It was a wonderful evening celebrating the Winter Solstice in the orchard. Those attending were welcomed with candlelit lanterns leading up along the pathway to the fairy light covered Christmas pine tree and shed. There were a couple fires to keep people warm, plenty of hot mulled cider to go around and there was hot stew and tasty snacks for all.
Lots of musicians came up and sang songs, played drums and a small trench of fire was set alight and everyone was encouraged to leap over the fire. A very enjoyable way to celebrate the longest night and the return of the light.
Solstice celebrations
The winter solstice occurs when either of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun, the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year, when the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky. It’s usually December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days. Many cultures recognise this as a time of rebirth, a time to celebrate with festivals, gatherings & rituals.
In Penzance they celebrate this every year at Montol.