Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Sunday Morning Muse, December 21, 2008


Welcome to the shortest day of the year. As I write, I was startled by a ray of sunshine that came through the window onto my computer screen. Haven't seen sun in awhile. The Northeast is in the midst of gloom, ice, rain, darkness and snow. But.... we're at the halfway point. It's Winter Solstice.
The days will get longer now. I say get out and enjoy the lights, ring the bells, eat some food, drink some wine and celebrate any way you can. Maybe even under the mistletoe!

Wikipedia

Mistletoe, which was sacred because it mysteriously grew on the most sacred tree, the oak, was ceremoniously cut and a spray given to each family, to be hung in the doorways as good luck. The celtic Druids also regarded mistletoe as sacred. Druid priests cut it from the tree on which it grew with a golden sickle and handed it to the people, calling it All-Heal. To hang it over a doorway or in a room was to offer goodwill to visitors. Kissing under the mistletoe was a pledge of friendship. Mistletoe is still forbidden in most Christian churches because of its Pagan associations, but it has continued to have a special place in home celebrations.

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