What's All This To Me?

[aesmael]

I am not a religious person. Never have been, never observed any religious holy day , so what is this time of year to me?

Well, I am sure you will know all about this solstice, dear reader. It is the shortest night of the year. In the northern hemisphere, where western civilisation was cultured, it is the longest. A long, dark, cold time when it may have seemed as if the sun and life were never going to return. No wonder there is such a long tradition of merrymaking associated with the (northern) winter solstice, older by far than the tradition which claims it today.

It is a very simple thing to describe. Revelry, gift-giving, decorations. Sure we can have all this without needing some special occasion but it does help to have a reminder now and again. Or an excuse, if certain people need one to have fun.

For me, the tree is the heart of the festivities. Seeing it shining, decorated and glowing through the night from deep inside with all the colours of the rainbow always warms my heart. A very fitting centrepiece for what is traditionally a very dark time of the year. Even here where we have plenty of light it still holds powerful associations - of light, fresh air, green and growing things, gifts for loved ones and enough shiny to make a magpie blush. I suppose that is much the same as elsewhere.

I love the solstice because it has accumulated such an intensely human holiday. Food. Drink. Dance. Song. Love. Sex. Compassion. Hope. Stories. Is it not a wonderful thing to share the night with close friends and tell tales of all the things we hold in our hearts? Tales of all times and places, of gods and heroes and monsters and all our other creations, the great and terrible deeds that live in our imaginations. It is a celebration of the best parts of what we call 'humanity'.

That's what this is to me.

[For an example just listen here [Windows Media Player|Real Player (Part 1), Windows Media Player|Real Player (Part 2)]] for an explanation of how  Berlioz - a heathen, a Deist apparently - nonetheless managed to produce a beautifully composed version of the Jesus myth, from ABC Classic FM's Keys to Music program]

Comments

[lost-angelwings.livejournal.com]

You alrdy said a bit of this to me, but it was good to read it here :)

It must be nice to have lots of sun and happiness right now :D

[aesmael.livejournal.com]

I might be willing to swap for some snow if you have any. :-)