Join us for the next Frontend Challenge: December Edition!

#devchallenge #frontendchallenge #javascript #css

We are so back.

We’re very happy to announce the newest edition of our community's favorite challenge: The Frontend Challenge!

Running through December 29, Frontend Challenge: December Edition will feature two beloved prompts: CSS Art and Glam Up My Markup. Our theme is December, designed to be all-encompassing and broad as everyone wraps up the year.

As with all Frontend Challenges, there will be one winner per prompt. That’s two chances to win bragging rights, a 6-month DEV++ membership, an exclusive DEV badge, and more!

We hope you have fun flexing your CSS and Javascript skills! Read on to learn how to participate.

Prompts ✨

CSS Art: December

Draw what comes to mind for you when it comes to the month of December. Depending on where you live, that could mean you’re in the heat of summer or bundling up to hit the slopes. Or perhaps you associate December with a celebration or tradition you’d like to share with us.

Whatever it is, we can’t wait to see your art!

Here is the submission template for anyone that wants to jump right in, but please review all challenge rules on the official challenge page before submitting.

CSS Art Submission Template

Glam Up My Markup: Winter Solstice

Use CSS and JavaScript to make the below starter HTML markup beautiful, interactive, and useful. December is when the Northern Hemisphere observes and experiences the Winter Solstice (June in the Southern Hemisphere) — We have provided a starter template of a site that dives into the science and culture surrounding the winter solstice around the world.

Your submission should be more fun and interactive than the HTML we provide, but also be usable and accessible. You should not directly edit the HTML provided, unless it is via JavaScript. We expect style and substance. You may add basic boilerplate, including meta tags etc. for presentation purposes.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <title>Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World</title>
</head>
<body>

    <header id="main-header">
        <h1>Celebrating the Winter Solstice</h1>
        <nav id="main-nav">
            <ul>
                <li><a href="#introduction">Introduction</a></li>
                <li><a href="#science">The Science</a></li>
                <li><a href="#hemispheres">Solstice Across Hemispheres</a></li>
                <li><a href="#celebrations">Global Celebrations</a></li>
                <li><a href="#traditions">Solstice Traditions</a></li>
                <li><a href="#conclusion">Conclusion</a></li>
            </ul>
        </nav>
    </header>

    <section id="introduction">
        <h2>Introduction to the Winter Solstice</h2>
        <p>The winter solstice is a significant astronomical event that marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It occurs annually in December in the Northern Hemisphere and in June in the Southern Hemisphere. This event has been observed and celebrated by cultures around the world for thousands of years, often symbolizing rebirth, reflection, and the triumph of light over darkness.</p>
    </section>

    <section id="science">
        <h2>The Science Behind the Solstice</h2>
        <p>The solstices occur due to the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to the changing seasons. During the winter solstice, one hemisphere is tilted the farthest away from the Sun, resulting in the shortest period of daylight.</p>
        <p>At the exact moment of the solstice, the Sun reaches its lowest maximum elevation in the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, this happens around December 21st or 22nd, when the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south latitude. In the Southern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs around June 20th or 21st, when the Sun is over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees north latitude.</p>
        <p>The solstice is a precise moment in time, but its effects are felt throughout the day. The term "solstice" comes from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "sistere" (to stand still), because the Sun's apparent movement north or south comes to a stop before reversing direction.</p>
    </section>

    <section id="hemispheres">
        <h2>Solstice Across Hemispheres</h2>
        <p>The experience of the solstice differs greatly between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres due to their opposite seasons.</p>
        <article class="hemisphere" id="northern-hemisphere">
            <h3>Northern Hemisphere</h3>
            <p>In the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the beginning of winter. Countries like the United States, Canada, Russia, and much of Europe experience their shortest day and longest night. The weather typically becomes colder, and many cultures have developed traditions to bring light and warmth into this dark time of year.</p>
        </article>
        <article class="hemisphere" id="southern-hemisphere">
            <h3>Southern Hemisphere</h3>
            <p>Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the December solstice signals the start of summer. Nations such as Australia, South Africa, and Argentina enjoy their longest day and shortest night. This time is associated with warmth, outdoor activities, and often, summer vacations.</p>
        </article>
        <p>This opposite experience of the solstice underscores the diversity of cultural responses to the same astronomical event, influenced by local climate and historical traditions.</p>
    </section>

    <section id="celebrations">
        <h2>Global Celebrations of the Winter Solstice</h2>

        <article class="celebration" id="newgrange">
            <h3>Newgrange - Ireland</h3>
            <p>The prehistoric monument of Newgrange is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice. Built over 5,000 years ago, it predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Each year, a beam of sunlight illuminates the inner chamber, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.</p>
        </article>

        <article class="celebration" id="intiraymi">
            <h3>Inti Raymi - Peru</h3>
            <p>Although traditionally held during the June solstice, which is the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, Inti Raymi is an ancient Incan festival honoring the Sun god Inti. The celebration includes music, dancing, and sacrifices, reflecting the importance of the Sun in agricultural societies.</p>
        </article>

        <article class="celebration" id="modranicht">
            <h3>Modranicht - Anglo-Saxon Tradition</h3>
            <p>Meaning "Mother's Night," Modranicht was observed by the Anglo-Saxons on the eve of the winter solstice. It was a time to honor female deities and ancestral mothers, symbolizing fertility and the rebirth of the Sun.</p>
        </article>

        <article class="celebration" id="koliada">
            <h3>Koliada - Eastern Europe</h3>
            <p>Koliada is a Slavic festival celebrated during the winter solstice. Traditions include singing carols, feasting, and lighting fires to symbolize the return of the Sun. The festival has influenced modern Christmas and New Year traditions in the region.</p>
        </article>
    </section>

    <section id="traditions">
        <h2>Common Solstice Traditions</h2>
        <ul>
            <li><strong>Bonfires and Candles:</strong> Lighting fires and candles is a widespread tradition to represent light overcoming darkness.</li>
            <li><strong>Feasting:</strong> Communities gather to share meals, strengthening social bonds during the cold months.</li>
            <li><strong>Gift-Giving:</strong> Exchanging gifts symbolizes goodwill and sharing abundance.</li>
            <li><strong>Decorating with Evergreens:</strong> Using evergreen plants like holly and mistletoe represents eternal life and protection.</li>
            <li><strong>Reflection and Renewal:</strong> The solstice is a time for introspection, setting intentions for the coming year.</li>
        </ul>
    </section>

    <section id="conclusion">
        <h2>Conclusion</h2>
        <p>The winter solstice is a profound event that connects humanity across time and space. Despite differences in culture and climate, people around the world share common themes in their celebrations—hope, renewal, and the enduring human spirit. Understanding the science behind the solstice enhances our appreciation of these traditions and highlights our connection to the cosmos.</p>
    </section>

    <footer id="main-footer">
        <p>&copy; 2024 Winter Solstice Celebrations</p>
        <nav id="footer-nav">
            <ul>
                <li><a href="#main-header">Back to Top</a></li>
                <li><a href="#contact">Contact Us</a></li>
            </ul>
        </nav>
    </footer>

</body>
</html>

Here is the submission template for anyone that wants to jump right in, but please review all challenge rules on the official challenge page before submitting.

Glam Up My Markup Submission Template

How To Participate

In order to participate, you will need to publish a post using the submission template associated with each prompt.

Please review our full rules, guidelines, and FAQ page before submitting so you understand our participation guidelines and official contests rules such eligibility requirements.