We celebrate the Winter Solstice on the farm. We light a bonfire made from wood we’ve been saving all year. This bonfire is one of the oldest rituals for pagan and ancient farmers. It connects us to nature and reminds us of what came before us. Maria lights the bonfires while I take pictures, sit and watch as long as I can bear it, and stir the wood with a stick.
This is the coldest solstice night I can remember. It was around 12 degrees here. We always talk about the joy of the day for the old farmers. It means the beginning of the end of winter, the return (slowly) of longer days, and a time when farmers begin thinking about their planting—their sustenance. It is a celebration of Spring on the way.
There was always dancing and bonfire lighting. We did our small part. I am numb from the cold. Maria doesn’t feel it like I do, but she keeps telling me how warm it is. Sigh.
She loves the bonfire and sits outside until the last ember is out. I love this ritual; it reminds us of where we are and what it means.
I just came in to free some Butternut Squash custard pudding from the oven. We prepared it together today, and now it’s time for me to remove it while she makes sure all the embers are out. It was cold, but the sky was amazing and beautiful.
Maria is taking a photo for her blog.
Our wicker chair gave us a lot; we gave it thanks and wished it well.
Zinnia loves bonfires, so Zip came out to check on things, as always. He sat watching with Zinnia for nearly an hour, then disappeared (not Zinnia).
I participate vicariously in your Solstice ritual every year! Lovely photos……and yes…the promise of longer days of light. No solstice celebration here… hubby has been sick past 2 weeks…..urgent care visit this morning……hopeful that meds will help……and now….. any tiny shred of holiday cheer I had is gone……but I am hopeful for his improvement (and thus, mine LOL)…….and I am saving up my small amount of cheer for New Years…..gladly and willingly! Happy Solstice to you both!!!!!!!! Thank you for brightening my day with your bonfire photos!
Susan M
Thinking of you Susan, I’ll hold you and your husband in the light..
This does my soul good.
Thanks, Susanne, me too…It’s a beautiful thing to be doing..
Thanks for sharing your bonfire! I used to do this, too, at the winter solstice, but have gotten too sensitive to the cold to do it. What I do instead is listen to The Beatles singing “Here Comes The Sun”.
Thanks, Barbara; I held out for 45 minutes, then came in. I loved being out there, but my legs were unhappy. I was lucky to get some lovely photos, and Maria was happy we could light it up together. Have a great holiday.
Thank you Jon and Maria for sharing the Winter Solstice Bonfire. I love this beautiful ritual. I look forward to the photos and I feel like I’m sharing in something special every year. I’m not big on the holidays and now that my mom is gone and I’m alone this means even more to me to see.
Great photos as always!
Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your day away this year!
Thanks, Wendy, and good holiday. I am pleased this has real meaning for you.