A CELEBRATION OF THE SUN

The cover of darkness is growing shorter and the return of the sun was always reason to celebrate. The harsh winters in Europe were particularly devastating for hunting and agriculture. Since our ancestors were traditionally “nature people” and depended heavily on being in sync with the Seasons, the delay of Spring could starve quite a few before the frosts let up.

Great monuments were erected all over Earth to help the ancient man predict Spring's progression. Because of this dependence of the Sun, Solstice Rites can be dated back to the dawn of modern civilization. The celebration of Alban Arthuan, also known as Yule, marks the shortest day of the year and re-birth of the Sun. In the Northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is day of the year when the Sun is farthest South. Since our lows are in the 40's, many of us Phoenicians may take for granted how important the Sun is to sustain our life.

Nearly every culture in the world has observed the Winter Solstice. In the ancient world, the Mesopotamians celebrated Sacaea, the Greeks celebrate the Festival of Kronos and the Romans had Saturnalia. The Norsemen believe the Valkaries brought souls back to Valhalla during Yule. Serbs burn wheat on the Yule log to bring good luck to livestock. The decorating of Evergreens with the promised bounty of Spring included fruits, berries and flowers has the roots in Celtic, Greek and German traditions.

Winter Solstice for 2005 will occur December 21. The Irish Cultural Center will celebrate that day at 5:00 PM at the monument. This year, in addition to the poetry reading, the bag piper and the ceremonious walk around the map, a party is planned for all the participants.

IRISH CULTURAL CENTER

1106 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004
Info:602-392-7850 Direct: 602-258-0109 Fax: 602-534-9286
info@azirish.com

www.azirish.com