The Winter Solstice, which happened on December 21st, is the darkest time of year.
It's when traditions of the yule log and other celebrations and rituals take place to gather dark spirits before burning it to release negative energy and welcome in the sun's cleansing rays. Yule log or not, it's a season to cleanse the mind and spirit and welcome in the promise of a new year. In China the solstice also relates to the philosophy of yin and yang, with the return of the sun marking the strengthening of positive energy.
In Houston we celebrated with the group "Revels Houston" which is a community-based performing arts organization. Morris dances and a Mummers play are always included, and the first act of every performance ends with the cast and the audience joyously dancing their way out of the theater to The Lord of the Dance. Heart pumping.
I just finished reading Pilgrim's Progress and picked up Christmas Pudding and Pigeon Pie both by Nancy Mitford - written in 1930's England (I want to go back . . .). Compared to PP, these are very different takes on the spirit of the holiday season, these are a romp.
Here's a song from the 1970's era for the holidays: "The Sweetest Gift", sung by 3 of the best women vocalists of their generation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWEQDyrbphE
And speaking of Christmas, it was a lovely time in Charleston with Jake, Gina and Delilah:
Peace!
No comments:
Post a Comment