Today Is The Winter Solstice

Dec 22 2023

Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, draws thousands of enthusiasts engaging in various rituals and activities.

Falling on Dec. 21 in the U.S. and Dec. 22 in Europe, it marks the astronomical beginning of winter. The Earth’s tilt away from the sun is at its maximum on this day, resulting in a noticeable lack of direct sunlight.

Notable monuments like Stonehenge and Newgrange, constructed to align with the solstices, attract crowds during this event.

Solstices, occurring twice a year in June and December, officially signify seasonal changes. During the winter solstice, the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, bringing colder temperatures and less light.

The term “solstice” originates from the Latin words sol, meaning sun, and stit, from sistere, meaning to stand still. The Northern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day while the Southern Hemisphere has its longest.

Following the winter solstice, days lengthen, and nights shorten until the arrival of the summer solstice on Jun. 20, 2024. The event’s date and time vary, with the 2023 winter solstice on Dec. 21 at 10:27 p.m. Eastern Time.

Ancient civilizations, like the Maya, tracked the sun’s movement, evident in structures like Stonehenge and the Torreon in Peru. Modern traditions include Austrians celebrating with Krampus-themed festivities, and Stonehenge remains a focal point for solstice observers.

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Hundreds Of Gifts Donated By Maltese Public For Kids In Need

Dec 22 2023

Dr. Lydia Abela officially concluded the fourth edition of the “Gifts with Love” initiative in Castille Square, adorned with Christmas decorations and a vibrant display of altruistic and solidarity gifts embodying the values of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

Dr. Abela, accompanied by her daughter Giorgia Mae, expressed gratitude to families and businesses that generously contributed to the initiative.

Spanning two weeks, this year’s edition featured a Christmas village in Castille Square, showcasing performances and a variety of activities. Dr. Abela noted the initiative’s growth from a simple idea in 2020 to a significant annual event, emphasising the positive values it instills in the people of Malta and Gozo.

She emphasized the importance of nurturing social values, especially among children, and acknowledged the collective responsibility to make a positive impact on those in need in society.

In a first-time collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government, 68 cypress trees were distributed to each Local Council, symbolizing the initiative’s spirit.

The initiative’s success was acknowledged by Minister for the Interior, National Security, Reforms, and Equality Byron Camilleri, who thanked the disciplined forces for their instrumental role.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise Miriam Dalli expressed gratitude to all Local Councils for their collaborative efforts, highlighting the initiative’s community impact.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli thanked Local Councils for consecutive contributions to gift collections. As Dr. Abela launched the initiative, efforts commenced to distribute the gifts.

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National Record For Biggest Christmas Sock In Żejtun

Dec 22 2023

The Malta Records have announced another new national record for the festive season – the biggest Christmas sock structure!

Set up by Żejtun’s secondary school, the sock boasts a 9 metre height, over 6.20m in bottom, 4m for the surface and 1.07m in depth.

Made out of wood, wire, metal, plastic and fabric, the award was handed as the artificial snow was rained upon the massive structure in celebration and kids played beneath it.

Well done to all involved!

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Over 4,000 Turtles Rescued From Trafficking In Peru

Dec 22 2023

Peruvian authorities have confiscated approximately 4,000 turtles originating from the Amazon region at the nation’s primary international airport, as revealed by the National Forestry and Wildlife Service on Thursday.

The interception occurred at the Jorge Chavez airport, targeting a shipment intended for export to Indonesia.

The seized turtles included juvenile Arrau turtles, the largest river turtle in South America, and yellow-spotted river turtles, all housed in small transparent plastic containers within cardboard boxes.

Both species fall under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora Appendix II, necessitating stringent monitoring and regulation of their trade.

The yellow-spotted river turtle, ranked as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, holds the status of the second largest freshwater turtle in the Amazon.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Interpol estimates the black market for illegal wildlife products to be valued at up to $20 billion annually, contributing to the perilous decline of various species.

CITES underscores the precarious situation faced by tortoises and turtles, labeling them as one of the most endangered animal groups globally.

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