Tuesday 21 December 2010

Solstice

The Winter Solstice will happen tonight at just after 11.30pm.  The point in time when the northern hemisphere of the earth is tilted furthest away from the Sun.  This year, the Solstice has happened at the same time as the lunar eclipse last night, making it extra special.  Long been the time of great rejoicing and feasting, it was traditionally a time for looking forward to the longer days to come and a time to make merry in order to 'cheer up' the cold Winter days.  The festival of Brumalia, celebrated by the Romans at this time of year, was hijacked by the early Christians and turned into Christmas.  It is also thought to have been the celebration of the birth of the Roman God 'Mithras'.
But for now, here is the folk-rock band Jethro Tull's take on the Solstice Bell with their hit from 1977. 
 Happy Winter Solstice!

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