posted
It's the shortest day of the year! A time of celebration; now the days will be getting longer and the sun will be returning!
It's a magical day steeped in history, magic and legend. Not a good day to be out in the dark alone, as those of you who have read "The Dark is Rising" know.
Personally I love Midwinter. It always held such a magical feel for me, inside and outside. Whether that's because I read too much or I have an overactive imagination I don't know. But there it is.
North Americans call it the beginning of winter because seasons are offset from their actual times due to the slowed warming/cooling effect of the planets ocean's (I think). In Europe, although the seasons are eaqually offset, it is definately 'Midwinter'.
Just a difference of opinion; all though the name 'Midwinter' has a mistique I enjoy.
Posts: 8473 | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
They do? That's wonderful! I always thought the way it was done seemed wrong -- summer and winter should be the 1-1/2 months on each side of the solstices, spring and autumn the 1-1/2 months on each side of the equinoxes. Now at least I understand why it's done that way, and I also know that not everyone does it. I feel so enlightened.
Now I gotta check snopes and see if you're lying to me. *wink*
posted
No, if I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But, this is what is generally known as 'Midwinter', and what was celebrated as such in Pagan old-time places (note highly technical language) as Midwinter.
Same thing as Midsummer.
Also, the seasons do line up a little more, expecially in England. For instance, by the Spring equinox, there are flowers, something that is non-existant, especially in Canada .
Posts: 8473 | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
If I were running things, I'd offset it by one month (not the 1.5 months PM wants). Nov 21 seems to generally be about where winter starts, but Nov 6 seems a little too early.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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