The Winter Solstice has arrived. A time to re-light the candle of hope
and forgiveness for all. Click here for our collection of Solstice haiku
and senryu.
a candle
in every window —
strangers light our path
rings true:
Christmas was set at the end of December, in the Fourth Century, in order to
co-opt (or overcome) ancient Sun-Solstice celebrations [see, e.g., here, here,
and even there] , the Solstice Story seems well worth retelling. Universe Today
has a good summary of the science and the lore, including this excerpt:
The season we call “winter” begins on the Winter Solstice. The word
Solstice means “sun still”.
Because ancient peoples knew nothing of the earth’s tilt, the southward
march of the sun was a troubling time. There was fear that one day the
sun might continue moving south until was lost entirely. Many cultures
conducted rituals to encourage the sun to move north again and when it
did there were great celebrations. These celebrations, regardless of culture,
all had a common theme that of rekindled light.
Not surprising then that many of the traditions and customs of ancient
Solstice celebrations have survived to the present day. Although we know
that the sun will begin moving north without any encouragement from humans,
we still use this time of cold and darkness to celebrate the theme of rekindled
light. From the Hanukah Menorah, to the Scandinavian Yule log, to the lights
of the Christmas tree, during this season we seek to push back the darkness
with light. Although the forms have evolved over the centuries, we cans still
see the spirit of many of the old ways in our present day Solstice celebrations.
“What is important is how this light is shared in people’s hearts. In every faith,
it is a time to forgive what is past and to begin anew: Christ brought light to the
world, and redemption from sin; the darkness of the Jew’s captivity was lightened
and a new life began; the pagans celebrate a new cycle of beginning free of ever-
darkening days.”
No matter what spiritual, religious or non-religious meaning is given to this season of cele-
bration by particular individuals, families, congregations or groups, I hope we can all unite
in the feeling of lightand renewel — and put aside defensiveness (and offensiveness) about
whose feast we are or are not celebrating.
of course, it’s coming back
the solstice sun
breaks through the clouds
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