole peace. Astronomical winter will begin in the Northern Hemisphere of the planet, and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year. The sun occupies the lowest point above the horizon and illuminates the sky minimal amount hours. This is the turning point of winter: after the Solstice, daylight hours begin to increase, and the dark hours gradually begin to wane.

Almost all peoples believed in the mystical power of this time. It was believed that the Solstice marks rebirth and renewal, and the subsequent addition of daylight hours marks the victory of light over darkness.

Various folk holidays were timed to coincide with the longest night of the year.

On the day of the Solstice, the Slavs revered Karachun - the lord of winter, the deity of darkness and cold. According to Slavic beliefs, at this time darkness overcomes light, but with the onset of morning everything ends well: the temporary “defeat” of the Sun is followed by the victory of light and the renewal of the world. The day begins to increase, the night begins to decrease, and good triumphs over evil.

The ancient Slavs celebrated paganism on the day of the winter solstice. New Year, he contacted the deity Kolyada. The main attribute of the festival was a bonfire, depicting and invoking the light of the sun, which, after the longest night of the year, was supposed to rise higher and higher. The ritual New Year's pie - loaf - was also shaped like the sun.

In all cultures, the time of the winter solstice was considered the most favorable for conducting various rites and rituals.

Ritual to get rid of problems

The ritual should be performed in solitude, after sunset. Light a candle and, looking at it, think about the problems that you would like to get rid of.

Say these words:

“I drive away the darkness with fire, I deliver myself from oppression. The night will pass and it will take my problems with it. As the day increases, so will my life be filled with happiness. To be this."

After this, place the candle in a safe place. Let it burn for a while longer. Before going to bed, extinguish the flame and complete the ritual with the words: “Everything that you wish will come true.”

Ritual for good luck on Solstice Day

For the ritual for good luck you will need a glass of drinking water. Prepare it before sunset and place it near the window. After evening comes, speak the water as follows:

“Water has absorbed the power of the Sun and will give it to me. The sun will begin to shine more - my luck will increase. Night on the decline - failures away."
The charmed water should be drunk immediately after the ritual.

Ritual to attract financial well-being

Attract financial flows and material well-being A simple ritual on Solstice Day will help. To do this, you will need several coins or bills (the denomination is unimportant) and a mirror. After the Sun disappears below the horizon, place the money in front of the mirror and, peering into its reflection, say the following spell:

“Just as a mirror increases money, I will have more of it. As the day continues to increase, so will the profit. The sun will rise - it will fulfill my request. Key - lock - tongue. Amen".

After such a ritual financial position will begin to gradually change in better side, and the work will be more productive and easier.

Rituals are especially effective at such an energetically saturated time as the day of the Solstice. So don't miss the chance to try them out. beneficial influence on yourself - after all, such a period occurs only twice a year.

The material was prepared based on information from open sources

All Vedic holidays are mystical, special days. The Earth, Moon, and Sun are at this time in special positions relative to each other, the center of the Galaxy, and other celestial objects. The sky opens, the Gates open and it comes to Earth huge stream energy.

Holidays, depending on the time they occur, have different meaning, but all these days are mystical, they are intended for spiritual work. This better days for spiritual practices, meditation, prayer. They are not meant for worldly affairs. It is no coincidence that the ancient sages prescribed certain rituals on these days.

The sages divide the year into two halves - the divine day and the divine night. The period from the winter solstice (December 21-22) to the summer solstice (June 21-22) is day, and the period from the summer solstice to the winter is night. The beginning of each of these periods is marked by a holiday and calendar ritual actions.

The sun is revered and deified by all nations. Solstice days were used to improve the quality of life; it was the starting point of a new life. The days of the equinoxes are also important - these are the most important astronomical events, special energy time, these are the central points connecting the earth's seasons.

Winter solstice, solstice.

2016: Winter solstice begins on December 21, 2016 at 10:45 UTC or 13:45 Moscow time, when the Sun enters 0° zodiac sign Capricorn

Winter solstice, solstice, one of the most important, special days of the year. Starting from this day, daylight hours increase and night decreases. On this day, the height of the sun in the sky is the lowest. From this day the Sun begins its northern path of growth. At this time, the Earth is at its smallest distance from the Sun. Life on Earth largely depends on the Sun, so the Earth’s approach and distance from the Sun are the most important astronomical events.

