Comments on: WINTER SOLSTICE MUSINGS

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:16:47 +0000

As a pagan-conservative (yeah, figure that one out), I would like to add that the idea of Yule, solstice celebration and the like is not far off from what we think of a Christmas celebration today.

It’s about gathering the family, giving gifts usually made from the cast-offs of the harvest season, clothing woven from animal hair and hides slaughtered in the late fall. Feasting on the fruits of the harvest.
The fir tree was a symbol of fortitude, remaining green through a harsh winter.

These days, Christmas is about gathering with loved ones, having a large meal together, and enjoying company.

Surviving a cold winter together was paramount for the ancient people, and thus was something to prepare for and celebrate the ending of each year.

By: Belad

Belad — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:12:53 +0000

Rick,

I think you should sit down and talk to my wife. She can’t wait for December 21, every year. To her it marks the day when every day after is longer and the sun will have the opportunity to be up longer.

Its just a matter of perspective.

Good luck.

By: lionheart

lionheart — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:44:07 +0000

I look for any excuse to fornicate. Thanks, you’ve shared with me a new reason.

By: Fausta’s Blog » Blog Archive » “What possessed our prehistorical ancestors to feast and fornicate on this day of all days?”

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:41:49 +0000

[...] “What possessed our prehistorical ancestors to feast and fornicate on this day of all days?” asks Rick Moran [...]

By: Russell Miller

Russell Miller — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:33:53 +0000

This is why I am glad I live in the LA area, and I encourage anyone who can afford it to take a sabbatical to the southwest in the dead of winter. I promise it’ll rejuvenate your spirits.

Tomorrow’s high is around 65 with rain likely.

By: bizjetmech

bizjetmech — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:36:41 +0000

“What possessed our prehistorical ancestors to feast and fornicate on this day of all days? The Summer Solstice, I can see throwing a shindig for.”
miby they weren’t sure they would make it through the winter and figured livin it up wouldn’t be a bad idea, I mean, I used to party because it was Thursday, for cryin out loud…or Tuesday for that matter…..
But i’m with ya, why does anyone live where the animals are smart enough to leave in winter? Obviously they are smarter en me.

By: funny man

funny man — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:02:54 +0000

Rick,
religious or not, if you don’t have anything to look forward to during those grey miserable Northern falls/winters you will truly loose your mind. Just talking from personal experience. Pagan symbols still around, hm, hm let’s see; Easter Eggs, Thor’s day, Freya’s day and then were does this Christmas tree (evergreen) fit in..

By: Foobarista

Foobarista — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:16:53 +0000

What’s being celebrated is the end of the shortening of days, and “rebirth” of the sun. This is why numerous cultures - including our own - have their New Year on or near the solstice.

Also, since harvest is done and there isn’t much that one can do agriculture-wise at this time of year, why not have a massive party