Winter Solstice happens when the axial tilt of the Earth's polar hemisphere is farthest from the Sun. Winter Solstice happens on the shortest day and longest night of the year. This year, in the Northern Hemisphere, it will happen on December 22, 2011 (June 22 in the Southern Hemisphere). The night of Winter Solstice is sometimes called Midwinter. Midwinter is the longest night of the year.
After Midwinter, the nights become shorter, the days longer. Many cultures celebrate the rebirth of the year, more sun light, more food, more life. Ancient people may have celebrated the solstice they had survived the coldest darkest part of winter.
