A Holiday Tribe's topics - tribe.net

Lost: One jingle bells blooper by Bing and the Andrew sisters

2009-12-15T01:44:02Z

I need some help... One of my favorite christmas songs is the Bing Crosby blooper where he's singing with the andrew sister, gets a little tongue tied and says "Holy Jesus Christ" I really want to find the album that this song is on, but I really just want to find it... HELP! PLEASE!!! My christmas "sanity" (because it wouldn't be the same without it) relies on it!
Thanks,
Sharonn

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

any ideas for mothers day?

2007-05-07T15:46:59Z

Does anyone have any ideas for a mother with very expensive tastes (way out of my price range) who is a shopping junkie that buys herself what she want when she wants it?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Christmas and Kangaroos

2006-12-27T14:21:47Z

Wonder why google and others have been using kangaroo logos during the holiday season?

http://yedda.com/questions/5182133016841/

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

What's your new year resolution?

2006-12-21T11:08:27Z

What's your resolution for 2007?
http://yedda.com/questions/6273318631457/

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Does anyone know the name of this song?

2005-12-11T03:51:51Z

Enjoy the video (dial up may take a few minutes)

Does anyone know the name of this wonderful somg. If so please post...all others enjoy this amazing light show.

http://www.lakeisabella.net/lights.htm

Pam

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

An Explosive Fourth Of July?

2005-07-14T08:58:14Z

Just about everyone remembers the patriotic groundswell after the events of 9-11-01, and just about everyone remembers how quickly it went away. Now, with public sentiment towards President Bush and the war in Iraq starting to swing in the angry direction, I'm wondering what kind of July 4th we can expect this year. It's normally a time when Americans celebrate their freedoms and the founding of this country. However, more and more people believe that our freedoms are shrinking and that the country we live in barely resembles the one that was founded over 200 years ago.

Some still believe and get teary-eyed about America and they'll light their skyrockets and roman candles, saluting our soldiers, celebrating the greatest country in the world, the most powerful and the most free. These are probably the same folks who drive Hummers, live in $500,000 houses and don't mix with the likes of common folk, unless they have to. Maybe I'm wrong - some immigrants may celebrate too - but maybe they have no clue just how bad things are. Then again, isn't it always worse someplace else?

Except for the lure to pyromaniacs, there's just not much left in the Fourth Of July that means much in my opinion. Seems this country's undone everything that our forefathers laid in place. Not that they were perfect either.

I think there's hope, that maybe we'll celebrate a day that eclipses July 4th as a day that we assert our independence. But it'll take another revolution to make it happen.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

The Glory (and the horror) of Easter

2005-03-26T21:36:21Z

Whatever you believe, it's clear that there are two big camps entrenched when it comes to Easter. Those who believe that Jesus was crucified and then laid in a tomb behind a stone that was rolled away when he rose from the dead, and those who celebrate dressing up, hiding eggs and eating lots of jelly beans left behind by a rabbit.

This year, my wife and I are going to spend some time with our aunt and uncle, and hopefully, go see "Robots."

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Chinese New Year

2005-02-10T03:14:25Z

Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.

The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family.

The presence of the ancestors is acknowledged on New Year's Eve with a dinner arranged for them at the family banquet table. The spirits of the ancestors, together with the living, celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu. It symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.

The Chinese New Year day is on January 22nd, 2004. Because this is a new moon day, it is the first day of the first Chinese lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar system. The new moon time is at 05:05 on 22-Jan-04 in China time zone. However, the new moon time is at 13:05 of 21-Jan-04 in the US Pacific Standard Time and also at 10:05 of 21-Jan-04 in the US Eastern Standard Time, so the Chinese New Year day is on January 21st, 2004 for USA time zones.

In China, the first day of the Green Monkey Year is February 4th, 2004 in the Fortune-Telling Calendar system, because February 4th, 2004 is the first day of Tiger month and the Tiger month is the first month of a year in Chinese Fortune-Telling Calendar system.

In the Chinese Fortune-Telling calendar, the first day of the first month, Tiger month, is called "Start of Spring", which is when the sun enters the 315th degree on the tropical zodiac. In the China time zone, the time of Start of Spring is at 02-04 19:56. So the first day of the Green Monkey year 2004 is on 04-Feb-03. For USA, the time of Start of Spring is on 02-03 at 03:56 PST, therefore the first day of 2004 Chinese astrology calendar in USA is same to China time zone. If a baby was born on or after the Start of Spring, then she or he is a Green Monkey in the family.

The Year 2004 (Green Monkey) is the 4701st Chinese year. The Chinese believe that the first king of China was the Yellow King (he was not the first emperor of China). The Yellow King became king in 2697 B.C., therefore China will enter the 4701st year on February 4th, 2004. Also, the Chinese Year uses the cycle of 60 Stem-Branch counting systems and the Green Monkey is the 21st Stem-Branch in the cycle. Since 4700 = (60 *78) + 21, therefore this Green Monkey Year is the 4701st Chinese Year.

Whew! This calendar stuff is confusing. : )

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

are there any holiday traditions you wish would DIE OUT?

2005-01-22T18:23:27Z

yes. encouraging little kids to believe in the literal existence of Santa Clause. why? because in a lot of cases they get their feelings hurt when they learn the truth. that's not right!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

MLK day

2005-01-17T22:38:27Z

For those of you enjoying the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday - remember when this wasn't even a holiday? Do you ever wonder why they made it a government holiday?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 12 replies

New Year's Eve

2004-12-27T21:44:03Z

What are you doing? Got any creative, great ideas of what to do to celebrate a brand new year and new opportunities?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

SOLSTICE

2004-12-21T19:43:35Z

happy solstice to all! northern hemisphere: winter. southern hemisphere: summer.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

NEW holiday tradition proposals!

2004-11-27T17:46:37Z

i'll srart the thread with this: i think that at Halloween costume parties, at the apropriate hour, the tune Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk should be played.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2004-11-21T20:09:32Z

As many folks are going to be out of town... I just wanted to wish a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all.

Be blessed, and remember that you are. What an amazing gift we are given: this life, the ability to respirate, and create, and dream, and share... to connect.

Much love to you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 9 replies

This Is Halloween

2004-11-08T04:50:38Z

Boo!

Poking my head in to see that Quiche is still here keeping things lively! I've been trapped in the Real World with no escape - which brings me to this month's big holiday: Halloween.

