Happy Solstice!

That's right folks, today is your lucky day, its a double dose of Three Feathers. Last week I was unable to write for you lovely people because I have been visiting family where there is little to no cellphone service and the only internet (thanks to an ice storm) is at this library! Have no fear I have no intention of leaving this day unnoticed. Today (well I think technically last night) was the winter solstice. Last night was especially significant because it was the darkest night in the norther hemisphere in the past 400 years. Pretty cool huh? The Winter Solstice has been marked and observed my most of the worlds civilizations and is celebrated by many of the worlds religions.

This holiday season is one of my favorites especially because there is just a feeling of goodwill from nearly everyone I meet. It's cold outside and it gets dark early but most folks have a smile and a kind word to share. This season I always listen to one of my favorite songs. Dar Williams has been a favorite of mine since late high school and this song in particular shares my happiness for the season.






Christians and The Pagans- music and lyrics by DAR WILLIAMS

Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday,
Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay."
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree,
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three.
He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve, I know our life is not your style,"
She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and its been awhile,"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said,
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses.

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch,
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen,
And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true, your cousin's not a Christian,"
"But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share,
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning,
'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother."
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father.
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year,
He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's here."
He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve, saying,
"Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and
Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.