Express UK
The shortest day of the year is upon us, meaning brighter mornings and longer evenings will begin to draw closer. The winter solstice falls on December 21. The solstice occurs when either of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun.
In the Northern Hemisphere, this generally occurs on December 21, though it has been known to fall on December 22, as it did two years ago.
Likewise, this year’s celebrations at Stonehenge will take place on December 22, with crowds set to gather at sunrise.
Stonehenge has always been an important place for pagans, with the solstice being an especially important time of year.
The pagan celebration of winter solstice, otherwise known as Yule, saw Druids (celtic priests) cutting mistletoe that grew on oak trees and giving it as a blessing.