Devisive, isn't it? Either you love it or you hate it, but it's difficult to ignore. Seems a lot more than the usual anti-Halloween sites are cropping up as religious folk begin their messages to the flock. Which is strange, considering how much ceremony has been gleaned over the years from pagan sources!

In any case - what are your feelings about Halloween, its origins and what it's come to represent in popular culture?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 8 replies

Day Of The Dead

2004-11-02T20:51:24Z

Is anyone here recognizing this observance this year?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

November Holiday overview

2004-10-31T21:17:51Z

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): November 1
* All Saint's Day: November 1
* All Soul's Day: November 2
* US Election Day: Tuesday, November 4
* Veterans Day: November 11
* Birth of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i holiday): November 12
* Thanksgiving Day (US): Thursday, November 27
* Eid al-Fitr: November 25/26 (Depends on the sighting of the moon in North America)

Did I miss any?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 9 replies

Columbus Day

2004-10-12T12:26:33Z

Didn't get mail today, which is very weird, then I realized...today is Columbus Day! I remember that was a big deal when I was a kid, now my children don't "celebrate" it at school. Times and attitudes sure have changed. It's interesting how Columbus is viewed now in contrast to how he was viewed in the 1960s.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

Birthdays? Do they count?

2004-10-03T20:14:21Z

Well, If a birthday isn't a holiday, It certianly is a special day. We should start a birthday thread. Mine is on the 23rd of this month and I'll be 38 years old. Your turn :o)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 8 replies

EQUINOX

2004-09-23T01:18:30Z

Happy Equinox! today's the fall equinox in the norther hemisphere, & the spring equinox in the southern.
see:

www.factmonster.com/spot/equinox1.html

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

FRIDAY THE 13th

2004-08-26T01:06:04Z

HAPPY GOOD LUCK DAY EVERYBODY! be especially kind to black cats & snakes.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

4th of July

2004-07-09T14:41:37Z

It may not be perfect, but it's definitely better than some of the options, right? Happy Birthday America!

Any traditions out there?

Bing and I are headed to South Florida for a Mohave show (they are one of the opening acts for Molly Hatchet at a "Support the Troops" & "Project Hope" benefit). If we don't get to see any fireworks, we'll make our own!

Blessings and energy for a safe weekend to all of you. Enjoy!

Jae

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

SUMMER SOLSTICE

2004-06-24T02:20:48Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!!!...say...it's awfully quiet on this tribe lately. let me hear from you, okay?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

JUNE 15

2004-06-15T19:59:33Z

today's the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. does anyone here intend to celebrate? i do, but i haven't decided what to do yet.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

JUNE 16 IS BLOOMSDAY...what are you going to do about it?

2004-06-10T20:37:13Z

as for myself, i intend to get together with some friends at a local bar. we'll each bring copies of James Joyces's books & read passages from them & have a few pints.
have no idea what i'm talking about? read this:

http://www.robotwisdom.com/jaj/ulysses/bloomsday.html

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

MAY

2004-05-09T21:19:59Z

happy Beltain & International Labor Day to all!
a relevant link:

http://www.planet.net.au/innovations/may/96/mayday.html

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

Happy Earth day!

2004-04-22T18:44:36Z

Happy Earth Day!

Hug a tree. PLANT a tree. Love yer Mother. ;)

Do you celebrate Earth Day? What do you do?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

Easter Traditions

2004-04-11T20:20:34Z

Does anyone have any? What are they?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 8 replies

April Holidays

2004-04-01T15:48:07Z

April

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The name of this month comes from the Latin word aperire, "to open." This is appropriate for a month of blossoming flowers dedicated to Aphrodite.

The Anglo-Saxon name for this month is Eastermonath, the month of Eostre the goddess of Spring and origin of Easter. The Irish word for April is Aibrean or an Giblean. The end of April is known as Seachtain an t-Sionnaich, end of the winds. The Franks called it Ostarmanoth. The Asatru and many other Pagans call it Ostara.

The first Full Moon of this month is called Seed of Planting Moon, Budding Tree Moon, or Growing Moon. It is also referred to as Pink Moon, Green Grass Moon, Planter or Planting Moon, and Hare Moon, names it shares with May’s Moon. It also shares the name, Wind Moon, with March.

On April 20th, the zodiac turns from Aries to Taurus. April’s stone and the birthstone of The sweat pea is the flower for April children. Aries is the diamond, though on some older lists, sapphire is the stone for the month of April. The birthstone for Taurus is the emerald. Aries also lays claim to amethyst, carnelian, garnet, fire agate, pink tourmaline, and topaz, while aquamarine, lapis lazuli, kunzite, rose quartz, and sapphire are associated with Taurus.

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Lunar Holy Days

The Christian holiday of Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first Full Moon of the spring equinox. Though one of the most important Christian holidays, it was drawn together from many pagan traditions, and its name came from the goddess of Spring, Eostre. The Easter Bunny is a fertility symbol of Teutonic origin, and the hare was an emblem of Eostre. Eggs, a major part of the celebration, also have their origin as fertility symbols.

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The first Thursday after the 19th of April is Sumarda Gurinn-fyrsti, the first day of summer in Iceland.

The first or third Saturday in April is Glen Saturday. The children of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire gather to pick daffodils at Crawfurdland Castle.

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1ST
The tradition behind April Fool's Day is uncertain. Though sometimes linked to a tradition of releasing insane people for one day a year for the amusement of "normal" folk, it is also considered sacred to Loki, the Norse trickster god, and it is acceptable to play tricks on people till noon. The day may even have evolved from the festival of Cerelia. An ancient Roman feast, it celebrated the story of Proserpina. Due to the hopelessness of Ceres' quest to find her daughter, it has been called a "fool's errand."

Some believe the celebration of April Fool's Day began many years ago in France. It may even relate back to the ancient festivals held on the vernal Equinox, March 21st. This was the beginning of the new year according to the pre-Gregorian calendar. In France when the Gregorian calendar was changed by Charles IX in 1564, the beginning of the new year was changed and celebrated on January first. Those people who still celebrated the day on the first of April were then known as April Fools'.

Prior to the change of the date it was customary to give gifts on the first day of the year. When the date was changed, people began sending mock gifts to other people on April, making them April fools. In France, a person who resisted in changing the date of the new year was victimized by pranksters who played practical jokes on him. This person became a poisson d'avril, an April Fish.

Some believe the origin lies in the weather of the vernal equinox which seems to fool all of mankind. In many countries however, April Fools' Day is not celebrated on the first of April. In Mexico, April Fools' Day falls on the 28th of December. In ancient Rome, the day was celebrated on the 25th of March. While they observe the day on the 31st of March in India.

