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Celtic artwork
Dragon labyrinth
by FoxVox
http://www.artoffoxvox.com/artgallery/main.php
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
by Aine Minongue (musician)
http://www.minogue.com/holiday/traditions.html#solst ice
Is there a moment quite as keen
or memory as bright
as light and fire and music sweet
To Warm the Winter's Night
The journey of winter is upon us; and traveling through the countries, through Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and England, where Yule, New Year, Hogmagog, Christmas and the Winter Solstice have uniquely interlaced over time; each finding its own way to stand on the edge of nature while she sleeps.
And so, over the coldest of seasons, her peoples have sought to connect the old and the new through song and dance, the death and rebirth of a new year!
Here are some winter traditions that have come down to us:
Winter Solstice
While the Solstices were not as important to the ancient Irish as the major fire festivals;
Lughnasadh (August 1);
Beltane (May Day, May 1);
Imbolc (February 1- Bridgit); and
Samhain (November 1, Halloween),
they were none the less celebrated.
Of the Solstices and Equinoxes, the Winter Solstice was the most important, since it marked the rebirth of the sun after the shortest day. Many cultures celebrated this time to commemorate the birth of various gods.
The Winter Solstice falls between two major fire festivals Samhain (sow-an) or Halloween and Imbolc.
In Newgrange, County Meath, there is an ancient tomb covered with beautiful artwork, which remains in darkness for much of the year. The double spiral on this site is one of the symbols which can be seen at the Newgrange site. Once a year, on the Winter Solstice, the tomb fills with light to reveal the beautiful artwork on the walls. While it seems best to leave its origins to the historians, there is no doubt that the ancient Irish considered this day important.
It also marked "The Shortest Day" or "The Darkest Midnight" and was cause for celebration, since - once the shortest day has passed, it meant the journey toward Spring could begin. . .
Yule & the Yule Log
Yule marks the rebirth of the suns power. It is yet another symbol of death and rebirth - going from the darkness into the light. For many, Yule runs from before the Solstice until New Year's Day. Many people associate Yule with the "Yule Log," a piece of wood decorated with evergreens, mostly holly and candles. Holly was another ancient symbol for the Irish; it was thought to hold special properties, since it was "neither tree 'nor bush". . .
December and the Sun Gods
December marks the celebration of many solar "saviors" and Gods, usually on December 25th. Many of them have the word "Light" in their titles. They include, Baal, Dionysus and of course, Jesus Christ. . .
Celtic blessings for the season
"Nollaig Faoi Shean Is Faoi Mhaise Dhuit"
(Knoll-ig f'wee haan ss f'wee shun-ah g-with)
"A Christmas of Happiness and Joy to you")
(old Irish Saying)
"May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas."
"In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship and never in want."
The Magic of Christmas lingers on
Though childhood days have passed
Upon the common round of life
A Holy Spell is Cast
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas marks the beginning of the Roman Catholic liturgical year and the beginning of the new hope.
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