"Astronomically marks the beginning of shortening nights and lenghning days, interpretation varies from culture to culture, but most hold a recognition of rebirth."
I celebrated a solstice for the first time in Yellowknife a couple of years ago, but that was the summer one, when you have the longest day of the year. This time my friend Tania convinced me to it is even better to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Why? Because although we have the shortest day light in the year, it means that from now on it will change, and the days will get longer again. I hope I remember this by the end of January... Anyway, I guess it just another reason to celebrate. and Tania and I started at 5pm with a bottle of champagne!
FROM WIKIPEDIA:
The Winter Solstice occurs exactly when the earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. Though the Winter Solstice lasts only an instant in time, the term is also colloquially used as Midwinter or contrastingly the first day of winter to refer to the day on which it occurs. More evident to those in high latitudes, this is the shortest day, and longest night, and the sun's daily maximum position in the sky is the lowest. The seasonal significance of the Winter Solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the winter solstice occurs around December 21 each year in the Northern Hemisphere, and June 20 in the Southern Hemisphere.
Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time.
We arrived a bit late, so we missed most of the parade, but we could still walk along with hundreds of people carrying the hand-made lanterns. Great atmosphere!
FROM WIKIPEDIA: The annual Kensington Market Festival of Lights is celebrated on the streets of Kensington Market and at Bellevue Square Park during the Winter Solstice in December. This carnival parade of giant puppets, firebreathers, stiltwalkers and samba was first created by Ida Carnevali in 1987 as a way of beckoning the return of the sun on the longest night of the year — an ancient solstice tradition celebrated around the world. Parade goers of all ages make their own fantastic paper lanterns at Red Pepper's storefront studio in popular workshops during the month prior to the parade. All parade imagery is collaboratively created by community artists, local schools, community organizations and volunteers working with Red Pepper's creative team.
The procession wends its way through Kensington's narrow streets witnessing surprise theatrical scenarios on rooftops and at intersections throughout Kensington Market. A giant fire sculpture marks the final send-off to the old year. The Festival of Lights remains hand-made and commercial-free since 1987
The procession ends with a huge bonfire in a park. You can't really see it in this picture, but believe me: it's HUGE! It reminded me Festa de Sao Joao in Brazil, except it was -10 degrees Celsius.
In the park various artist perform with fire. I could not get closer, but here is one photo from Ralf's shoulders.
Kids normally dress up in out of this world creatures, and the snow (bellow) also participated in the big party!
Fun and Creativity! These are the two stronger elements of the night, besides the light, of course. Here are some great characters of the evening! Enjoy!!!
The musicians were the best! Great job!!!
He was my favorite!
We asked someone to take our photo. I know it is out of focus, but that's the only picture we have.
Since we are here, we might as well try a bit of our luck...
What a lovely night! We will definately will be there next year for another Kensington Market Festival of Lights in wonderful Toronto!
HAPPY SOLSTICE, EVERYONE!!!
