The Winter Solstice

The sun begins its slow return to the Northern Hemisphere this weekend. This year the Winter Solstice takes place a little past 11 p.m. on December 21. This is a season of light and we welcome the Sun's return. The Solstice is the first of the 12 days of the Season and it is an ideal time to spread joy and cheer throughout your community.

I was recently in Ottawa and some of what I saw and heard there saddened me. There is an increase in the number of people who are asking for change and appear to be homeless. One incident in particular was disturbing. I was walking down Bank Street and noticed a young woman, perhaps 30, sitting on the sidewalk. She had a hat set out in front of her, seeking spare change. As usual, people were walking by, ignoring her and each other. I stopped and placed a toonie in her hat. She wished me a Merry Christmas and I her. What I thought about as I continued walking was that she was the only person among hundreds, possibly, thousands I saw that day, and at least a dozen or more, with whom I directly interacted, who wished me good cheer. What does this say about the world we have built?

Take a few minutes this Holiday Season and spread some light. Let your good cheer shine upon your neighbours. Spread the warmth of your heart and hearth throughout your community, for we indeed live in the society we build.

Winter Solstice marks the time of the year when the light returns as the sun shifts and starts to move northward again. In Europe, the tradition of the yule log is celebrated on Winter Solstice. A special log is brought in and placed on the hearth, where it glows for the 12 nights of the holiday season. After that, it is kept in the house all year to protect the home and its inhabitants from illness and any adverse condition. The yule log is the counterpart of the midsummer bonfires, which are held outdoors on Summer Solstice to celebrate the shortest night of the year. It is also customary to place mistletoe around the fire, which is the plant that grew on the oak tree, sacred to the Druids, the priests of the old Celts.

Among other uses, mistletoe is thought to help women conceive. The Christmas tree also dates from old European or pagan rituals. It was the time to celebrate the renewal of the earth, and greens were used as the symbol. Branches of pine, cedar, and juniper commonly used brings wonderful fragrance into the home. Red candles are used to symbolize the fire and heat of the returning sun as the days begin to lengthen.

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