A good day for a kilt

[Graham]

Today is the first day of winter in the southern hemisphere.

I look forward to winter more than ever these days, the reason is facing winter kilted, now my third winter since wearing kilts.

[GMan]

If you get cold Graham, in about another month head up north (oh wait you will! LOL)

I hear what you are saying about facing the winter while kilted, it truly is grand! Along with the other three seasons.

[bear]

I'm confused.
I thought the solstice was on the 21st?

[Graham]

I'm confused.
I thought the solstice was on the 21st?

That is correct Bear, the shortest day, but today is the official start of winter, theres' a subtle difference

[KMacT]

Graham,

In Ontario the (what we call) unofficial start of Summer is the May 24th weekend, when people tend to open their cottages after the winter, and the unofficial end of Summer is the Labour Day weekend in the first week of September, before children head back to school. But none of this changes when Summer *actually* starts and stops.

What makes it the "official" start of Winter in Australia? Is there some government decree?

Kevin

[KMacT]

Graham,

After my post, above, I did a little research and discovered the difference between "astronomical seasons" (as I was describing above re the solstice) and "meteorological seasons." Apparently, meteorological winter in the Northern Hemisphere is December, January, and February. In southern locations meteorological winter begains on June first and last for three months, as you indicated.

I still prefer astronomical seasons, myself, but for me to say that your Winter did not start on June first is, at least, inaccurate.

One learns something new each day!

Kevin

[Graham]

What makes it the "official" start of Winter in Australia? Is there some government decree?

Kevin

Good question, never thought about it, I just accept that the powers that be know everything and can never be wrong. Who am I to question what has always been? ;)

I'll try to find out!