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| .the.longest.night.of.the.year. |
| 12.19.07 (8:49 am) [edit] |
|
Winter Solstice I've added a comment on assorted spiritual beliefs this time of year as well... |
posted by: lyinghere (reply)
post date: 12.19.07 (7:56 am)
NOTATIONS
No matter what our spiritual beliefs, or what part of the world
we live, we all share the turning of the sun on the solstices.
Honoring the solstice is something lost to most of us, and it
feels deeply meaningful, in a mystical sort of way, to choose
to make a glimmer of connection.
Ancient
Religious persons worldwide observe many seasonal days of
celebration during the month of December. Most are religious
holy days, and are linked in some way to the winter solstice in
the Northern Hemisphere.
In pre-historic times, winter was a very difficult time for
Aboriginal people in the northern latitudes. The growing season
had ended and the tribe had to live off of stored food and
whatever animals they could catch. The people would be troubled
as the life-giving sun sank lower in the sky each noon. They
feared that it would eventually disappear and leave them in
permanent darkness and extreme cold. After the winter solstice,
they would have reason to celebrate as they saw the sun rising
and strengthening once more.
Although many months of cold weather remained before spring,
they took heart that the return of the warm season was
inevitable. The concept of birth and or death/rebirth became
associated with the winter solstice. The Aboriginal people had
no elaborate instruments to detect the solstice. But they were
able to notice a slight elevation of the sun's path within a
few days after the solstice -- perhaps by DEC-25. Celebrations
were often timed for about the 25th.
Ancient Druidism
Druids and Druidesses formed the professional class in ancient
Celtic society. They performed the functions of modern day
priests, teachers, ambassadors, astronomers, genealogists,
philosophers, musicians, theologians, scientists, poets and
judges. Druids led all public rituals, which were normally held
within fenced groves of sacred trees. The solstice is the time
of the death of the old sun and the birth of the dark-half of
the year.
It was called "Alban Arthuan by the ancient Druids. It is the
end of month of the Elder Tree and the start of the month of
the Birch. The three days before Yule is a magical time. This
is the time of the Serpent Days or transformation...The Elder
and Birch stand at the entrance to Annwn or Celtic underworld
where all life was formed. Like several other myths they guard
the entrance to the underworld. This is the time the Sun God
journey's thru the underworld to learn the secrets of death and
life. And bring out those souls to be reincarnated." 14 A
modern-day Druid, Amergin Aryson, has composed a Druidic ritual
for the Winter Solstice.
Buddhism
On DEC-8, or on the Sunday immediately preceding, Buddhists
celebrate Bodhi Day (a.k.a. Rohatsu). It recalls the day in 596
BCE, when the Buddha achieved enlightenment. He had left his
family and possessions behind at the age of 29, and sought the
Meaning of life -- particularly the reasons for its hardships.
He studied under many spiritual teachers without success.
Finally, he sat under a pipal tree and vowed that he would stay
there until he found what he was seeking. On the morning of the
eighth day, he realized that everyone suffers due to ignorance.
But ignorance can be overcome through the Eightfold Path that
he advocated.
This day is generally regarded as the birth day of Buddhism.
Being an Eastern tradition, Bodhi Day has none of the
associations with the solstice and seasonal changes found in
other religious observances at this time of year. However, it
does signify the point in time when the Buddha achieved
enlightenment and escaped the endless cycle of birth, death and
rebirth through reincarnation -- themes that are observed in
other religions in December.
Judasim
Jews celebrate an 8 day festival of Hanukkah, (a.k.a. Feast of
Lights, Festival of lights, Feast of Dedication, Chanukah,
Chanukkah, Hanukah). It recalls the war fought by the Maccabees
in the cause of religious freedom. Antiochus, the king of
Syria, conquered Judea in the 2nd century BCE. He terminated
worship in the Temple and stole the sacred lamp, the menorah,
from before the altar. At the time of the solstice, they
rededicated the Temple to a Pagan deity. Judah the Maccabee
lead a band of rebels, and succeeding in retaking Jerusalem.
They restored the temple and lit the menorah. It was exactly
three years after the flame had been extinguished -- at the
time of the Pagan rite.
Although they had found only sufficient consecrated oil to last
for 24 hours, the flames burned steadily for eight days.
"Today's menorahs have nine branches; the ninth branch is for
the shamash, or servant light, which is used to light the other
eight candles. People eat potato latkes, exchange gifts, and
play dreidel games. And as they gaze at the light of the
menorah, they give thanks for the miracle in the Temple long
ago."
Modern-day Jews celebrate Hanukkah by lighting one candle for
each of the eight days of the festival. Once a minor festival,
it has been growing in importance in recent years, perhaps
because of the pressure of Christmas.
Islam
The actual date for the start of Ramadan depends upon the
sighting of the crescent moon, and thus can be delayed by a few
days from the nominal date. This is the holiest period in the
Islamic year. It honors the lunar month in which the Qura'n was
revealed by God to humanity. "It is during this month that
Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Lasting for the entire
month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours and in the
evening eat small meals and visit with friends and family. It
is a time of worship and contemplation. A time to strengthen
family and community ties."
Native American
Here is a winter solstice rite observed by many Native American
tribes. It is a ritual that honors your ancestors, belief
system, and a way of offering prayer and gratitude.
Prayer sticks are made by everyone in a family for four days
before the solstice. On the day named as the solstice, the
prayer sticks are planted-at least one by each person-in small
holes dug by the head of the household. Each prayer stick is
named for an ancestor or deity.
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-silence- .speak without fear. .know that beauty is balance/beauty is flesh. .know that life is a road we fall blindly downward. .know that when we touch, we affect things. .know this all means something. .love is only here to devour & fondle us. |