Celebration Of The Winter Solstice

If I remember correctly, Father Eli told me that the celebration of Christmas is actually a pagan celebration of the winter solstice. The people of ancient times and even now today, celebrate the solstice with festivals and rituals.

There is physical evidence for this at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. The massive stones are organized in such a way that at sunset on the winter solstice the rays align perfectly with the central alter stone. I visited Stonehenge about 35 years ago and I am still amazed at its wonderful arrangement of huge stones in a circle.

Stonehenge From Heel Stone

In Newgrange, Ireland, there is a monument with grass on its roof and tunnels and channels on the inside. During sunrise on the winter solstice, the sunlight pours into the main chamber.

Another monument, similar to the one in Newgrange, is found near Orkney, Scotland, dating from 2800 B.C. Again, the inside chambers of the mound become illuminated on the morning of the winter solstice.

The Goseck circle in Germany is a series of concentric rings dug into the ground dating from 4900 B. C. It turns out that two gates in the outermost circle align with the sunrise and sunset on the winter solstice.

Merry Christmas Everyone 🙂

Unlike the ancient people who struggled to survive during the winter, we have the benefit of indoor heating. We still participate in the ancient tradition of celebration of the winter solstice at Christmas time. We give gifts and have parties with our family and friends.

It is important for us to remember that there are still plenty of people in need around the world. Some of our gifts should be designated to these less fortunate people. The practice of generosity has been shown to increase happiness, so why not give all you can?

Remember, all sentient beings want happiness and to avoid suffering. Is there something you can do to make someone happy or relieve their suffering?

We’ll spend Christmas Eve with my sister and her family and maybe Debbie will come. Christmas Day we’ll go to our friends in Mill Valley. How will you spend the holidays?