The festival of Veneralia or Festum Verneris honors Venus "Goddess of Beauty, Mother of Love, Queen of Laugher, Mistress of the Grapes." This is a time for women to seek good relations with men. During the, married women invoked the goddesses Concordia, Venus, and Fortuna. The jewelry and decorations of Venus was removed from her statue. The figure was washed, dried, and the golden necklaces restored. Offerings of roses and other flowers, myrtle and incense were given. English folklore says myrtle won't grow unless planted by a woman. Fortuna Virilis is also held today in honor of Fortuna. Today was a festival of good luck honoring the goddess Fortuna, Lady Luck, to whom all gamblers pray whether they know it or not.

This is the 17th day of Pachons according to the Egyptian calendar. It is a day scared to Hathor.

2ND
The day following All Fool's Day is Preen-tail Day or Tailie Day in Scotland. Paper tails were attached to the backs of unsuspecting people as a joke.

The 18th day of Pachons is the Day of Joy of the Ennead and crew of Ra.

3RD
Cybele, the Magna Mater, was honored with a Phrygian festival called the Megalesia which begins tonight. On the advice of the sibylline oracle on how to end the Punic wars, a meteorite which represented Cybele was brought from Phrygia to Rome in 204 BCE where it was installed in the Temple of victory on April 4th. The harvest that year was wonderful and the war ended the following year, giving rise to a parade in her honor in which her image was carried through the streets in a chariot drawn by lions, her animals. The castrated priests who served her, danced alongside, playing timbrels and cymbals and gashing themselves.

This is the birthday of Hans Christian Anderson.

The 19th day of Pachons is the Day of the Counting of Thoth Who heard Ma´at.

4TH
This is the first day of the Megalensia or Megalesia, a festival in honor of the Magna Mater, Cybele. In commemoration of the arrival of the holy stone image of Cybele at Rome, the people held processions and games. From the fourth to the tenth of April at her temple on the summit of the Palatine, scenic plays, Ludi Megalenses, were held in her honor.

On the 20th day of Pachons, Ma´at judges the souls before the Netjeru.

5TH
This is the second Day of the Megalesia.

This is the feast day if the Chinese goddess, Kwan-Yin or KwanShi-Yin, goddess of mercy, tolerance, and understanding.

In China, this is Tomb Sweeping Day.

6TH
This is the third Day of the Megalesia.

7TH
This is the fourth Day of the Megalesia.

In Romania, offerings were made to the Blajini, "kindly ones," the hidden spirits of water and the underworld.

The Church of All Worlds was founded in 1972.

8TH
This is the fifth Day of the Megalesia.

(12th?) The Cuchumatan Indians of Guatamala perform a special ceremony called Sealing the Frost after the corn is planted. In an attempt to protect the precious crop against winter's return, they climb a nearby cliff where frost is said to live. The Shaman is lowered on a rope to a crack in the cliff's face which he plasters up to seal in the cold.

The Aztecs of Mexico held the feast of the Hummingbird in honor of warriors who had died in battle or offered their lives in sacrifice. They were thought to live in the sun for four years before returning as hummingbirds.

Hana Matsuri, the birth of Buddha, and the Buddhist Flower festival are celebrated today.

9TH
This is the sixth Day of the Megalesia.

In the Portuguese territory of Macao on the peninsula along China's south coast, the goddess A-Ma, patroness of sailors and fishermen, is honored.

10TH
This is the seventh and last day of the Megalesia. An array of the deities was carried through a procession, and horse races were held with the prize of the first palm.

According to ancient Celtic folklore, the Sun dances each year on this day. In many parts of Ireland, people arise at the first light of dawn to watch the Sun "dance" in a shimmering bowl of water.

Bau, the Goddess Mother of Ea, was honored each year on this day in ancient Babylon with a sacred religious festival called The Day of Bau.

Birthday of Montague Summers in 1880, a folklore scholar.

11TH
The Ludi Cerealici or Cerealia begins tonight. Cross inscribed loaves of bread are traditionally baked in honor of the Roman goddess Diana. In Greece, branches of evergreen, myrtle, or bay were worn by children for protection against the evil eye.

In Armenia, the goddess Anahita is honored annually on this day with a sacred festival. The deity of both love and lunar power, she dwells within the silver light of the moon.

12TH
This is the first day of the Cerealia. Games introduced at the founding of the temple of Ceres were held from the twelfth to the nineteenth of April. In later times, another festival to Ceres was established in August. While the Megalesia was mainly a patrician holiday, the lower classes had the Cerealia. This was a time to pray for peace. Offerings of grain (spelt), salt, and incense were left on the hearth. White is Ceres' proper color. She was prayed to for peace, good government, and abundance.

In Taiwan, the goddess who presides over birth, Chu-Si-Niu, is honored annually with a religious festival. Pregnant women go to her temples in order to receive blessings for their unborn children.

The Nepalese New Year occurs in the middle of an eight day festival called Bisket. According to tradition, a princess was possessed by two serpent demons who killed all of her lovers. A foreign prince arranged a tryst, but unlike his predecessors, he came prepared. After they made love, he resolved to stay awake and keep watch. Two dark thread-like tendrils rose from her nostrils, expanding and solidifying into two snakes which he promptly killed.

This is the first day of the Japanese Kamo-Tama-Yori-Hime festival. O-yamakui-no-kami and his wife Kamo-tama-yori-hime were honored from April twelfth to fourteenth. They each have two shrines, one for his (or her) entirety, and one for his (or her) soul or spirit of the outside world (aramitama), equaling four shrines in all.
On the first day of the religious festival (matsuri) the two aramitama, whose shrines are side by side, are brought down in two portable shrines (mikoshi) and left in the adytum (i.e. haiden) of the main shrines consecrated to the soul or spirit of the inner world (nigimitama) of the God. At 9 pm, they are married - the two mikoshi are joined, back to back, and they are left there all night.

13TH
This is the second day of the Cerealia.

Thailand's Buddhists welcome the New Year for three days with ceremonies of cleansing. Statues of the Buddha are ritually bathed and people throw water at each other to wash away the old year's evils.

The Spring festival of Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty, was held today. Libertas commemorated the creation of the Atrium Libertatis, the temple of the goddess Liberty.

