Hatrack River Forum: Happy Solstice!

This is topic Happy Solstice! in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :

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.

Tonight is the night to light a candle [Smile]

.

Happy Solstice and Midwinter!

EDIT: Typo demon.

[ December 21, 2004, 05:42 PM: Message edited by: Teshi ]

Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :

Isn't it solstice?

And [Party]

Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :

[Blushing]

Yup. It's like Christmas; I always type it the first time as Chrostmas.

Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :

[Big Grin]

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

Hmmmm. Sunset = 4:34 pm. I think I'll be out alone after dark.

Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :

*Growls*
If it wasn't for work and lack of money I'd get to go to my friend's solstice party

*Sulks*
They always have such good food too... [Grumble]

Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :

Midwinter? Isn't today the first day of winter? How "mid" can it be?

Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :

*ahem*

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.

Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :

It just makes me think of Harvest Moon.

Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :

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*

--Pop

Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :

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 [Frown]

Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :

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.

Posted by blackcatwings (Member # 7077) on :

WHOOOHOOO! I hate driving home in the dark! [Party]