We have now passed the winter solstice and for the next six month the days will be getting longer. The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Early people were hunters and gatherers therefore the seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives, pretty much as it does for gardeners and golfers. Because of this many ancient people had a great reverence for, and even worshipped the sun. The Norsemen of Northern Europe saw the sun as a wheel that changed the seasons. It was from the word for this wheel, houl, that the word yule is thought to have come. At mid-winter the Norsemen lit bonfires, told stories and drank sweet ale.
Sadly, I am increasingly of the belief that materialism has corrupted the joyous Christmas season. The antidote for me is simple, to relish the company of good friends and family and then to get outdoors and appreciate the raw beauties of nature. Of course, I am not the first to express these sentiments.
"The Christians stole the winter solstice from the pagans and the capitalism have stolen it from the Christians" George Monbiot (author and environmental campaigner)
Consequently, I heartily recommend getting your dose of fresh air, particularly if you can share it with family, friends or felines.
 |
| Hecate inspects translucent honesty seed pods |
 |
| Mili in thoughtful disposition |
The Pennine vistas can still be appreciated from the top of the garden, despite the cold.The farmers fields a reminder that the season of celebration and merry making are still a time for grafting for many others.
And once you are outside seek out the remaining flashes of colour that seem especially valuable at this time of the year, the polyanthus and the grasses try their best before the first spring bulbs break the surface.
No comments:
Post a Comment