This is the second day of the Japanese Kamo-Tama-Yori-Hime festival. The two nigi-mitama are taken from the haiden of the two main shrines and placed in two other mikoshi. The four mikoshi are then brought into the haiden of another shrine, the Obuyu-jinja. They are placed in separate compartments on a platform and decorated with flowers, fruit, mirrors, paint-brushes and 'anything that may amuse a child'. Children offer artificial flowers. At 4 pm, they are offered tea, and at 9 pm, about a hundred men come to shake the four mikoshi violently for one and a half hours (symbolic of rigors of child-birth), while a ritual dance (shishimai) is performed for their benefit. They are thrown from the platform (representing the actual child-birth) and each mikoshi is taken back to its own shrine. The child-kami that was born is called Kamo-wakaikozuchi-no-kami.

14TH
This is the third day of the Cerealia.

This is the third day of the Japanese Kamo-Tama-Yori-Hime festival.

According to the Norse calendar, Sommersblot welcomes the summer half of the year. According to superstitious belief, the fourteenth day of April is a very unlucky time for travel, especially by ship. (It was on this date in the year 1912 that the ocean liner Titanic collided with an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the sea.) Whether the Titanic tragedy spawned the superstition or merely served to reinforce it is unknown.

Maryamma (or Mariamne), the Hindu goddess of the sea, is honored in India with an annual festival.

On the 30th day of Pachons, Celebrations were held in the House of Ra, Osiris and Horus.

15TH
This is the fourth day of the Cerealia.

A feast was organized by the Vestal Virgins in honor of Tellus Mater, an Italian Earth-mother, to insure plenty during the year. To ensure a productive year and the continued health of the world, farmers sacrificed a pregnant cow and cremated the unborn calf. Tellus is the matron goddess of all environmentalists.

This is the New Year in Bangladesh.

The Festival of the Iron Phallus, Kanamara Matsuri, is celebrated annually in Kawasaki City, Japan. The ancient Japanese deities associated with sexuality and human reproduction give their sacred blessings and encouragement, especially to couples who wed late in life or to men who suffer from declining potency. Originally the shrine existed to honor the gods of iron, but historically, the area was also the site of lots of brothels. The workers used the temple to pray not to get syphilis and from that this festival started.

The Pi-Puppids meteor shower begins today and ends on the twenty-eighth, peaking on the twenty-third. This is a relatively young stream, only been detected since 1972, and produced by the Comet P/Grigg-Skjellerup. It is best viewed from the southern hemisphere.

The first day of Payni is a Festival of Horus and also for Bast.

16TH
This is the fifth day of the Cerealia.

The god Apollo was worshiped by his faithful cult in ancient Greece during an annual festival called the Hiketeria.

On this date in the year 1946, Pagan author Margot Adler was born in Little Rock Arkansas. Her Wiccan handfasting on June 19, 1988, was the first Neo-Pagan Wedding to appear in the New York Times' society pages.

It was customary to begin weeding the crops today.

The 2nd day of Payni is a Holiday of Ra and His Shemsu (followers).

17TH
This is the sixth day of the Cerealia.

Dedicated to Machendrana, the ancient and powerful Indian God of rain, an annual religious event called the Chariot Festival of the Rain God is held in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. Beginning today, the festival continues for approximately eight consecutive weeks.

18TH
This is the seventh day of the Cerealia.

The Hindu god Rama, seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu, and the goddess Sita are honored with the festival of Rama-Navami, commemorating his royal birth as the first born son of King Dasratha. As part of the celebrations, Hindus tell their favorite stories from his epic poem Ramayana.

19TH
This is the eighth and last day of the Cerealia. This is the same as the Thesmophoria of the Greeks.

20TH
The Palilia or Parilia honors the goddess Pales and commemorates the day Romulus built his city. Later the Pales were a pair of familial pastoral deities who guarded cattle and sheep. At twilight, shepherds purified their sheep. First the ground was sprinkled with water, then the sheepfold was decorated with leaves and branches with a large garland at the door. The sheep were run through the smoke made by burning pure sulfur while olives and pine and laurel crackled at the hearth. A basket of millet and millet cakes were offer to the goddess with a pail of milk. As these things were offered, the worshipper requested that she look after the health of the livestock and shepherd alike and that he be forgiven for an unknowing trespass against the nature spirits of the area. The shepherd asked that his flock be numerous and their udders always full, that the cheeses from the milk bring him money and the wool of his sheep be soft. With this request he promised that should his prayers be granted, there would be great cakes for Palesevery year. This appeal said four times, facing the east, the shepherd washed his hands in dewy grass. After leaping over a bonfire three times, herdsmen would enjoy a feast in honor of the Pales. In Rome, the festival was celebrated with wine and merriment.
The Foundation of Rome is celebrated today as the Dea Roma or Natalis Urbis Romae. The walls of Rome were built during the festival of Pales. After the second century, Palilia was combined with Dea Roma and was celebrated as her birthday with processions and Circensian games, which continued till the 5th century.

On St. George's Day, a Christian equivalent of the Parilia, Southern Slovenian peasants crowned their cows with wreaths of flowers. Later in the evening, the wreaths were taken from the cows and fastened to the door of the cattle-stall, where they remain throughout the year till the next St. George's Day. St. George's Day is a continuation of an ancient fertility festival in England. He is a version of Bellerophon, slayer of the Chimera, and of Sigurd, the Norse dragon slayer. The Asatru honor Sigurd and their homeland.

The seventh day of Payni is a Feast of Wadjet.

22ND
The first Earth Day took place in 1970 as a result of the Ecology Movement. Since then, it has been held each year to help encourage recycling programs, the use of solar energy, and to increase community awareness of important environmental issues. As a day dedicated to Mother Earth, it is a time for witches throughout the world to perform Gaia-healing rituals.

The Lyrids meteor shower began on the sixteenth and will continue till the twenty-fifth. It peaks on or around this day and is associated with the comet Thatcher.

23RD
The Vinalia Priora was held in honor of Jupiter and Venus. The wine of the previous year was broached, and a libation from it poured on the grass. Later on August 19th, there was the Vinalia rustica. Astarte, Tanith, Aphrodite, and Venus Erycina were also honored. Myrtle and the mint were offered with bands of rushes hid in clustered roses by woman seeking the goddess’ favor.

24TH
According to folklore, the ghosts of all men, women, and children destined to pass away in the next year could be seen floating by on this night if a person were brave enough to spend the night awake on the front porch. If they were unfortunate enough to fall asleep during the vigil, or if they failed to repeat it annually for the remainder of their life, they would not wake up again the following morning.

