A Midwinter's Dream

Not really a dream. More like a daydream.  I was reflecting on the Solstice Vigil I had with friends via Facebook Messenger and Zoom, and then kind of let my mind wander....

The sun was starting to set as the residents of the settlement started to arrive at the common house.  They trudge through snow-strewn paths from their individual dwellings in this eco-village, carrying baskets of food and carrying slow cookers of assorted tasty foods for the feast.  

As one walks into the main common area, the counters begin to fill and be arranged by type of food and the course of the meal. Salads over here, sides over there, deserts along the far wall. The timbers and railings along the second floor where the library was were all decorated and festooned with greenery, red and white bows, strands of cranberries and popcorn. A large fir tree had been cut down in the forest and was in the process of being stood up in a stand, with some of the folks judging if it were straight, or if was leaning this way or that. Another hub of activity was in the kitchen, where roast turkey and duck were being removed from the ovens, and being prepared.  The great hearth was dark, although it too was decorated as the rest of the hall. Wherever there was a small flat spot, candles were found, lit and shining.  The noise in the room began to rise as more and more of the residents streamed in. Even outside there was much activity, as friends and relatives arrived in RVs and campers and were directed to safe places to park so they wouldn't get stuck in the damp snowy earth.  

Once everyone was assembled, the eldest couple spoke about the meaning of Yuletide, especially to the children.  All joined in blessing the food, thanking the spirits of land for their sacrifice, thanking the ancestors that taught the techniques to prepare the food, and thanking the deities for ordering the seasons thus.  The feast began and even with seconds and occasional thirds, it was over far too soon, as Greta commented that it took longer to prepare than it did to eat!  Some of the musically talented members began to sing and play, as others took their turns helping to clean up the plates and serving dishes, sweep the floors and restore order to the dining area.  Some went to work decorating the big tree, while others adjusted the electrical lights on the outside of the hall.  Still others went about setting up the big altar.  They went to the ancestor altar and transferred pictures of women who were mothers, grandmothers, aunts, inspirers, teachers...anyone who defined as female, and placed them in a special spot on the main altar, plates of food and drink set before them, the ever present candles for each one.  Special honor was given to those who found their place among the ancestors in this year that was passing away.  Stories were told as the altar was arranged, and names were spoken to keep their spirits alive.  

Others set about decorating the big tree with more cranberry and popcorn garland, electric lights, and then other ornaments that had been saved in storage.  A large multi-pointed star rested next to the tree on the stoop of the hearth.  The timekeepers kept watch on the sky, the setting sun, and yes, on their computer devices. The magic was in the perfection of the timing, after all.  

Lastly the woodbusters set about bringing out the trunk of last year's Yule tree, and cut it into two logs. One was placed in the fire ring outside, and the other was hauled into the house and laid in the hearth.  

All was made ready, and at the appointed time, the elder couple began to tell a story. The adults and most of the children had all heard it before, but some of the younger children had not.  All were enthralled as they told the tale of how the sun dove deep into the underworld on the longest night of the year, taking with her all the sorrows of the past year.  She did this on this longest night to make sure she could exchange them all with hopes and blessings to bring back to the world. Everyone was asked to think about those sorrows and regrets they wanted to put behind them, and then come outside.  

The group went outside and faced west.  They watched, and chanted softly their wishes for a good journey.  At the appointed time, a bell rang, as the sun dipped below the horizon.   A match was struck and a single candle was lit under the dying light.  The group turned and somberly went back into the hall, where all the candles and light had been extinguished.

One candle lit another.  The second candle went outside, but the first one went to the hearth, and that candle lit the fire that had been laid there.  After a few moments, the kindling and tinder were crackling, and the bark on the year-old log started to glow. Outside the second candle had done the same to that fire.

The vigil had begun.

As the spirit moved them, the folk lit other candles.  People outside sang and changed around that fire, whereas inside stories were told, wise advice was given.  At the first hour, everyone joined in toasting their female ancestors, for it was Mother's Night.  Every hour after that, they would stop and join in toasting another deity or spirit.

The small children were the first to drop off, and parents carried them back to their RVs or campers, or back to the dwelling. If they were older, they were often allowed to sleep in some of the comfortable chairs.  The adults started to fade too and slowly some went home to nap for a bit. They would come back in a few hours and others may leave, but both fires were always attended.  People nibbled on leftovers from the meal and there was a bit of mead going around for the toasting.  In the darkest parts of the  night, when the smallest numbers were there, the chanting got quieter and the talking turned to whispers.  Even though everyone knew this was not the end, the night still had a feeling of trepidation, of tension.  

Around 6am, anticipation began to build. Those who had stayed awake the entire time were giddy that they had made it, especially if it was the first time.  Some who had napped were stirring and entered the hall sleepily, making sure the big coffee pot was ready to go.

As the clock struck 7 the excitement began to build even more.  The breakfast team got to work preparing the morning meal for the folks who kept the vigil through the night.  As the clock moved closer, people began again to gather outside. The original candle, which had also stayed lit, was brought out as well.   The folk turned to the east to see the black night slowly turn to dark grey, then lighter grey. The moon had already set. The stars began to fade in the growing light.

  Finally, the grey turned to gold with streaks of pink and purple.  The bell finally tolled again and a great cheer rose up with the top of the bright golden disk of the sun became visible above the horizon.  Drums were beaten, rattles were shaken, horns were blasted... the sun had returned!

They group went inside to the hall.  When they had all entered, the child that had been chosen by lot was brought to the Yule tree.  They were helped up the ladder where they affixed the star to the top. The elder couple suggested that throughout the day, the folk take a moment to soak in the newborn sun's rays, and feel the hope and blessings that had been exchanged fill in those spots where sorrow and regret were removed. After a pause, activity began to rise again, as some went to go sleep, but others had breakfast to start their new day...their new year.