Those who observed the spectacle at the neolithic monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire braved a blustery morning and overcast skies to catch a glimpse of the sun on the shortest day of the year. The winter solstice marks a seasonal turning point in the northern hemisphere, after which the days grow longer and nights become shorter.
It is believed that solstices have been celebrated at Stonehenge, a monument built on the alignment of the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset, for thousands of years.
Describing yesterday’s “peaceful celebration” at the monument, Rebecca Eade from English Heritage, said: “It was wonderful to welcome approximately 6,000 people to Stonehenge this morning to celebrate a chilly winter solstice. We were delighted that a further 98,500 people watched the sunrise live online from right around the world. It was a peaceful celebration and despite a cloudy and blustery start, people did enjoy a bright winter solstice sunrise.”
Arthur Pendragon, a man who claims he is the reincarnation of King Arthur, knighted followers during the celebrations at Stonehenge – complete with music and dance.
“It evokes the start or perhaps hope for something new, marking both an annual cycle and change – all things that draw people to the site at this time of the year,” British Museum’s World of Stonehenge exhibition curator Dr Jennifer Wexler told The Guardian.
This story is from the December 23, 2023 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the December 23, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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