St. Mark's Eve is a night for divining the future. A young woman wishing to discover the identity of her future lover would fast after sunset and make a cake during the night containing an eggshell of salt, wheat meal, and barley meal. Opening the door to her dwelling place, her future husband would enter to turn the cake.

This is Children’s Day in Iceland.

25TH
St. Mark's Day coincided with the Roman festival of Robigalia. To protect crops from mold, Roman citizens proceeded to a grove outside the city each year and sacrificed a dog and a sheep to Robigus and Robigo (or Rubigo), the god and goddess of mildew. The goddess was asked to “gnaw” on the iron of swords rather than crops and farming implements because weapons were not needed in a world of peace.

Cuckoo's day heralds the arrival of migratory birds from the south, indicating a return of summer.

In the year 1989, USA Today reported that Patricia Hutchins, a military Wiccan stationed at an air force base in Texas, was granted religious leave by the United States Military in order to observe the eight Sabbats of the Wicca religion. She was the first Wiccan in history to have her religious holidays granted by the U.S. Air Force.

26TH
In the Republic of Sierre Leone, New Year's Day is devoted to a seed sowing ceremony designed to appease the goddess of fertility.

27TH
The Floralia begins tonight.

The farmers of the Bambara tribe in Mali honor Tyi Wara, a mythical figure, half man and half beast with song and dance. It is that Tyi Wara was sent down to Earth by the gods of nature in order to teach human beings the necessary skills of farming.

28TH
Six days of government sanctioned debauchery began today with the Roman festival of Floralia. Flora, originally a Sabine goddess spring and flowers, was offered prayers for prosperous ripe fruits of fields and trees. She was also regarded as a goddess youth and its pleasures. In later times, she was identified with the Greek goddess Chloris. Men decorated themselves and their animals with flowers, especially roses. Women put aside their usual clothes and wore festive dresses. The scene was one of unrestrained merriment. The first five days of the games were theatrical performances, consisting of very lewd farces called mimes. The people ate porridge, peas and lentils during the games.The festival began with a play featuring nude actresses who used obscene gestures and dance as part of their performance. Ribald games followed, such as catching hares or goats, two very fertile creatures. Young men would erect trees or poles in front of the house of their sweet-heart to show their feelings. Beans and seeds were thrown at the crowds to denote fertility and fecundity.

When Augustus was made Pontifex Maximus, he built a chapel to Vesta in his own house on the Palatine and dedicated it on April 28th as a public holiday.

29TH
This is the second day of the Floralia.

This is a modern holiday called Pagan Tree Day. Plant a tree dedicated to your favorite Pagan goddess or god. For instance, plant a myrtle tree in honor of Venus and Aphrodite, an oak for Demeter, Diana, and Hera, a pine for Attis, Cybele, and Pan, a rowan tree for all moon-goddesses, a sycamore for all Egyptian gods and goddesses, a willow for Artemis, Brigid, and Persephone, or a yew for Hecate and Saturn, etc.

30TH
This is the third day of the Floralia.

The Acca Larentia or Laurentia honors the Lares. The second Laurentia occurs on the 23rd of December. The Romans made offerings to the foster-mother of Romulus and Remus, and the priest of Mars makes libations at a fig-tree.

This is Oidhche Bhealtaine, Bealtaine Eve, or May Eve. Walpurgis Night is celebrated in Germany and Cernunnos Dydd, the Day of Cernunnos, is Welsh. It is the night before Beltaine, celebrated with bonfires, masquerades, and parties. People leapt the fires to purify themselves for the coming season. Birch boughs are placed on all doors and windows to protect the home from evil spirits and sorcery. Traditional bonfires and torches of rosemary and juniper are lit. Wood taken from nine sacred trees (hazel, oak, apple, alder, birch, holly, willow, aspen, and ash) is kindled with bracken on a specially prepared patch of ground, producing need-fire. The ground was first prepared with a square drawn and divided into nine smaller squares. All the outer squares were dug out, and the fire was kindled in the center by turning an oak spindle in an oak log socket. All the fires in the community were traditionally extinguished to be relit from the need-fire, the symbolic central hearth of the community and divine spark of all things. May Cakes made from oatmeal with the same grid patterns as the had been drawn for the fire were the traditional food. The May Pole, a birch tree (a tree of purification) is cut. Flowers, garlands, and maybushes (hawthorn) decorate buildings. Children gather spring flowers and hang May baskets.

In 1990, the sacred Brocken mountain in Germany was reclaimed on Walpurgis Night by women's groups.

The festival of the dead begins in Portugal and Spain.

In 1988, Alexander Sanders, founder of the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca, died of lung cancer.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Tribe is shutting down!

2004-04-01T14:01:13Z

April Fool's! :)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

New pics?

2004-03-27T07:17:58Z

Anyone have any pictures for the next couple of months?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

A Holiday Pantoum

2004-03-25T02:01:11Z

this is a pantoum poem I wrote for a holiday contest that I wanted to share:

Sugar Plum Fantasy

a sugar plum fantasy
for our little girl
no sleep tonight
she's listening for sleighbells

for our little girl
candy canes and innocence
she's listening for sleighbells
because she still believes

innocence and candy canes
no sleep tonight
because she still believes
a sugar plum fantasy

©2003JennyWerx

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

March Holidays

2004-03-23T22:35:12Z

March, named for Mars, was the first month of the Greek and Roman calendar. Mars is god of war but also of fertile soil, equivalent to the Greek Ares and Tiu or Tiwazn an old sky god of Europe. He is also equated with the Celtic Teutates and the Norse Tyr. Mars' original name was Mavors. After Jupiter, he is the chief Roman god, often called Marspater, "Father Mars." He has three aspects, the martial god Gradivus, the rustic god Silvanus, and the patron of the Roman state Quirinus. The wolf and the woodpecker are his sacred animals.

March was called Mi an Mháárta or am Mart in Ireland, the seed time, and Hrethmonath, "Hertha's month," by the Anglo-Saxons, honoring the earth mother Hertha or Nerthus. The Frankish name for March was Lentzinmanoth, "renewal month." The Asatru call it Lenting.

The first Full Moon of this month is called the Worm or Sap Moon. It shares the names Storm Moon with February and Moon of Winds with April. It may also be referred to as the Moon of the Snowbird, the Crow Moon, and Lenting Moon.

