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.