Today many celebrate Solstice or 'Sun stands still'. This astronomical event coincides with the Holidays and is celebrated by many different cultures deeply rooted in ancient religions! The seasonal milestone marks the rebirth of sunlight after the darkest period of the yearly calendar.
For us here in the Pacific Northwest coastal region or the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs in Decembre when the tilting of the Earth makes the Sun appear to be furthest to the south and furthest away. In the Southern Hemisphere as in Australia, both the seasons and solstices are reversed.
In Celtic lands winters are harsh and Winter Solstice was celebrated by all in Ancient times. The growing season was over, the cold weather would last many months until the next planting....Fires would be lit and burned throughout the long nights...
Perhaps we should all pray today...
The food is put away for the winter, the crops are set aside to feed us, the cattle are come down from their fields, and the sheep are in from the pasture. The land is cold, the sea is stormy, the sky is gray. The nights are dark, but we have our family, kin and clan around the hearth, staying warm in the midst of darkness, our spirit and love a flame a beacon burning brightly in the night.
Thank you God!
Blessings to all,
Hello Noelle
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid there is no snow to lighten the dark night in my little corner of Norway but I have still loved to see this glorious picture by Harold Sohlberg.
Wishing you a happy and peaceful time with your family and friends.
Anna