Have a super (and sunny) solstice!

2010 dec 21

There are only two dates in the calendar that can actually and absolutely be fixed: the winter and summer solstices. All of the other dates in the calendar are of human invention.

Yet, in the UK we don't directly mark or celebrate these two important days in any significant way. In Scandinavia mid-summer is a huge event. In the Celtic lands mid-winter day used to be the most important date in their calendar.

Today, 21 December, is indeed the winter solstice - and what a fantastically beautiful day it has been. Even though it is technically the shortest day of the year, the sun has been shining brightly on the frost covered trees.

Pictured above is the clear, midwinter solstice sky over rime coated trees in Brigg.