Astronomically, the Winter Solstice happens when the North Pole is tilted farthest from the sun, plunging the Northern Hemisphere into extended darkness.
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The winter solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight. Humans may have celebrated the winter solstice as far back as the Stone Age.
Since long before recorded history, the winter solstice and the subsequent “return” of the sun have inspired celebrations and rituals in various societies around the world.