Pisces and Aries hold power over March, the Zodiac turning to Aries around March 21st. The flower for those born in March is the daffodil and smaller jonquil. Bloodstone or jasper, or sometimes aquamarine, are the jewels for the month of March. Pisces birthstone is the amethyst, while diamond is the stone for Aries. Albite, amethyst, chrysoprase, fluorite, green tourmaline, labradorite, moonstone, and opal are other stones for Pisces, and Aries also lays claim to amethyst, carnelian, garnet, fire agate, pink tourmaline, and topaz.

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Lunar Holy Days

Over several days preceding the Full Moon, the Hindu festival of Holi is held to celebrate the arrival of spring and the destruction of the demon Holika who was burned to death for devouring children.

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1ST
This is the first day of the Roman festival of Matronalia, sacred to Juno Lucina. It is the anniversary of the foundation of the temple of Juno Lucina on the Esquiline. In homes throughout the empire, prayers are offered to Juno for a prosperous wedlock and women receive presents from men. Traditional gifts consist of fruit or honey. In the temple of the goddess, flower crowned women and girls pray and bring her pious offerings of flowers. The goddess is represented veiled with a flower in her right hand and an infant in swaddling clothes in her left. Female slaves were free on this day while their mistresses waited on them.

During the Strenia, the old laurel branches of the old New Year's Day kept before the doors of the rex sacrorum, the great flamines, the curiae, and the temple of Vesta are replaced by new branches. A new fire is lit in Vesta’s secret shrine, to mark the rekindled flame of the New Year. This fire can only be rekindled by a burning glass or by the friction of boring a piece of wood from a fruit tree.

In Bulgaria, this is Granny March's Day. Women are forbidden to work today or incur the wrath of Granny March who will call upon the weather to demolish the new crops. Tomorrow is Mother’s March.

In Wales, this day is holy to St. Davis, their patron saint. The leek and daffodil, representing the vigorous growth of spring, are his emblematic plants.

In Scotland, March first thru the third is known as Whuppity Scoorie. Designed to wake Mother Earth from her long wintry nap, Anglo-Saxon and Celtic customs held that people must go out and ritually tap the earth three times with a staff or wand, calling Mother Earth by name and telling her it is time to wake. This is a very rowdy and noisy holiday. Mother is a deep sleeper sometimes. Pennies are thrown out for the children who scramble to pick them up, and participants strike each other with balls of paper tied with string (or bonnets).

Iduna, Norse goddess of Spring, is honored today.

Gwyl o Merriddyn is the Feast of Merlin celebrated beginning at sundown.

The Golden Dawn was founded on this day in 1888.

The Covenant of the Goddess (COG) was formed in 1975.

2ND
This day is sacred to Ceadda, god of healing springs and holy wells. He is also known as Saint Chad of Lichfield. His symbol is the Crann Bethadh, the tree of life. Honor a holy well today by cleaning it and making an offering of flowers.

The 17th day of Parmutit in the Egyptian calendar celebrates the Going forth of Seth, Son of Nut.

3RD
Aegir, a Teutonic sea god is honored today. He and his Christian counterpart, St. Winnal, control the sea's tide and weather. This day is associated with storms.
First comes David,
Next comes Chad,
Then comes Winnal,
Roaring mad.

The Japanese Doll festival, O-Hinamatsuri, is celebrated with paper dolls designed to either draw off illness and evil spirits or to act as representatives of the good attributes people want to draw to themselves. The Girls Festival, Jomi No Sekku or Munakata-no-kami, also occurs today. Most Shinto temples actively participate in the Hina-matsuri, Momo-no-sekku, or Jomi-no-sekku.
There are mainly three kinds of dolls: the hina, the tachibina (a paper doll and probably the oldest) and also wooden dolls. Every town is decked with dolls, and every doll-shop in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other large cities is gaily decked with O Hina Sama, the whole Japanese Court in miniature. Many hina dolls are family heirlooms, handed down from mothers to daughters for generations. The regular set (Dairi-hina) consists of fifteen dolls: the lord and lady (Dairi-sama), three ladies-in-waiting (Konjo), five musicians, two retainers and three guards. Many modern hina now represent actors, actresses, baseball players, etc.

Placed beneath the main dolls are various tiny household utensils and furniture, including trays with food bowls, mirrors, musical instruments, boxes, smoking units and many other things. The dolls are offered mochi (rice cakes) dyed in three colors - red, green and white, as well as shirazake, a sweet mild rice wine. New furniture is often added annually. Traditionally, this festival is said to commemorate the birth of the three Muna Katano-Kami, the three daughters of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. It is also a favorite day for marriages.

Rhyfeddod Lleiaf o Rhiannon, the Lesser Mysteries of Rhiannon, begins at sundown and continues till dawn of March 6th. Rhiannon is the Welsh ancestor goddess of the moon and horses. The horse is a shamanic animal symbolic of movement between worlds. Rhiannon is similar to Epona and Mare, two other goddesses of horses. Mare brings dreams and Epona has the power of transformation at her disposal.
An old Irish custom has it that if fires are lit just before dawn at each corner of a perfect crossroad (according to the cardinal points) before sitting down at the side, you may be able to spy Epona fleeing from the coming sunrise.

4TH
The three day Greek festival of Anthesteria honors departed souls or keres. It is a festival dedicated to Flora, Hecate, and Dionysus with the intent to "feed" the dead in the hope that the ancestors might bring good fortune to the living and not cause any mischief around living family members.
The festival begins with flowers, phallic processions, and the opening of the newly fermented bottles of wine. The living ritually purify themselves by bathing and making sacrifice to Dionysus. They slaughter calves and share the meat with the god, incinerating some of the meat that it might float up into the air (the custom for sacrificing to all Olympian gods), and eating the rest of it as a shared feast.
The major ritual of the festival is the Choe, libations poured for the dead. The living drink wine and eat with the dead, believing that Dionysic revelry is not limited to the living, but that in his Chthonic aspect as the “Lord of Souls,” that he grants ecstatic experiences to the dead. It is of importannce that the wine and food for the dead and the wine and food for the living never mix. For the food reserved for the dead is just that, not fit for the living. On the last day, visiting spirits are dismissed back to the underworld.

In 1968, the Church of All Worlds (CAW) formed in Missouri to become the first Wiccan Church to do so in the US.

On the 19th day of Parmutit, a Feast of Ra occurs in his Barge at Heliopolis.

