In a long-exposure photo, the interior of Salisbury Cathedral is illuminated by trails of candles carried by choristers during the annual “darkness to light” advent procession in Salisbury, England, on November 25, 2011.
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Thanks Bruce!
Thanks Bruce!
One of the great beauties of winter in Sweden is Lucia-fest. The festival of Santa Lucia, Lucia, the bringer of light. Saint Lucia was to be burned at the stake, but the fire would not consume her.
ReplyDeleteI don't for a moment imagine that the scandinavian Lucia is anything to do with her. It's about the winter solstice, the world, the sun, being reborn. In every community, in families,on December 13th, a young girl is chosen, ideally a blonde-haired maiden, to be Lucia.
The house, or the church, or the hall, is in darkness. You hear singing. Then a procession of light, led by Lucia, with a crown of candles and green leaves. Following her are young girls, each carrying a single candle, and boys with cone-shaped hats with golden stars, all dressed in white robes.
it's beautiful. Although the church claims it, I don't think for a moment that this has anything to do with christianity, it's a far older festival, Yule, and in scandinavia they dont talk of happy christmas, but rather of glad jul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G-Snr5c5Ks&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=w2ZFWfrMnno
Gledilegt Jul, Nag!
The longest night of the year would be a fine time to pull out the seed catalogues and start planning for spring which is surely on its way. Most years I've celebrated this day with a glass of whiskey in front of the fire, sheltered from the cruel elements. This year we have had such mild temperatures that it feels as if winter has forgotten about us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely videos.