The moment of solstice is a critical moment of transition. About 3 days before and after the solstice, the Earth receives a huge flow of creative energy; this is a magical, sacred time of transition. Like any time of transition, it is intended for spiritual practices. It is believed that this time is not for material matters. It greatly promotes God-centeredness, not self-centeredness. The winter solstice marks the beginning of the astronomical new year. This is a holiday of rebirth, the birth of a new sun.

From this moment a new cycle of time begins. The moment of the solstice, the end of long nights - this is the mystery of the birth of a new one, renewal, rebirth, the transition from old life to a new one. This is the mystery of renewal, the day of laying hopes, a solid foundation for a bright future.
This is both death and resurrection, the mystery of the rebirth of old age into youth.

During this energetically special, charged time, you can burn your sins, change your destiny, and be reborn, just as the renewed Sun is born again.

In the coming days before the solstice, it is favorable to get rid of everything that is outdated, disturbing, unnecessary (both in the house and in terms of personality, habits, relationships, etc.). It would be good to let go of grievances, leave quarrels, resolve conflicts, make donations favorably, and pay off debts. IN new life It's better to go in light.

With gratitude to God, with pure thoughts, pure intentions and wishes for happiness.
And in a clean place (you first need to clean the area, get rid of trash, debris and dust on the physical plane as well). It is very favorable to light lamps and incense.

The night before this day is the longest of the year. It's dark, feminine, magical time. This night opens the door to a new life. It’s good to sum up the past year and thank God for everything He gives. It is important to free yourself from worries, anxieties and enter a new life in a harmonious state.

At this time, together with the sun, all living things begin their path of growth and ascension. It is very important to be God-centered, to step away from the bustle, and turn inward.

Prayer and meditation at this time will have tremendous power, as well as your good intentions and goals for the future. The rhythms of the Universe at this time greatly contribute to this. The power of the reborn Sun, powerful energy creation will fill them.

It is auspicious to meet the sunrise, express your respect to it, congratulate it on its birth, and thank it for its gifts. It is important to feel this transitional sacred period, the turn from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, from death to immortality. If you do this consciously (discard the negative, the outdated and create the intention to acquire the bright), then there really is a bright path of revival and growth ahead.

At this time, the sky opens, strong flows of energy flow to the Earth. This is a time of Hope and Opportunity. It is very important to use it for your growth and improvement. This is the time of meditation, prayer, time good intentions. Is it worth missing out on this chance?

This is a great time to improve, change what needs changing; get rid of what gets in the way; lay a solid foundation for growth.

This day is celebrated in the culture of every nation. An indispensable attribute of the holiday is fire - these are candles, lamps, bonfires.

IN Slavic tradition celebrated Christmastide.

Like the ancient Slavs, the inhabitants of central and northern Europe performed symbolic actions with fire during the winter solstice, celebrating Yule.

In the Zoroastrian tradition, these days celebrate the Festival of Mithra. Mithra is the God of justice, the all-seeing eye of Asha (Truth). Mitra is associated with the Sun, monitors the observance of dharma and order. On this day, 21 candles are lit.

In Holland they celebrate St. Thomas's Day. This is the last day of classes before the Christmas holidays. On this day, it is very important not to be the last to arrive at school, otherwise they will be teased as “sleepy Thomas.” On this special day, even children should not sleep long

KOLYADA/Koleda in ancient Russian pagan mythology, the embodiment of the change of the annual cycle, the winter solstice, the transition of the sun from winter to summer, the inevitability of the victory of good deities over the spirits of evil. At this time the most very coldy, according to ancient beliefs, coinciding with the revelry of unclean spirits and evil witches.

The celebration of Kolyada, with its joy and optimism, expressed the faith of ancient Russian pagans in the inevitability of the victory of good principles over the forces of evil. To help Kolyada defeat and drive away evil spirits, those celebrating his day lit bonfires, sang and danced around them, rolled a burning wheel from the mountains, inviting the sun to “turn around”:

Wheel, burn - roll,

Come back with a red spring!

After the adoption of Christianity, the optimism and life-affirmation of Kolyada celebrations received new content in the celebrationNativity of Christ , and ritual pagan customs turned into fun game on Christmastide. In these days, as in ancient times, bonfires were lit, and young men and girls dressed up in hari (masks) of horses, goats, cows, bears and other animals and, mummers, walked around the courtyards, singing carols, songs glorifying Kolyada, the bringer good for everyone. They praised the owners, wished well-being to the home and family, and in return they demanded gifts, jokingly predicting ruin for the stingy. Sometimes the gifts themselves: cookies, loaves were called Kolyada. Kolyada was symbolized by a sheaf or a straw doll, which was sometimes brought to the hut with songs at Christmas.

