World News for Students of English

25-12-2024 07:00

Thousands of people visited Stonehenge and other historic sites to celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.

Despite cloudy skies and strong winds, the crowd gathered early to witness the sunrise at 8:09 GMT, marking the start of longer days.

Stonehenge opens to the public during the summer and winter solstices, offering a unique opportunity to experience its alignment with the sun. A visitor shared that he came to reflect on the past year and look forward to renewal in the new year. Attendees described the event as a spiritual and joyful experience, drawing people from diverse backgrounds. In nearby Avebury, participants followed pagan traditions like tying ribbons to trees as prayers or memories. Glastonbury Tor also welcomed visitors for singing and ceremonies at sunrise.

These events, deeply connected to ancient traditions, remind people of the natural cycles and their significance in human life.

Difficult words: alignment (arrangement in a straight line or proper position), renewal (starting again in a positive way), pagan (belonging to a religion that worships gods that existed before main world religions).

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