Lord of the Solstice.
The fireworks surprised us. The noise drew us outside to see the explosion of light over our city, brightening this winter night. I was disoriented. My mind was searching through the times of year when fireworks are expected, whilst remembering it was nearly Christmas, and failing to reconcile the two. Further research revealed this was the Winter Firedance festival, organised by the City Council to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Of course, it was 21 December. The shortest day of the year. The longest night of the year. No better time for fireworks to brighten the midwinter mood. The darkness was to be resisted. Or maybe there is some grace we might receive from this dark day? Over the past year I have become more conscious of how this day was celebrated long ago. Over seven thousand years ago the first farmers here saw this day as a major turning point in their year. It marked the beginning of longer days and a new cycle of growth, and the hope of food and feasting. Toda