Monday, December 21, 2009

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge, U.K. - now and 4500 years ago

Here is a story from the Telegraph in England

"The solstice is celebrated on the shortest day of the year, usually December 21, marking the first day of the season of winter.

But this year the druid and pagan community will mark the ancient tradition on the morning of Tuesday, December 22, which is officially the shortest day of the year. 

Solstice does not always fall on December 21 because the modern calendar of 365 days a year, with an extra day every four years, does not correspond exactly to the solar year of 365.2422 days".. ...(Cont.)...

Here is another from the Guardian  in the U.K.

"Experts believe that huge midwinter feasts were held in that period at the site and a startling picture is now emerging of just how far cattle were moved for the banquet. Recent analysis of the cattle and pig bones from the era found in the area suggests the cattle used were walked hundreds of miles to be slaughtered for the solstice celebrations – from the west country or west Wales".... (Cont.)... 

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