This Sunday: This Winter Solstice Celebration has become our traditional, non-traditional program, complete with unique rituals, singing, dancing, and celebration to acknowledge the shortest day and longest night of the year, appreciated even more by living in the Arctic. In ancient times, observers watched the sun sink lower in the sky each day, and feared it would disappear completely and leave them in darkness. People practiced special rituals intended to entice the sun’s return. Bonfires and candles, with their imitative magic, helped fortify the waning sun and ward off the spirits of darkness. These symbols live on in our modern seasonal customs: the candles of Hanukkah and Christmas are kin to the fiery rites of old, which celebrated the miracle of the earth’s renewal. These traditions reflect our need to come together in times of extended darkness. We celebrate not only the rebirth of the sun, but the community of life on earth. This day, we will gather with the Northern Lights and our familiar friend, Raven, to appreciate the opportunity to spend time in reflection and renewal that Darkness offers, and then to welcome the return and revival of the Sun. This is a program of participation for all ages, and one that may well change how you perceive the Northern Lights. Come early or at least on time, bring a candle or two to light if you remember, and, be of good cheer!

Posted Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 under This Sunday, What's New.