(no subject)
Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Of course, it's the sun that defines the days and nights of our lives. That poor old sun, he's got the winter blues. Try as he might, his zenith today will be its lowest of the year. Try as he might, he simply can't get any higher in the sky. Earth is partly to blame, being so far away on its yearly trip and even leaning out farther on its axis.
Originally, the Roman winter solstice occurred on December 25, and this is why the Catholic Church decided to recognize Jesus' birth/Christmas on December 25 (although the Church cited the Council of Nicea as the reason, rather than Julias Caesar). Not too get too weeded in the details, but between Caesar establishing his calendar and the Council of Nicea, a discrepancy of three days had built up between the calendar days and the actual solstices. Pope Gregory XIII didn't correct it, so it still stands today. I always kind of chuckle when devout Christian friends say "remember the reason for the season!" because really Jesus has nothing to do with December 25. Sure, you can place your values and ideals on a religious holiday and the significance behind it, but don't you think your messiah would want you to recognize his actual birth date and not a pagan holiday? I'm not really that judgmental about it, but when I hear someone say that "reason for the season" stuff, it always gives me pause.
But at 6:38 pm tonight, it's as bad as it's going to be. From that point on, each passing minute brings us closer to summer.
Today also marks my maternal grandparents' anniversary. My grandmother planned it this way, so she could have the longest possible honeymoon night. How romantic.
Originally, the Roman winter solstice occurred on December 25, and this is why the Catholic Church decided to recognize Jesus' birth/Christmas on December 25 (although the Church cited the Council of Nicea as the reason, rather than Julias Caesar). Not too get too weeded in the details, but between Caesar establishing his calendar and the Council of Nicea, a discrepancy of three days had built up between the calendar days and the actual solstices. Pope Gregory XIII didn't correct it, so it still stands today. I always kind of chuckle when devout Christian friends say "remember the reason for the season!" because really Jesus has nothing to do with December 25. Sure, you can place your values and ideals on a religious holiday and the significance behind it, but don't you think your messiah would want you to recognize his actual birth date and not a pagan holiday? I'm not really that judgmental about it, but when I hear someone say that "reason for the season" stuff, it always gives me pause.
But at 6:38 pm tonight, it's as bad as it's going to be. From that point on, each passing minute brings us closer to summer.
Today also marks my maternal grandparents' anniversary. My grandmother planned it this way, so she could have the longest possible honeymoon night. How romantic.