is another name for the winter solstice, although it carries other meanings as well. Other names are the "extreme of winter", the "shortest day" and the "longest night".

Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rites."This is because it marks the point when daylight hours stop decreasing and begin to increase again. " In parts of Europe it was seen as the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun. Some ancient monuments such as Newgrange,