Winter, the coldest of the four seasons, represents the "Dark Season" for us.
The astronomical beginning of winter is set in the northern hemisphere around the time of the winter solstice on December 22, when the sun is at the southernmost point of the ecliptic.
Winter ends in the northern hemisphere on 21. March around the time of the equinox, when the Sun is at the so-called vernal or Aries point, the intersection of the celestial equator with the ecliptic.
In 1780, at the suggestion of the Palatine Society of Meteorology, the term "Meteorological Winter Beginning" was introduced.
In contrast to the astronomical, the meteorological winter in the northern hemisphere is assigned to the months of December, January, and February.
The winter zodiac signs are Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Winter is cold, dark and severe - yet has more holidays to brighten it and more moods to warm it than the other three seasons combined.
In the northern hemisphere, Advent, Nicolaus and the Christmaswith the birth of Christ important Christian festivals closely associated with the dark season.
The cold winter season also includes the turn of the year, with the wet and merry New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations.
And even Valentine's Day, the day of lovers, on February 14, falls within the winter season.
No wonder that the boisterous carnival season, which begins on 11/11 and usually extends into late winter (late February/early March), is also part of the dark season.
After all, the purpose is to drive away the representatives of winter, the demons and evil spirits.
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PART 2: Get fit through winter