Comment on Why does the winter solstice mark the beginning of winter, and not the center?
someguy3@lemmy.world 2 months ago
An old answer I saw said that Europe (where conventions originated) has a bigger lag in temperatures than North America has. We both lag and the lowest temps are commonly in Jan-Feb.
ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months ago
Why does it matter for Europe? Winter solstice is an astronomical event. Also probably practiced in China earlier.
eRac@lemmings.world 2 months ago
Labeling it the beginning of winter is a cultural thing.
someguy3@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Two things because I’m not sure what you’re referencing. 1) We inherited a shit ton of European norms and terminology. 2) The cold weather in Europe has much more lag because of their geography. Large bodies of water, which Europe is surrounded by on 3 sides, smooths out and slows temperature changes.
ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months ago
I’m unclear what it has to do with Europe besides the cultural part because it’s a planetary event that cannot be affected by humans
someguy3@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Sigh. This is my last explanation and there are plenty of explanations in this thread. I’m taking small liberties to get the point across:
In North America it’s cold Dec to Feb.
In Europe it’s cold Jan to March. Europe has a bigger lag in cold temperatures because of their geography.