5TH
When winter storms lose their force, a ship is dedicated to Isis as a new season of sailing begins. This is the ancient Egyptian festival of Isidis Navigum (the ship of Isis) or the Ploiaphesia which honored Isis' invention of the sail and her patronage of sailing-craft and navigation.
As part of the festivities, a parade was performed in honor of Isis. Following in a procession of mummers, the priests carry emblems of Isis. The Chief Priest carries a lamp, a golden boat-shaped light with a tall tongue of flame from a hole in the center. The second priest holds an auxiliaria (ritual pot) in each of his hands, and the third carries a miniature palm-tree. The fourth priest carries a model of the left hand with the fingers stretched out, the emblem of justice as well as a golden vessel in the shape of a woman's breast. From the nipple falls a thin stream of milk. The fifth cleric carries a winnowing-fan woven with golden rods, not osiers. The final man, not a priest, carries a wine-jar.
Next in the procession comes Anubis with a face black on one side and golden on the other and a man carrying a statue of a cow, representing the Goddess as the fruitful Mother of us all. After them walks a priest with a box containing the secret implements of Isis’ cult, and another priest carries a secret vessel in his robes. It is a small container of burnished gold with thickly crowded Egyptian hieroglyphics and a rounded bottom, a long spout, and a generously curving handle. Along the handle is an asp raising its head and displaying its throat.
Waiting at the seashore is a beautifully built ship covered with Egyptian hieroglyphics. The sail is fashioned of white linen inscribed with large letters with a prayer for the Goddess's protection of the shipping lanes during the new sailing season, and the long mast is made of fir. The prow is shaped like the neck of Isis's holy goose, and the long keel is cut from a solid trunk of citrus-wood.
The ship is purified with a lighted torch, an egg, and sulphur, and then hallowed and dedicated to the Goddess. All present place winnowing-fans heaped with aromatics and other votive offerings on board while pouring milk into the sea as a libation. When the ship is loaded with gifts and prayers for good fortune, the anchor cables are cut, setting the ship free.

Today is a Japanese Kite festival.

6TH
The brotherhood of Roman warriors, the Salii, dance in honor of Mars in ancient Roman warrior garb. Leaping about, they rhythmically beat their figure-eight shields (ancilia) while holding spears.

Household gods in Rome are honored today as well. The Manes and Lares are honored at the Compitalia.

This is the birthday of Laurie Cabot.

7TH
Junonalia is a Roman festival held in honor of Juno. A procession of twenty-seven girls, dressed in long robes sing hymns as they accompany a statue of the goddess carved from cypress wood, her sacred tree.

8TH
Today is considered Mother Earth's birthday in China.

10TH
The Ibo people of Nigeria consider this day the last of the year. This is also a Siamese New Year.

This is the first Day and Night of the Farvardigan, the Ten Days of the Dead, a Persian festival lasting ten days (the 10th to 20th). These days should be spent in deeds of charity, religious banquets (gasan), and ceremonies in memory of the dead. This holy day honors the Fravashis of the ancient Persians who appear to be similar to the Manes of Rome.

Ishtar is honored in Babylon, as is the Syrian and Graeco-Roman Astarte, Aphrodite, and Venus.

11TH
In 1314, Jacques de Molay the last grand-master of the Night's Templar was burned at the stake by King Philip IV. He predicted that the King and Pope Clement V would follow him in forty days which they did.

In Greece, feats of strength and superhuman acts of courage are preformed in honor of Herakles or Hercules today.

12TH
Hypatia, the divine pagan, martyred by a Christian death squad, is remembered today. She was a famous philosopher and mathematician and dean of the Neo-Platonic school of Alexandria. She was considered an oracle for her wisdom, and was consulted by the magistrates in all important cases.

In Mesopotamia, this day is holy to Marduk.

Today is considered the deadline for planting onions in England.

This is the birthday of Stewart Edward White, psychical researcher, who became the president of the American Society for Psychical Research in San Francisco.

On the 27th day of Parmutit, Sekhmet initiates the End of the World

13TH
Diotima, teacher of Socrates, is honored.

14TH
The Ghanaian New Year celebration begins today. The first eleven days are devoted to a series purposeful dances designed to drive away the evil spirits of the dead, bring luck, and ensure a good harvest, among other things. On the 12th day, spirit shrines are washed clean of the old year and bad memories. On the thirteenth day, which falls on the day after the spring equinox, the New Year is greeted.

The Roman festival of Verturius Mamurius celebrates the art of armor making.

15TH
This is a holy day of Rhea, Greek goddess of the earth and mother to Zeus and of Cybele. River sprites and nymphs are also honored today.

In Egypt on the 30th day of Parmutit, offerings are given to Ra, Asar, Horus, Osiris, Horus, Ptah, Sokar and Atum.

Anna Perenna is a Roman goddess whose festival falls on 15th March (originally the first full moon of the year as the New Year once began in March). The goddess apparently had a fruiting grove between the Flaminian and the Salarian roads, where it was customary to have picnics, public prayers, and general revelry in order to bring a healthy year. The nature of the holiday is very similar to May Day and Midsummer Eve celebrations in many parts of Europe.

16TH
This is the beginning of Libera or Liberalia, a two day festival to promote a fruitful grape harvest.

The 1st day of Pachons honors the Feat of Horus and His Companions.

17TH
Trefuilnid Treochair, the national day of Ireland, is the feast for the "triple bearer of the triple key," a trident carrying divinity assimilated into St. Patrick. His sacred plant is the shamrock.

The Libera or Liberalia is held in honor of Liber, the Roman version of Bacchus, and Dionysus. Slaves were allowed to speak with freedom, and everything bore the appearance of independence. Liber, with his consort Libera, is honored in the hopes of a fruitful wine crop. Old women, crowned with ivy, sell cakes (liba) of meal, honey and oil, and incinerate them on little pans as offerings in the purchasers’ name. From liba comes the word libation.

This is the first day of the six day Buddhist Higan festival in honor of the equinox and the Dead. Buddhists believe when the night and day are equally divided, Buddha appears on earth to save stray souls and lead them to Nirvana. Higan means the other shore. A river full of illusions, passion, pain and sorrow marks the division of this earthly world and the future world of salvation. Only when one crosses the river, fighting strong currents of temptation, to the other shore, can enlightenment be found.
The custom of offering food to the dead during the week developed a general custom of giving such specially prepared food to friends and neighbors. The most common food is Ohagi or soft rice ball covered with sweetened bean paste. Sushi or vinegared rice with vegetable, the Japanese counterpart of sandwiches, is also made in many households to offer to the ancestors and distribute to their friends and neighbors. No meat is used in Higan food.

18TH
Born in 1877, Edgar Cayce's birthday was today.