Mom's fun, grandma's pies

Once upon a time, this was the affectionate name given to small, varied-shaped sweet baked goods made from butter yeast dough. They are easy to prepare at home with your children. You just need to stock up on nuts, raisins, poppy seeds; for filling - cottage cheese, jam, apples; for dough - flour and yeast, butter and sugar. Then knead the yeast dough and, using your imagination, start creating!

Roll . Separate small pieces of dough, roll them into balls, then roll each ball into an oval cake, grease the cake with butter and sprinkle with tasty things - poppy seeds, sugar, crushed nuts. Roll the flatbread into a tight roll, brush the top with egg, decorate with raisins and nuts, place on a baking sheet, but put in the oven after 15 minutes, let them become puffier. Then into the oven until browned. The roll shape will be the basis for other rolls.

heart . Fold the roll in half, pinch the ends, make a deep cross-cut in the middle of the “back” of the roll, slightly turn out the two resulting halves, giving the bun a heart shape, and again brush with egg, decorate, and bake.

Snopik . We make a familiar roll, apply a shallow transverse stripe on it with the blunt side of a knife, marking a third of the length. We will leave this third untouched, and cut two thirds of the length of the roll into “straws” and spread them out like a fan, as if the sheaf had fluffed up. And then we’ll bake it.

Bagel . Everything is like a roll, only the dough piece is not oval, but triangular. We will wrap the buttered triangle from the wide base to the top, and then we will bend the “horns” with a horseshoe, then we will get a real bagel. Don't forget to brush the top with egg, sprinkle with sugar, cumin, poppy seeds, and coriander.

Pretzel . Roll out the dough into a rope with slightly tapered ends. With both hands, wrap the ends of the tourniquet into a bow, lightly twist them together, pull them up and place them on the bow. After proofing, brush with egg wash and bake as usual.

Happy holiday, friends!

In 2016, the winter solstice falls on December 21, 10:44 minutes Universal Time, reports http://pressa.today.


The winter solstice in the Slavic tradition is one of the main holidays, which is called Solntsworth or Kolyada. The solstice is celebrated to this day from December 21 to 25.

The astronomical meaning of the Solstice

There are only two equinoxes in a year - autumn and spring. There are also two Solstices - winter and summer. In our northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice falls almost every time on December 21, but due to the fact that the calendar has leap year, this date sometimes shifts by one day. In 2015, for example, the Solstice was exactly on December 22.


December 21, 2016 the earth will pass a special point in the orbit when the Sun will be exposed exactly Southern Hemisphere, and the northern one will be increasingly deprived of solar “attention”. This point is called the beginning of astronomical winter. In fact, winter is coming to its climax on December 21, it’s just that the higher we are towards the North Pole, the more pronounced and prolonged winter is. In theory, from December 21 it should be warmer and warmer, but in reality it will be cold for at least another two or one and a half months.


Winter solstice is the beginning of astronomical winter. There are many signs and beliefs associated with the winter solstice; this day is considered special in astrology and magic. In the cultures and traditions of many peoples of the world, rituals associated with the Sun were performed on the winter solstice.

The winter solstice in the Slavic tradition is one of the main holidays, which is called Solstice or Kolyada. The solstice is celebrated to this day from December 21 to 25.

The Slavs considered this holiday a time renewal and birth of the Sun, and with it all living things, a time of spiritual transformation, a time that promotes both good material and spiritual changes. The night that precedes the winter solstice is considered the patroness of all nights, because it is on this night that the Goddess gives birth to a young solar baby - Dazhdbog, symbolizing the birth of life from death, order from chaos.

During the winter solstice, the Slavs celebrated the pagan New Year, which was personified with the deity Kolyada. The main object of the celebration was a large bonfire, invoking and depicting the Sun, which, after one of the longest nights of the year, was supposed to rise higher and higher into the heavenly heights. They also made sure to bake ritual New Year's pies of a round shape, reminiscent of celestial body.


On the day of the winter solstice, various magical rituals, read conspiracies aimed at attracting love, wealth, health. To carry out magical rituals for the winter solstice, the energies of the four main elements are used - Fire, Air, Water and Earth.

Winter Solstice is a magical time to use to attract positive energies into your life.

