Winter Solstice
Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures, and has been marked by festivals and rituals. It marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun. The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days. Astronomical events were often used to guide activities, such as the mating of animals, the sowing of crops and the monitoring of winter reserves of food. Many cultural mythologies and traditions are derived from this.
In the Northern Hemisphere the winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. Because of the earth’s axis tilt, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun in December and colder. The opposite is true for the Southern Hemisphere, so the experience is somewhat different for each. Though different in each hemisphere, agricultural schedules in both are linked to the Winter Solstice.
In the Andes there are two seasons to celebrate Father Sun (Tata Inti). In summer we thank him for being close to us and in winter, to offer prayers calling him back when it looks like Father Sun is going too far away.
These agriculture schedules are related to traditional music in the Andes. For instance Pan Pipes belong to winter - and many different kinds of flutes belong to summer. However, in the 21st century many of the Indigenous People have moved to the city, where city dwellers are now very attracted to the use of traditional indigenous instruments. They have since created and adopted their own musical styles, by mixing all instruments for the solstice and Christmas celebrations.
