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Monday, December 21, 2009

Winter Solstice

There's a certain Slant of light, Winter Afternoons - That oppresses, like the Heft of Cathedral Tunes.
Emily Dickinson

Today is Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year due to the sun's tilt. Tomorrow the days will begin to have more daylight. I have always felt a strong pull and fascination to the winter and summer solstice dates. From the beginning of time we humans have celebrated these changing of the seasons of darkness and light with many celebrations. Christmas "Christ's Mass" is on December 25th which is Winter Solstice on the Roman or Julian calendar. Ancient Sweden's Winter Solstice is Lucia, Feast of St. Lucy. The Germanic "Yule" is celebrated with midwinter feasts and gift giving. The celebrations around the world are vast and abundant. Wikipidia.org has great information.

On this cold winter's eve, light a fire in the fireplace or some candles on the table and create your own Winter Solstice celebration to welcome the coming light.

My friend Tammy gave me a bracelet today that says "Shine". The tag reads:
Drink up each ray of sunshine
Feel the promise of hope at dawn
And bask in the miracle of a new day.

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