To do this, it is enough to think about good things, dream, fantasize even about what, in your opinion, cannot be realized in reality - all thoughts will materialize on the day of the winter solstice. However, on this day you cannot think about bad things - under no circumstances enter into an argument with anyone, do not conflict, and if this happens for some reason, immediately ask for forgiveness. The fact is that on the winter solstice, which among the ancient Slavs was equated with our New Year, we lay the foundation for the whole next year; If on this day you rejoice and enjoy communicating with your loved ones, rest assured that a year of joy and fun awaits you. However, if you harbor anger, resentment in your heart, think about unresolved problems, stress at work, etc., then you risk spending the entire next year in a state of tension and stress.

On December 21, 2016, the Sun leaves the sign of Sagittarius and enters the sign of Capricorn. The Sun in Capricorn is a symbol of practicality, discipline, self-control and caution.

The winter solstice is the beginning of a new life cycle for all life on Earth. This is the time when there is a need to rethink your actions and actions over the past year, take stock and draw the right conclusions.

December 21 (date indicated for 2016) is the winter solstice. Solstice is one of two days a year when the height of the sun above the horizon at noon is minimum or maximum. There are two solstices in the year - winter and summer. Solstice is one of two days a year when the height of the sun above the horizon at noon is minimum or maximum. There are two solstices in the year - winter and summer. On the day of the winter solstice, the sun rises to its lowest height above the horizon.

In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on December 21 or 22, when the shortest day and longest night occur. The moment of the solstice shifts every year, since the length of the solar year does not coincide with calendar time.


In 2016, the winter solstice will occur on December 21 at 13.45 Moscow time

After the most long night year, the duration of which will be about 17 hours, a real astronomical winter will begin. The Sun will descend to its maximum in the southern hemisphere of the sky, that is, moving along the ecliptic, it will reach its lowest declination. The length of the day at the latitude of Moscow will be 7 hours. The sun crosses the 18 o'clock meridian and begins to rise up the ecliptic. This means that after crossing the celestial equator, the luminary will begin its path to the spring equinox.

During the winter solstice, the sun does not rise above a latitude of 66.5 degrees - only twilight at these latitudes indicates that it is somewhere below the horizon. At the North Pole of the Earth, not only the Sun is not visible, but also twilight, and the location of the star can only be determined by the constellations. On December 21, the sun crosses the 18 o'clock meridian and begins to rise up the ecliptic, beginning its journey towards the spring equinox, when it crosses the celestial equator.

Winter Solstice Day among the Ancient Slavs

The winter solstice has been observed since ancient times. Thus, in Russian folklore there is a proverb dedicated to this day: the sun is for summer, winter is for frost. Now the day will gradually increase, and the night will decrease. The winter solstice was used to judge the future harvest: frost on the trees meant a rich grain harvest.

In the 16th century in Rus', an interesting ritual was associated with the winter solstice. The bell ringer of the Moscow Cathedral, who was responsible for striking the clock, came to bow to the Tsar. He reported that from now on the sun has turned to summer, the day is increasing, and the night is shortening. For this good news, the king rewarded the headman with money.

The ancient Slavs celebrated the pagan New Year on the day of the winter solstice; it was associated with the deity Kolyada. The main attribute of the festival was a bonfire, depicting and invoking the light of the sun, which, after the longest night of the year, was supposed to rise higher and higher. The ritual New Year's pie - loaf - was also shaped like the sun.

The day of pagan veneration of Karachun (the second name of Chernobog) falls on the day of the winter solstice (celebrated depending on the year from December 19 to 22) - the shortest day of the year and one of the coldest days of winter. It was believed that on this day the formidable Karachun, the deity of death, an underground god who commands frost, an evil spirit, takes his power. The ancient Slavs believed that he commands winter and frost and shortens the daylight hours.

The servants of the formidable Karachun are connecting rod bears in which snowstorms turn, and blizzard wolves. It was believed that, due to the bear's will, the cold winter continues: if the bear turns on the other side in its den, it means that the winter has exactly half the way to go until spring. Hence the saying: “At Solstice, the bear in its den turns from one side to the other.” The people still use the concept of “karachun” in the sense of death. They say, for example: “karachun has come for him”, “wait for karachun”, “ask karachun”, “enough karachun”. On the other hand, the word “karachit” can have the following meanings: backing away, crawling, “hunched” - writhed, cramped. Perhaps Karachun was called that precisely because he seemed to force the daytime to go to reverse side, backing away, crawling, yielding to the night.

Gradually, in the popular consciousness, Karachun became close to Frost, who binds the earth with cold, as if plunging it into a mortal sleep. This is a more harmless image than the stern Karachun. Frost is simply the lord of winter cold.

Winter Solstice Day among Other Nations

In Europe, these days began a 12-day cycle of pagan festivals dedicated to the winter solstice, which marked the beginning of a new life and renewal of nature.

