on record in New Zealand with sea level snow falling in Wellington in July for the first time in 35 years and a much heavier snowstorm for 3 days in a row in August. Effect on humans Humans are sensitive to winter cold, which compromises the body's ability to maintain both core and surface heat of the body. Slipping on icy surfaces is a common cause of winter injury. Other cold injuries include: Hypothermia – Shivering, leading to uncoordinated movements and death. Frostbite – Freezing of skin, leading to loss of feeling and damaged tissue. Trench foot – Numbness, leading to damaged tissue and gangrene. Chilblains – Capillary damage in digits can lead to more severe cold injuries. Rates of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases also increase during the winter. Mythology In Persian culture, the winter solstice is called Yaldā (meaning: birth) and it has been celebrated for thousands of years. It is referred to as the eve of the birth of Mithra, who symbolised light, goodness and strength on earth. In Greek mythology, Hades kidnapped Persephone to be his wife. Zeus ordered Hades to return her to Demeter, the goddess of the Earth and her mother. Hades tricked Persephone into eating the food of the dead, so Zeus decreed that she spend six months with Demeter and six months with Hades. During the time her daughter is with Hades, Demeter became depressed and caused winter. In Welsh mythology, Gwyn ap Nudd abducted a maiden named Creiddylad. On May Day, her lover, Gwythr ap Greidawl, fought Gwyn to win her back. The battle between them represented the contest between summer and winter. Old Man Winter Jack Frost Ded Moroz Snegurochka Vetr See also Cold wave Cold-weather warfare Fimbulwinter Global cooling Global warming Nuclear winter Old Man Winter Pineapple Express Siberian Express Volcanic winter Winter festivals (list) Winter City Winter Hexagon Winter Olympic Games Winter sport Winter War Christmas New Year Valentine's Day References Further reading Rosenthal, Norman E. (1998). Winter Blues. New York: The Guilford Press. . External links