I like to explore the less known areas of history in all aspects. This being the season I have looked into some of the weird things at the beginning of this season's traditions. This I hope will be entertaining if not in any way important. Frivolity and happy holidays to all.
Time of
winter solstice
when darkness starts to wane
a promise of renewed life.
Spring’s hope will come again—
winter solstice,
rebirth.
Mystic,
sacred promise
revival from cold death.
The days slowly defeat the dark—
magic, death has no sting,
Winter solstice—
rebirth.
Symbol
of religion,
hope for eternity,
from early pagan times to now.
A promise we won’t die.
Winter Solstice—
rebirth.
Down beneath the pine trees
growing in the sod
white spotted red mushrooms
a gift from a god.
Mind altering mushrooms
hung in pines to dry
trimmings of yule solstice
in the days gone by.
Shamans dressed in scarlet
worked in winter snow,
delivered sacred gifts
to plain folk below.
In the snowy north lands
entrance through the roof
with bag of dried mushrooms
yule tide cheer, forsooth.
With such fine tradition
song and dance employ
they were wondrous gifts
bound to give folk joy.
And yes, it was awesome
in days of dismay
to get such miracles
to help one to May.
Reindeer spirit guides on
whom Shaman rely—
they partake of mushrooms
reindeer truly fly.
When you tell of Santa
please to give some pause
little ones needn’t know
the real Santa Claus.
Holly
Holly,
Ancient Romans
held as ward ‘gainst lightning
both decorative and protective.
Holly.
Holly
was deemed sacred
to Saturn, harvest god
used in his winter solstice rites.
Holly.
Holly
wards off witchcraft
Druids gave it blessings
and used it as hair ornaments.
Holly.
Holly
Christians adopt
sharp leafs are thorn crown
red berries are the blood of Christ.
Holly
Holly
still keeps its place
at the winter solstice
as cultures evolve their dogma,
Holly.