The solstice are considered to have been a special moment of the annual cycle for some cultures even during Neolithic times, a large number or Irish neolithic passage tombs such as Newgrange and Loughcrew have their entrances facing the rising sun. On the Winter and Sumer Solstices the sun shines direct in through a small opening above the door and illuminates the entire passage.
In the Northern Hemisphere it marks the turning of winter, and many people can often be heard saying “there’s a grand stretch in the evening” teh day following the winter solstice
