Friday, December 21, 2007

Happy Winter Solstice!

This is my favorite day of the year. I think the symbolism behind it is beautiful. And the bonus: after today, the days get longer. We've gotten over the proverbial hump so to speak. It might be the first day of winter but to me, it is the beginning of the end of the long nights and cold weather.

Winter Solstice is celebrated as a time of rebirth, it is a celebration of light:

"Worldwide, interpretation of the event varies from culture to culture, but most hold a recognition of rebirth, involving festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations. Many cultures celebrate or celebrated a holiday near the winter solstice; examples of these include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, Pongal, Yalda and many other festivals of light."
"Midwinter festivals and celebrations occurring on the longest night of the year, often calling for evergreens, bright illumination, large ongoing fires, feasting, communion with close ones, and evening physical exertion by dancing and singing are examples of cultural winter therapies that have evolved as traditions since the beginnings of civilization. Such traditions can stir the wit, stave off malaise, reset the internal clock and rekindle the human spirit"
Wikipedia
So celebrate, and do a little rekindling! The world will be awakening again soon! Spring will come. The grass will get green, the leaves will bud and flourish. The flowers will open in all their splendid glory.
And if you have that right now, just keep it to yourself :-) K?

6 comments:

R.E.H. said...

I had completely forgotten today was winter solstice...

Thank you for reminding me... that means we are not headed for summer again. I can't wait!

Kell said...

Happy winter solstice day! It'll be nice to have longer days

Jay said...

Happy Winter Solstice Day to you too!

It's like 60 degrees here today. ;-)

Tink said...

Happy Holidays girl!

MUCH HUGS N LOVE

Chelle Y. said...

Have a great holiday season!

Anonymous said...

Happy winter solstice to you(hope I'm not late!)