A Very Happy Solstice to You All
If I’ve got the time settings correct on this blasted server, this note should post itself precisely on the instant of the Winter Solstice, adjusting for the drift between UTC, EST, and whatever timezone the server’s in, plus the fact that I’m (hopefully) sleeping right through it.
Call it Brumalia, Christmas, Maidyarem, Dongzhì, Hanukkah, Inti Raymi, Meán Geimhridh, Modraniht, Shab-e Chelleh, Sewy Yelda, Soyalangwul, Yule, or Ziemassvetki – The Solstice has been many things to many people for many, many years. Tonight is the longest night of the year; tomorrow will bring a victory of light over darkness and the rebirth of the sun. Mithra will be born again at the end of this night, the crops will grow, Father Christmas will ride his yule goat, and Beiwe and her daughter will ride again to herald back the greenery on which the reindeer feed. We will cover our doorposts with butter, sprinkle our faces with the blood of goats, eat ourselves silly, dance the Horo, and generally get roaring drunk.
We’ve been celebrating this moment, this day, this cusp of change of seasons, for something close to 6000 years. Enjoy it! In many ways, tomorrow is the start of the new year. May it bring you happiness and luck!
Blessed be!
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