Celebrating the light to come

 

Winter Solstice Deer by Rion Wang

A solstice celebration at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley, 2010

St. Lucy's Day, Dec. 13, 2024

The observance commemorates Lucia of Syracuse, an early-fourth-century virgin martyr under the Diocletianic Persecution. According to legend, she brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs, wearing a candle-lit wreath on her head to light her way, leaving both hands free to carry as much food as possible. Because her name means "light" and her feast day had at one time coincided with the shortest day of the year prior to calendar reforms, it is now widely celebrated as a festival of light.

I remember singing Santa Lucia early on the feast day, and having wonderful Swedish pastries. 

Thanks to Sweedish blogger Dawn Treader, for sharing this video of a candle experience for Santa Lucia.

Winter Solstice is Dec. 21, 2024. Then days will start to become longer.

"LUCIA AT LAST"  by Lisa Aisato. 

Today's quote:

We’re here for a little window. And to use that time to catch and share shards of light and laughter and grace seems to me the great story. 

- Brian Doyle

Today on Open Yesterday's Pages: Winter Storms