The Day Before the Winter Solstice: A Cold Anticipation
The phrase "It was the day before the solstice, and cold, too" refers to a specific time and weather condition. The solstice, in this context, is the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year and marks the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter solstice typically occurs on December 21 or 22, depending on the year.The winter solstice is significant because it is the moment when the North Pole is tilted farthest away from the sun, resulting in the least amount of daylight and the longest night of the year. This phenomenon is due to Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun.
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The phrase also mentions that it was "cold," which indicates a low temperature, typically associated with winter weather. Cold weather is often characterized by a lack of warmth, making it uncomfortable or even harsh for people and other living organisms.In summary, the phrase captures two key aspects: the timing, being the day before the winter solstice, and the weather condition, which is cold. This combination sets a scene of late December with the anticipation of the shortest day and the onset of the coldest season.