solstice etymology

Etymology: The word "solstice" is derived from the Latin word "solstitium," which means "sun standing still." It is composed of the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "sistere" (to stand still).

Meaning: A solstice is a celestial event that occurs twice a year, marking the longest and shortest days of the year. It is the point at which the Sun reaches its highest or lowest position in the sky.

Origin: The concept of solstices has been recognized and observed by various cultures throughout history.

• Ancient Mesopotamia: The ancient Mesopotamians marked the summer solstice as the time of the longest day, known as "Tammuz."
• Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians observed the summer solstice around June 21, aligning their temples to mark the sunrise and sunset on that day.
• Ancient Greece: The Greeks celebrated the summer solstice as the "Kronia," a festival dedicated to the Titan Cronus. They also recognized the winter solstice as the "Skotadia," meaning "darkness."
• Ancient Rome: The Romans held celebrations known as "Solstitia" for both the summer and winter solstices, honoring the Sun god Sol Invictus.
• Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, solstices were marked by religious festivals and traditions, often associated with fertility and abundance.

solstice relate terms

• armistice

  Etymology arm Latin prefix weapon stice Latin to stand ium Latin nom

• solstice

  Etymology The word solstice is derived from the Latin word solstitium which means s

• solstitial

  Etymology The word solstitial comes from the Latin word solstitium which means sun

• solstice

  Etymology The word solstice is derived from the Latin word solstitium which means s

• tropic

  Etymology The word tropic comes from the Greek word tropos which means a turn Th

• midsummer

  Etymology Midsummer originates from the Old English words mid and sumor meaning mi

• halcyon

  Etymology Early 17th century from Late Latin halcyōn from Greek halkyōn the name o

• December

  Etymology December derives from the Latin word decem meaning ten It was originally

• Sirius

  Etymology Latin Sirius Greek Σείριος Seirios Meaning Scorching or Bl

• autumn

  Etymology of autumn The word autumn derives from the Latin autumnus which origina

• alibi

  Etymology Middle English alibi from Latin Latin alibi elsewhere Meaning A de

• commonwealth

  Etymology The word commonwealth is derived from the Middle English term common wele