Winter Solstice 2021
December 21
First annual show of lights during Winter Solstice 2020. It wasn’t a huge event due to COVID-19, but it is the beginning of a long tradition (hopefully).
During the (kinda) cold evening of December 21, 2020, several of us gathered for the first annual show of lights to celebrate winter solstice. Due to COVID-19, we limited the group to just a few people. However, the event was warmly welcomed to get together and enjoy Meadowland Park with a heavy coat and a beautiful coat of snow. Armed with flashlights and good cheer, we walked to a few different locations. The above video is the playful result of the evening.
What is Winter Solstice, you Ask?!
Winter solstice marks the beginning of the new solar year for Earth. It is the day with the shortest amount of daylight than any other day throughout the year. It is the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. In July, we will have the summer solstice which is by contrast the day with the longest daylight.
For eons, people have recognized winter solstice as an important moment and have marked it with a show of lights. We wanted to have a huge fire or something really incredible, but instead we chose flashlights this year. With friends and family surrounding, we formed a circle and paid tribute to a new year and a new winter. Maybe, if 2021 brings with it less pandemic and more social non-distancing, we will have a much bigger fest.