The Meaning of Solstivus: The Traditional Winter Celebration
by: R. Paul Wilson
Arg shivered as he finished the last of the boiled weasel skin he brought for his lunch.
His daily hunt had taken him to the end of the Tall Deer creek-bed.
No luck, so far, no game at all.
He turned back down the valley, not looking forward to his evening meal of the rotting wolverine meat in the bottom of the cellar.
His wife Erg and the kids would be disappointed to have no new game.
He knew she would probably just sink deeper into her despair.
The snowfalls and increasing darkness each day had left her unable to cope.
She kept the kids in the hut with her under the furs.
She spoke of slow death and hopelessness.
They were all getting thin and weak.
But every day it seemed he still felt a core sense of hope.
He felt optimistic and self-confident.
As he trudged on, he had time to worry and think.
He wondered, was he being irrational?
Should he continue to hope?
He wanted a sign; no, he yearned for a sign.
He had heard from other hunters that the river village folk were preparing for some winter celebration, but why?
He decided to visit Wiseguy, the village elder, to seek answers.
He wondered what the Solstivus celebration was all about.
Wiseguy revealed to Arg the meaning of Solstivus.
Solstivus is one name given to the annual winter gathering.
All tribes have evolved a traditional mid-winter holiday or celebration, and for good reason.
Solstivus is a celebration of life.
It is the occasion when we are reminded of the reliable rhythms of nature and life.
The earth and all life on earth move through cycles of birth, growth, decline, and rebirth.
All persons can see that this is so.
Just as each day begins with a dawning of the sun and ends with darkness, so each year begins with increasing daily sunlight, which peaks in summer, and then declines again to a winter low point.
All plants and animals (including humans) also follow the same earth cycle.
Animals hibernate in the winter and reactivate as spring returns.
A person's life likewise follows a similar cycle; childhood, adulthood, then death.
Each individual is like a link in a chain that appears to extend infinitely backward and forward; the Chain of Life.
Humans have self-awareness, an ability that makes them aware of and fearful of their vulnerability.
As each winter intensifies and survival becomes a challenge, humans are prone to doubt that things can improve.
They doubt that the cycles of life will continue.
For earth, the low point of the year, for the northern hemisphere, when the sun and its nourishing power is at its lowest point in the sky, is called the Solstice.
The solstice event provides visceral proof of the renewal of the cycle; people can see for themselves that the sun is indeed returning (or rising) day by day in the sky.
The solstice is the single most auspicious celestial event each year, and so it is the most natural candidate for a day for recognition of the cyclical nature of everything.
With the physical proof of the continuation of the earth cycle comes a realization that things start to inevitably improve, generally speaking.
Doubts about the continuation of the chain are alleviated.
One feels that he has survived another low point, that he has achieved a victory over darkness (both literally and figuratively).
The predominant emotion is relief, and this feeling gives rise to a collective celebration, to share the recognition.
The people call this celebration Solstivus.
The people gather at Solstivus to celebrate the renewal of life.
They express common recurring emotions, or themes, including expectations for increasing vitality, renewal and hope - the essences of life.
The celebration of life is heralded by light, the sun's increasing light, and so Solstivus is symbolized by light, mostly the light of candles burning resolutely in the darkness.
Over and over again the people feel an urge to surround themselves with symbols of life and to decorate their homes with recurring color schemes.
For example, evergreen trees, boughs or plants (ex. holly, mistletoe) are gathered, because they literally show life-like green color even when other plants are brown and barren.
Things colored green are gathered, because living plants have green foliage.
Things colored red are also gathered, because people associate red with the power of the sun and fire.
Things colored white are also gathered, because most feel that white best symbolizes the purity of birth, rebirth or renewal.
Some people place lots of candles (lights) around and in their homes.
Solstivus has always naturally engendered certain recurring behaviors in different tribes of people.
To express their renewed hope, many will typically hold a feast, to demonstrate their confidence that more food will become available.
To express their appreciation and sense of generosity/charity, many will give gifts.
To express their relief, many will seek to re-connect with friends and family; singing often breaks out at gatherings.
To express their sense of good fortune to have survived, many will forgive others for perceived transgressions, and they may say they wish for peace.
The symbols and behaviors of Solstivus affirm our connection to the earth, its life force, and our own human purpose.
Solstivus heralds the hope of a new day.
Arg is everyman at all times.
Arg and Erg are in you.
Does Wiseguy's explanation ring true for you?
About The Author
R. Paul Wilson insists that he is the creator and owner of the word "Solstivus" and all of the knowledge packed into that little word.
|
Organize Your Christmas Shopping
Organize Your Christmas Shopping
by: Nicole Dean
Grab a notebook. Grab a pen. It's time to get serious about your Christmas shopping by making your list (and checking it twice).
Make a list of the people you'll be buying for this year. Leave space between each person?s name. Now go back through the list and write down gift ideas and a rough dollar amount you?re willing to spend on each person.
Example:
1. Aunt Fran - Collects lighthouses, loves golf - $30.00
2. Beth - Candles, bath and body products - $20.00
3. Joe - Something for his new truck, loves fishing - $50.00
Bring your notebook shopping with you. It will help you to stay focused on who you need to shop for, a general idea of what you're looking for and your price range. Making a detailed list like this will prove invaluable in keeping you organized and on budget with your Christmas shopping. As you shop, cross off each person on your list. Be sure to...
