Winter Solstice in Myrtle Glen

Solstice Fire

The December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. From this night on, the days get longer 'by the cry of a rooster' as my Grandma used to say. This sure is a great reason to party :)



We celebrate Solstice with lighting a fire in the evening, using a piece of the solstice wood from the previous year's fire.

Pull up the benches and chairs, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, drink beer and Gluehwein (hot, spiced wine) and listen to good music.  We talk about this past year, reflecting on the good times and being happy that bad experiences are behind us and making plans for the coming year.

When the fire burns down we add incense to the embers, it sets the mood for a few minutes of silence and reflection, then off to the TV set to start watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, of course the extended version ;)

Next morning we pick a piece of charred wood from the fire pit, it will be kept in its special place in our library. Old beliefs say, this piece of the solstice log will ward of fire and keep the home safe.