Why do we bring whole or parts of trees into our homes this time of year? Is it Pagan, Christian or American cultural custom? Evergreens are an ancient symbol of immortality. They remind us of what endures.
As we approach the Solstice and the slow return of the sun, what reminds you that life goes on? Sadly, we ourselves are not immortal,
but some things do continue. Is it memory, a spark of energy, or Love that finds its way through this sorry world?
In the quiet of these shortest days and longest nights,
what is evergreen for you?
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With mounds of greenery, the brightest ornaments,
we bring high summer to our rooms,
as if to spite the somberness of winter come.
In time of want,
when life is boarding up against the next uncertain spring,
we celebrate and give of what we have away.
All creatures bend to rules,
even the stars constrained.
There is blessed madness in the human need
to go against the grain of cold and scarcity.
We make a holiday,
the rituals varied as the hopes of humanity.
The reason as obscure as ancient solar festivals,
as clear as joy on one small face.
~ Margaret Starkey