Organize Your Christmas Shopping
Candles > Organize Your Christmas Shopping
Birthday party ideas for the most busy
Birthday party ideas for the most busy
by: Abdul Martin
Birthday party ideas for the most busy
You come home one fine evening and gosh!! You now remember that its your wife?s birthday. You run back and buy something cheap and celebrate your wife?s birthday as if it?s a duty and not a celebration.
And you know it?s not the way to celebrate the birthday of the most important person in your life.
When you think about your wife?s birthday there are only 3 things I can say.
PLAN. PLAN. PLAN.
As Mr. Jim Rohn says that such a birthday party is not woven well.
People make a lot of promises with themselves when they get married to take care of each other and celebrate everything in life, but when it comes to occasions like birthdays they usually mess up.
It?s good if you have your own birthday party ideas but in case you are open to new and refreshing birthday party ideas then the easiest place to look is online....
Birthday party ideas for the most busy
Candles > Birthday party ideas for the most busy
Home Decorating: Where Are My Surfaces?
Home Decorating: Where Are My Surfaces?
by: Keller Hawthorne
Many of you probably remember visiting your grandma's house as a child. I can still see how my grandmother had decorated her home. Every inch of surface and space was filled! The mantle, the kitchen counters, and of course the floor. She was a self-proclaimed pack-rat! When you walk into a home drowning in "stuff", it immediately bombards you and creates overwhelming vibes. So, how do we show every little nick knack we love, without going overboard?
I have a very strict rule with myself that every surface in my home should be clean and almost completely cleared. I enjoy showing off my candles, vases, and other items. However, I have learned when it becomes too much. As a teenager I had covered every inch of my dressers and desk with decorations. My bedroom had become more of a showplace then a home. My decorations were nicely placed as sort of a retail window display, but I could never...
Home Decorating: Where Are My Surfaces?
Candles > Home Decorating: Where Are My Surfaces?
The Meaning of Solstivus: The Traditional Winter Celebration
The Meaning of Solstivus: The Traditional Winter Celebration
by: R. Paul Wilson
Arg shivered as he finished the last of the boiled weasel skin he brought for his lunch.
His daily hunt had taken him to the end of the Tall Deer creek-bed.
No luck, so far, no game at all.
He turned back down the valley, not looking forward to his evening meal of the rotting wolverine meat in the bottom of the cellar.
His wife Erg and the kids would be disappointed to have no new game.
He knew she would probably just sink deeper into her despair.
The snowfalls and increasing darkness each day had left her unable to cope.
She kept the kids in the hut with her under the furs.
She spoke of slow death and hopelessness.
They were all getting thin and weak.
But every day it seemed he still felt a core sense of hope.
He felt optimistic and self-confident.
As he...
Candles > The Meaning of Solstivus: The Traditional Winter Celebration
Fast Solutions with Feng Shui
Fast Solutions with Feng Shui
by: Batsheva Vaknin
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art used in the home to create balance and harmony. Feng Shui Practitioners have many tricks of the trade used to get rid of negative energy and promote happiness, stability, affluence, tranquility and peace. With the help of this guide, now you, too, can use Feng Shui to enhance your surroundings.
Here are some Feng Shui fast solutions to allow you to experience maximum fulfillment in your current home:
Color. Color can lift you up or bring you down, so pay attention to the colors you choose for your furniture and to decorate your house. Decide on which color best suits your living room, bedrooms, dining room and furniture by figuring out the energy you would like for that particular room or area.
* Red: Great for energy and excitement. Works perfectly in a dining room to keep folks awake at the dinner table. Not so good for bedrooms and studies, as...
Fast Solutions with Feng Shui
Candles > Fast Solutions with Feng Shui
Camping For Fun
Camping For Fun
by: Ranger Bob
Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and relax.
But before going camping you will need to purchase camping equipment one of the better places to get the gear you need is at camping world.
To go camping does not have to cost a arm and a leg.
With the basics found in your home you could go today.
Lets see first you will need some type of shelter a plastic trap
8 by 10 will make a good tent some rope 50 ft will be lots the ? inch nylon rope will work.
Tie the rope between two trees and place the tarp over the rope. Stake down each side of the tarp with screw driver numbers need 6 to 8 I buy them at flea markets and garage sales.
If you have a second tarp place it on the ground under the tarp tent be sure not to place the ground tarp outside the tent if you do any rain water may flow in on the ground tarp and you may get wet.
Ok we have a shelter...
Camping For Fun
Candles > Camping For Fun
Aromatherapy While Traveling
Aromatherapy While Traveling
by: Sharon Hopkins
Whether you are on business trip, a romantic holiday, a family trip or simply want to experience outdoor life, aromatherapy essential oils come useful along the way. Take along carrier oils for diluting the essential oils.
Are you going away on business trip? Whether you have to meet clients, give presentations, hold seminars, business meetings, etc, one can surely feel stressed out. Take along with you lavender,...
perfume Aromatherapy While Traveling Candles
Candles > Aromatherapy While Traveling
skirt Candles The Meaning of Solstivus: The Traditional Winter Celebration
tax help Candles The Meaning of Solstivus: The Traditional Winter Celebration