Nature on our Doorsteps: The rhythms of nature
THE winter solstice on Tuesday 21st December was the shortest day of the year, with the least number of daylight hours.
This day marks the turning of the year when Nature’s annual cycle begins again. From now on, the hours of daylight are slowly increasing again, heading towards springtime and new growth.
The solstice marks the Celtic New Year when the natural rhythm of the change in day length and the start of a new season is a time for celebration and hope.
These seasonal rhythms affect plants and animals.
In autumn, mammals automatically respond to the shortening days by growing thicker winter fur.
Other animals gain weight in preparation for hibernation.
Migratory birds instinctively fly south where days are longer and warmer.
The Christmas Cactus
Some plants like the Christmas Cactus will only flower when daylight is less than 12 hours long – just right for our mid-winter light levels.
Humans also experience natural rhythms.
Our bodies have an internal 24-hour body clock which governs our patterns of sleep and wakefulness.
These ‘circadian rhythms’ affect our hormone levels and our core body temperature.
We are most aware of them when we act against them, such as when we need to work night shifts or when we suffer jetlag after flying outside our natural time zones.
Keeping step with Nature’s rhythms certainly suits our bodies and our minds better.
Nature on our Doorstep is a weekly column written by South Dublin County Council’s Heritage Officer, Rosaleen Dwyer
