Doctor Buzzard

Happy Yule to all!  There are a few changes to the permissions
field that though many may not notice but most have been upgraded to
advisors.  Also you have some new Google buttons…. But should appear
something like this:

Two
thousand years before Christ is depictions of the Norse Pantheon of Gods in
celebration of the winter solstice… This is the time in the Northern
Hemisphere, when the sun is directly overhead at noon only along the Tropic of
Capricorn.  The Sun will appear
directly overhead for the next three days in places such as Sao Paulo, Brazil,
southern Madagascar, and areas north of Brisbane, Australia.  Some ancient structures in ancient Ireland are clearly set
specifically built for this celebration and are older than Stonehenge and the
ancient Pyramids of Egypt. These are among the hundreds of megalithic structures
that are scattered across Europe, Americas, Asia and even found in the
sub-Saharan Africa Zimbabwe region sometimes called the “African Stonehenge”
of the lost tribe.

In celebration in the rebirth of the Sun (Or as Christians
know as “The birth of the Son”). apple wassailing, the medieval winter
festival custom of blessing the apple trees with songs, dances, decorations and
a drink of cider to ensure their fertility… This too predates the Christian
traditions that have found its way into our Christmas Carols Songs and dance. 
Apple cider is to ensure fertility but the wassail is also now
incorporated into our  tradition as
a warm cup of Christmas Cheer.

The placement of Hanukkah is tied to both the lunar and
solar calendars. It begins on the 25th of Kislev, three days before the new moon
closest to the Winter Solstice. It commemorates an historic event — the
Maccabees’ victory over the Greeks and the rededication of the temple at
Jerusalem. But the form of this celebration, a Festival of Lights (with candles
at the heart of the ritual), makes Hanukkah wonderfully compatible with other
celebrations at this time of year. As a symbolic celebration of growing light
and as a commemoration of spiritual rebirth, it also seems closely related to
other observances. 

There has been a lot of flack the past few days over a
Holiday lights out in West Hollywood by Ms. Mary Loomis-Shrier, which is seen by
some (since Mary Loomis-Shrier is of the Jewish faith).  As some kind of
defection in the "War on Christmas"… First of all there are many
other things to be in war over besides Christmas (Remembering that "Peace
on Earth Good will to man" thing here). Maybe this is a special time we
should all just try and stay true to the reason for the season.  As it has
come to use as a combination of many wonderful traditions… It is, I think most
would agree, a most beautiful time for all.  I know of Hebrew families who
feel like they are forced to keep their Christmas Tree in the basement for fear
of offending their friends and family.  Wouldn’t it be great if everyone
would just loosen their bullets a little and have a wonderful time in this most
magic of all seasons of the year.