With the Winter Solstice, we who live in the northern hemisphere began a slow, steady move from the darkness of winter towards the light of Spring and the Vernal Equinox. For those living in the southern hemisphere, the opposite transition is occurring. Summer Solstice has passed, and they’re heading towards Autumnal Equinox.
To avoid hemispheric egocentrism, I could use universal terms: December Solstice, March Equinox, June Solstice, September Equinox that do not match these events to seasons. I could. To be inclusive, I should. Yet I simply cannot “go there.” It feels too strange. For me, the solstice that occurs in December is a winter event; the darkest day of the year and winter are as inseparable as the longest day of the year and summer. They just go together.
In December, cultural and religious celebrations abound, each bringing light into the darkness. Hanukkah, an eight day Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165BCE. The miracle of that first Hanukkah was that even though only a one-day supply of olive oil could be found for the rededication, the oil burned for eight days.
Christians refer to Jesus as the light of the world, and what a powerful image that is with the world bathed in the darkness of winter. Seasonal decorations emphasize light, creating magical landscapes and piercing darkness, lifting spirits and warming hearts. Fireplaces crackle. Candles glow.
Kwanzaa, an African- American and Pan-African cultural holiday that runs from 26 December through 1 January, also involves the lighting of candles, each representing one of seven principles that form the basis of the celebration: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Whatever your holiday traditions, embrace and delight in the opportunity to celebrate the season with those you hold nearest and dearest. We at Playworks send our best wishes and goodwill to all.
