A candle in the window.

The 22nd is the longest night of the year, when darkness is deepest.
As the sun rises on Wednesday we witness the birth of a new year.

The winter solstice sunrise at Newgrange.
Photo by Anthony Murphy © mythical ireland.com

The seconds of daylight will slowly increase and the sun will climb higher in the sky bringing the promise of spring. Until then we keep the fire going, stay indoors and gather with family and friends
to celebrate a rebirth.

3,000 years ago ancient people, in the Boyne Valley and elsewhere, were probably doing much the same. 

They too prepared for an important annual occasion,
the return of sunlight into the centre of the great mound,
Brú na Bóinne, now known as Newgrange.

We can only imagine the meaning of this phenomenon to our ancestors yet despite the change in
date and beliefs across the years, we continue the magic of this event in our modern traditions.

As we decorate the tree and light our candles we perform small acts 

of sympathetic magic to encourage the return of the sun.

On dark evenings when we gather indoors and close the curtains the glow of tiny lights
reflect the star filled, winter sky outside.

Beneath the branches lie gifts from loved ones, memories of childhood
and mementoes of our ancestors.

Although it is often said that this is a time for children, we adults also sense the magic of 

the turning year and feel the hope that a new year brings.

Irish tradition includes placing a lit candle in the window on Christmas Eve, 

symbolising a welcome to those looking for shelter on that night.

In our own window shines a golden light, a symbol of the returning sun and a sign that there 

is a place beside the fire for those in need.

May you have warmth, food & companionship this winter 
and feel the hope embodied by the reborn sun.