Today we celebrate the solstice in the Northern hemisphere, we call it Solsnu («the turning of the sun»[and they say English is such a precise language ...]). The next six month, in my case 10 because of my love for mushrooms and general foraging, will be awesome every day. From 6h light daily to 24h of light at the peak of summer here in the north of Europe.
For me, when December arrives, I am arguing, this is the start of my new year. From December 1st to December 21st I am counting down. I know that after the 21st we are on a march to sowing seeds, looking for early buds on bushes and flowers, being outside hiking and kayaking, strolling, longer cycle trips, swimming, sweating, sleeping less, sitting out, doing gardeing and foraging. And just enjoying the light.
I am not sure when I started this mental celebration, but a friend of mine and I found each other on this approx. ten years ago (waving at Anja). Since then, winter have not been as heavy on me as earlier years. January and February are supposed to be heavy months here in Scandinavia (probably other places too, I don't know about them), but to me they are now the start of everything good in a year.
Another important thing too. I find it amazing that I can celebrate solstice almost without commercial pressure. No Black Friday-soltice, no Black Week-solstice, no presents-solstices, no solstice-pajamas, no solstice-hat. I do have one exception though. I make my own solstice-cards and send them to friends and family. Actually, thinking about it, why haven't anyone used solstice more to sell more stuff?
Ups, did I give anyone an idea …
Today I say God jul («Happy jol»), because that is what it means - today we celebrate the returning of the sun.
#solsnu #solstice #december21st #lyseretider #nyttår #sola #thesun #norden #nordiclight
For me, when December arrives, I am arguing, this is the start of my new year. From December 1st to December 21st I am counting down. I know that after the 21st we are on a march to sowing seeds, looking for early buds on bushes and flowers, being outside hiking and kayaking, strolling, longer cycle trips, swimming, sweating, sleeping less, sitting out, doing gardeing and foraging. And just enjoying the light.
I am not sure when I started this mental celebration, but a friend of mine and I found each other on this approx. ten years ago (waving at Anja). Since then, winter have not been as heavy on me as earlier years. January and February are supposed to be heavy months here in Scandinavia (probably other places too, I don't know about them), but to me they are now the start of everything good in a year.
Another important thing too. I find it amazing that I can celebrate solstice almost without commercial pressure. No Black Friday-soltice, no Black Week-solstice, no presents-solstices, no solstice-pajamas, no solstice-hat. I do have one exception though. I make my own solstice-cards and send them to friends and family. Actually, thinking about it, why haven't anyone used solstice more to sell more stuff?
Ups, did I give anyone an idea …
Today I say God jul («Happy jol»), because that is what it means - today we celebrate the returning of the sun.
#solsnu #solstice #december21st #lyseretider #nyttår #sola #thesun #norden #nordiclight
Images of Bergen
NomadGoat
Øivind Georg Johansen
Kim
Charlotte