Yesterday was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
I first heard The Wyrd Sisters sing their Solstice Carol at a Tom Jackson Huron Carol concert in the mid-1990s. Tom Jackson is a well-known Canadian musician and actor. Every year in December he stages a series of concerts across the country to raise money for homeless and hungry people in Canada. The theme of the concerts is Defeating Hunger- Feeding the Soul. The Solstice Carol was a perfect fit for that theme. It remains a favourite Christmas season song of mine.
a fire is burning
the long night draws near
all who need comfort
are welcome by here
we’ll dance ‘neath the stars
and toast the past year
for the spirit of solstice
is still living here
we’ll count all our blessings
while the mother lays down
with snow as her blanket
covering the ground
thanks to the mother
for the life that she brings
she’ll waken to warm us
again in the spring
the poor and the hungry
the sick and the lost
these are our children
no matter the cost
come by the fire
the harvest to share
for the spirit of solstice
is still living here
People have been celebrating the winter solstice for thousands of years. It is believed the Roman emperor Constantine who began the celebration of Christ’s birth in 336 chose a December date because the Roman people were used to having a festive event at that time of the year.
With my siblings around the Christmas tree- age 10
In Canada Christmas is a time when we celebrate the beauty of the winter world, get together with friends and family, and are inspired to give generously to people who need our help. All of those activities are beautifully expressed and encouraged in the lyrics of the Solstice Carol.
To have the solstice spirit means being thankful for the beauty of creation, showing appreciation for the warmth of friends and family, and sharing that beauty and warmth with those who need it most.
You can listen to the Solstice Carol here.
Other posts………..
What Next? 