December 21st; the perfect time to update your wardrobe

It’s the shortest day of the year but that doesn’t mean it has to be the darkest. In fact, the winter solstice (this year on December 21st at 5.23pm Eastern Time) has been a time for good wishes and renewal since ancient times. The winter solstice (from the Latin ‘solstitium’ – taken from sol, meaning ‘sun’ and sistere, meaning ‘stop’) is the moment when (in the Northern Hemisphere) Earth’s North Pole is at its furthest point away from the sun because of the way it tilts; making our days shorter and our nights longer.

During the winter solstice the sun appears even more vital in the following days. That’s why the ancient Romans gathered for “sol invictus” celebrations, which some believe may be the pagan origin of Christmas. The most famous symbol of solstice is possibly Stonehenge, in Great Britain. This prehistoric circle, featuring several 50-ton stones, has been the center for astronomical gatherings for thousands of years because of the way that it was built to be aligned with the sun. During the solstice the sun rises above the Heel Stone, creating a magical spectacle, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

With the show put on by the sun, appearing for just a few hours, the season of renewal begins. After the shortest day, the days will gradually get longer. So it’s the ideal time to think about making changes, big or small, including renewing your wardrobe. A perfect way to renew is with elevator shoes, boots and sneakers from GuidoMaggi. As a curious side note, the winter solstice is when the sun is at its lowest arc in the sky, meaning our shadows are longer than at any other time of the year, giving a feeling of strength and vitality; renewed strength for the year ahead, enhanced by GuidoMaggi elevator shoes.