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The December Solstice, occurring around December 21st or 22nd each year, is the astronomical moment when the sun reaches its southernmost point from the equator. In the Northern Mariana Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean and part of Micronesia, this event marks the beginning of winter and is the shortest day of the year with respect to daylight hours.
The Northern Mariana Islands have a rich cultural history influenced by indigenous Chamorro traditions as well as Spanish, German, Japanese, and American rule due to historical colonization and conflict. However, specific historical celebrations or traditions tied directly to the December Solstice are not widely documented or celebrated in a manner similar to cultures with deep solstice rituals.
Today, people in the Northern Mariana Islands may acknowledge the solstice through educational events or personal reflection on the changing seasons. Being a tropical region, seasonal changes are less pronounced than in temperate zones. As such, specific activities for this day are not as culturally significant compared to regions with more extreme seasonal variation.
Residents might spend time enjoying outdoor activities thanks to mild temperatures despite it being "winter." Since it's also close to Christmas and New Year's celebrations which are widely celebrated on the islands, preparations for these holidays might overlap with any acknowledgment of the solstice.