Winter Solstice 2010

4:38PM Utah time, marks the Solstice.  It's the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere, and the Summer Solstice for our friends in the southern hemisphere.  It's going to be a long, dark night here, and then tomorrow, just like magic, the days will start to get longer.

In days of old, before we had central heating and the ability to stock our larders at the local Kroger's, the Winter Solstice was very important to the ancients in the cold and snowy latitudes.  The return of the sun meant a promise that warmer days will also return, along with new plantings, animal babies, and once again full stomachs.  Using a sort of sympathetic magic, the people brought evergreen cuttings into the house, lit candles and fires, hoping to entice the sun to return.

Today, we still celebrate and acknowledge this time of year, each in our own ways.  The important thing, I feel, that we all need to remember is that there are many ways and traditions to celebrate the season, and each of those traditions is the most perfect tradition for the individual or family practicing it.  As for me, I'm going to start lighting candles and the fireplace to illuminate and warm the house in preparation for this long night.  And then in about an hour and a half I'm going to sit contemplatively, awaiting the re-birth of the Sun.

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I'm going to be taking a bit of time off from Bloglandia.  I'm hoping to participate again in the Ballet West Shoe-In project, so I have a submission to prepare.  DH goes in on Thursday for another little surgery to get one of his pins removed.  And then, I'm just taking some time to read, and cook, nest and play house, and start making my plans for the New Year.

I wish you all a very Blessed Solstice, Happy Holidays, and a bountiful New Year!  I'll see you next year:)