On the day of the winter solstice in Scotland there was a custom to launch the sun wheel - “solstice”. The barrel was coated with burning resin and sent down the street. The wheel is a symbol of the sun, the spokes of the wheel resembled rays, the rotation of the spokes during movement made the wheel alive and similar to a luminary.

The winter solstice was determined earlier than all other seasons in China (in Chinese calendar 24 seasons). IN ancient China It was believed that from this time the male force of nature rises and a new cycle begins. The winter solstice was considered a happy day worthy of celebration. On this day, everyone - from the emperor to the commoner - went on vacation.

The army was put into a state of waiting for orders, border fortresses and trading shops were closed, people went to visit each other, gave each other gifts.

The Chinese made sacrifices to the God of Heaven and their ancestors, and also ate porridge of beans and glutinous rice to protect themselves from evil spirits and diseases. To this day, the winter solstice is considered one of the traditional Chinese holidays.

In India, the winter solstice day - Sankranti - is celebrated in Hindu and Sikh communities, where on the night before the celebration bonfires are lit, the heat of which symbolizes the warmth of the sun, which begins to warm the earth after the winter cold.

Russian folk calendar for December 21 (December 8, old style) - Anfisa Needlewoman

On this day they commemorate Saint Anfisa of Rome, who suffered for the Christian faith in the 5th century. Anfisa was the wife of a Roman dignitary and professed Christianity (according to legend, she was baptized by Saint Ambrose of Milan, whose memory is celebrated the day before). One day, the mayor's wife invited her to accept Arian baptism (Arian teaching denied the unity of God the Father and Jesus Christ). Anfisa refused and, following the woman’s slander, was burned at the stake.

After Anfisa, all girls in Rus' were supposed to do handicrafts: spinning, weaving, sewing, embroidering. It was advisable to do this alone, and if it was not possible or you did not want to be alone, special rituals against damage were performed.

A girl sews for Anfisa, but an extra eye while sewing is an evil eye, our ancestors said and advised young needlewomen to wrap a silk thread around their wrist so as not to prick their fingers with a needle. The same ritual protected against yawning and hiccups.

The embroidery itself, in which various kinds of symbols were often encrypted, also had magical powers. Thus, diamonds on towels signified fertility; round rosettes and cross-shaped figures on clothing protected its owner from misfortune. In traditional embroidery patterns there are also images of the sun, trees, birds, personifying vitality nature. Our ancestors believed in their power, believing that they would bring prosperity and prosperity to the house.

The Russian folk calendar will accept December 22 (December 9, old style) - Anna Zimnyaya. Anna Dark. Conception of Saint Anne.

The Church celebrates not only birth, but also conception. With the Feast of the Conception of Anna, winter begins: autumn ends, winter begins. The beginning of the present harsh winter. In the meantime (lace) on the trees for the Conception of Anna for the harvest. If the snow falls right up to the fence, it’s a bad summer, but if there’s a gap, it’s a fruitful one. December 22 is the shortest day of the year, the solstice day.

On the Conception of Anna for pregnant women strict fast(on other days pregnant women are exempt from fasting), avoid any quarrels and troubles, do not come across the crippled and disabled; You must not light a fire, knit, embroider or take on any work, so as not to accidentally harm the unborn child. People knowledgeable in these matters claim that the fire kindled on this day can leave a red mark on the child’s body, tangled threads twist his umbilical cord, and the poor, ugly, seen by his mother, can pass on their injuries to the child. The wolves come together at Conception, and after Epiphany they scatter.

The memory of Saint Anna, the parent of Mary, the future Mother of God, is celebrated twice a year: on August 7, a service is held in churches for the assumption of Anna, her death. December 22 - day winter equinox, in southern Russia is considered the beginning of winter. A change in the weather is also noticeable: “Sun for summer, winter for frost.” On this morning, services in churches are held more solemnly than in common days, for December 22 is the day “when the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived.”

Equinox and solstice days 2017

Equinox and solstice days 2018

  • vernal equinox - March 20 16:15
  • summer solstice - June 21 10:07
  • autumnal equinox - September 23 01:54
  • winter solstice - December 21 22:23

Equinox and solstice days 2019

  • autumnal equinox - September 23 07:50
  • winter solstice - December 22 04:19
  • vernal equinox - March 20 21:58
  • summer solstice - June 21 15:54

Equinox and solstice days 2020

  • vernal equinox - March 20 03:50
  • summer solstice - June 20 21:44
  • autumnal equinox - September 22 13:31