YULETIDE

(Winter Solstice)

Written by Clair Fones

Photos by Grant Knowles

Winter Solstice, 22nd June in the Southern hemisphere (22nd December in the Northern), is the time of the shortest day and the longest night. The deciduous trees are bare of leaves, the winds blow cold and we wonder if the light will ever again return. It is now that a mid winter festival is needed to warm our hearts and bodies, and what better time than when the days begin to lengthen and the sun appears as if reborn.

We decided to hold the celebration at our local hall, in a blissful setting right above the beach. The fire sculpture began to take shape on the grassy area outside the hall. This was planned to resemble the Tree of Life within a circle shape, however after wrestling with bamboo and rope it became apparent that a hooped shape was more workable. Once the structure was built, strips of cloth were wrapped around the main parts of the sculpture, and cardboard stuffed underneath.

Meanwhile, inside the hall, a team of organic cooks and helpers were beavering away preparing yummy food.

The hall was strewn with holly, ivy, candles and balloons, and tables and chairs placed. The lantern making workshop was well underway by now, using milk cartons, tissue paper and more bamboo.

It was a proud moment when we bore the finished five metre high sculpture down to the beach (luckily we'd read the tide table!). It was set in the sand, secured by two ropes and kerosene was poured liberally all over.

Dusk arrived amidst building anticipation. Then, the Lord of Misrule spoke:

"Welcome. Now it is time for the fun. Follow the minstrels, the journey begins."

A mysterious pied piper led the excited procession down onto the beach, and along a magical path of softly glowing pyramidal lanterns.

The procession was surprised by several fireworks exploding brightly into the starry night. As people gathered around the Tree of Life, the Lord of Misrule spoke again:

"Behold the Tree of Life, the World Tree, representing the underworld, this world and the upper world. We burn this effigy as an offering to the heavens, that they bring us forth increasing light."

A fire spinning, flaming horned character entertained the crowd. Suddenly out of the darkness sprang a villain bent on spoiling the fun. A comical dance ensued as he attempted to put out the flames of the seasons increasing light.

Plan B was put into action, and the Fire Bearer carried a torch of flame, lit from the fire of the horned character. The flames engulfed the effigy, carrying peoples hopes for the light to return.

Whoops and cheers abounded as the mass of fire fell to the ground, as we had unfortunately secured the Tree with nylon rope, which soon burned through. Some wrote their hopes for the coming season on pieces of paper and burned them in the embers, sending these wishes spinning out into the heavens.

People drifted towards the hall, where hot steaming soup awaited. The Lord of Misrule announced:

"Welcome to the feast. We gather at the time of Winter Solstice, when the longest night of the year gives way to the waxing light. As the light returns to the earth, let the light be rekindled in our hearts and minds, and may we know and share the blessings of peace and love. WASSAIL!!"

To which many of the feasters replied "Wassail!" which means 'to your health'.

The Holly Queen and Ivy Queen, representing the evergreen life force of nature, entered the hall, singing the well known carol

"The Holly and the Ivy, though they are both well known, of all the trees that are in the wood, the Holly bears the crown.

The rising of the Sun and the running of the deer, the playing of the organ, sweet singing of the choir.

The Holly and the Ivy, though they are both well known, of all the trees that are in the wood, the Holly bears the crown."

They skipped merrily around the circle, accompanied by the flute, bodran and guitar of local band Podryan

.

Then, after a favourite blessing of the food, the feasting began, accompanied by lilting strains of harp music. After the feast excited children of all ages plunged into the lucky exchange basket, where everyone had been invited to leave a small gift. The evening continued merrily with music from Charlotte and Adge, Podryan, Grio, and local DJ's.

This is our advertising poster.

Grants son, Ananda who will light yet another Fire.

The Lord of Misrule and the Holly Queen.

The Holly Queen and The Ivy Queen.