Twelve thousand years ago our Neolithic ancestors were observing a day in the year when they noticed that the sun arose late and set earlier 鈥� the shortest day and the longest night.
This was the winter solstice.
Neolithic monuments in Ireland and Scotland and in Stonehenge itself were aligned with the sunrise on this particular day of the year. Ancient peoples recognized their reliance on the sun, so mourned its loss on the shortest day and developed rituals to encourage and celebrate the sun鈥檚 return after solstice.
We no longer have rituals that we believe will cause the sun鈥檚 return, recognizing that the sun moves on its own cycles. But we do celebrate its return 鈥� a celebration that is much older than the celebration of Christmas. And so, again this year, Comox Valley Unitarians will host a thoughtful celebration of the nourishing dark and the return of the light.
All are welcome to this Comox Valley tradition on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. at Comox United Church. All are welcome as well to share the festive potluck meal to follow.