The Irish goddess Sheilah na Gig, a fertility goddess, is honored today as a patroness of thresholds and women's mysteries. She is identified variously as St. Patrick's wife or mother. In Iceland, this is known as Sheelah’s Day.

19TH
Akitu is a ten day long Babylonian festival held in memory of the marriage of heaven and earth.

In Greece, this is known as the Micra (lesser) Panathenaea in honor of Athene. This became the Quintania or Quinquatrus in honor of Minerva in the hands of the Romans. The Panathenaea is the most ancient and most important of Athenian festivals. The Lesser Panathenaea is celebrated every year, with the Megala (greater) Panathenaea held every fifth year and in the third year of every Olympiad. Only later was the Micra Panathenaea moved to spring, perhaps by Roman influence to make it correspond to the Quinquatrus of Minerva. The date of the Micra Panathenaea in the earlier Greek period was May 5th.
In the lesser festival, there are three games conducted by ten presidents. On the evening of the first day, there is a race with torches. On the second, there is gymnastic combat and trials of strength and bodily dexterity. The last is a musical contest, instituted by Pericles, and concerts are performed. The poets compete in four plays, called the tetralogia, the last of which is a satire. The victor in any of these games is rewarded with a vessel of oil and a crown of olives (which are sacred to the goddess), which grew in the grove of Academus.
Other ceremonies were added, such as a procession in which Minerva's sacred peplos, or garment, is carried. Woven by a select number of virgins called ergazika, from ergos, “work,” the peplos is white or saffron and sleeveless with gold embroidery detailing the achievements of the goddess. Two of the arrephoroi, young virgins between the ages of eleven and seventeen, attend the ergazika. The arrephoroi wear white with ornaments of gold.
In the ceramicus outside the city near the Hill of Ares, a ship is built. From this, Minerva's peplos is hung as a sail. The ship is taken to the temple of Ceres Eleusinia and then to the citadel where the peplos is placed upon Minerva's statue. The statue lies upon a bed (plakis) woven or strewed with flowers.

The Quinquatrus or Quinquatria in honor of Minerva continues for five days. The first day of the festival commemorates her birth and the founding of her temple, the Minerva Capta. All those whose employment fall under the protection of the goddess celebrate Quinquatria. Students have a holiday during the festival, and begin a new course of study when it is over. Teachers receive their yearly stipend at this time - the minerval. Women and children (as spinners and weavers), artisans and artists, and poets and painters observe the festival of Minerva.

Eyvind Kinnrifi is a martyr for Odin, remembered today.

The Elizabethan statute against witchcraft was enacted in 1563.

20TH
The Vernal Equinox occurs on or about the 20th of March. Alban Eilir is observed by the Druids. The Spring Equinox is celebrated with a festival in honor of Eostre, goddess of spring and dawn. Many call it Ostara, the name of the Teutonic virgin goddess of Spring. It was a very important Sabbat from Greece to the Nordic lands. In Egypt, it is the Pelusia, a festival of Isis as she caused the Nile to begin its annual flooding. It has become Easter in the Christian religion but retains its original theme of rebirth. At Ostara, day and night are equal. The Romans referred to this as Nox et Dies, when Ares made night and day run an even race. The Sun will begin to overtake the darkness of winter until its peak at the Summer Solstice in June. Daffodils, woodruff, violets, gorse, olives, peonies, irises, and all Spring flowers are sacred to the Spring Goddess. Foods associated with this holy day, are seeds, leafy green vegetables, spiced or flower cupcakes, fruits, and hard-boiled eggs. Seeds and eggs are symbols of fertility.

This is the last day of the Persian Farvardigan festival of the dead.

21ST
The holy city of Tara was founded in Ireland by the Milesian princesses Tea and Tephi. A festival is held in conjunction with the Vernal Equinox, and a sacred fire is lit from which all other fires were kindled.

The Coming Forth of the Great Ones of the House of Ra is recalled on the 6th day of Pachons.

This is No Ruz, the New Year according to the Zoroastrian religion.

22ND
This is the Mesopotamian New Year’s Day.

23RD
The festival of Marzenna is a Polish festival. Three to four foot tall straw dolls are woven to represent the waning season. Dressed in festive rags and ribbons, they are tossed into a body of water when spring arrives.

The Asatru festival of Summer Finding, sacred to Thor, acknowledges the light of the sun becoming more powerful than the darkness. Frey and Freya are also honored.

The Spring Imperial Festival, Shunki-Koreisan, is celebrated in Japan. At this, the midpoint of the Higan festival, Buddhists visit their dead.

Today (or on the 25th) there is a festival of Mars and Nerine. Nerine is equated with Neria or Nerio (strong), a Sabine goddess who is identified with Athena (Minerva) or Aphrodite (Venus).

A festival of Isis is held on the 8th day of Pachons

24TH
This day is sacred to Prytania or Britannia, the guardian goddess of Great Britain (Albion).

Heimdall, guardian of heaven equated with the archangel Gabriel is honored today.

The Phrygian rites of Cybele and Attis begins tonight.

This is Dies Sanguinis, called Bellona's Day in Rome.

25TH
This is the Hilaria (festival of joy) or Lady Day. Cybele and Attis are honored by the Romans with a celebration today. The pine tree, which is sacred to Attis, plays a central role in the celebration. Self-castrated priests served his cult.

Lady Day became a strong tradition in Cornish and Welsh areas. Though the date varies, April 24th or Mid July, today's date dominates. During Medieval times, this holy day was moved to April 4th and renamed in honor of St. Mark in an effort to break the pagan influence of the holiday.
Eggs are buried in fields in Cornwall for fertility, everything is decorated with flowers, and there is feasting and dancing. Looking into a pool of rainwater while drinking fresh milk allowed young women to scry for a future mate. Dairy products were a major food of the feast. A woman who gives birth today is considered blessed by the goddess. The afterbirth is sacred and is offered back to the goddess in sacrifice. The famous Men an Tol, standing stones, in Cornwall is a site of fertility rituals for women having trouble conceiving. The woman passes herself nine times clockwise through a natural hole in the stones.

This is one the days upon which it was asserted the world was created.

Pope Innocent III established the Inquisition in 1199.

On the 14th day of Pachons, the Day of cutting out of the tongue of Sobek is recalled.

26TH
This is the start of the growing season in Slavic countries. Until today, the earth was pregnant, and it was considered a grave sin to plow the pregnant earth with iron.

This is the birthday of Joseph Campbell, author and professor of mythology.

The rite of Cybele and Attis continues with the Requietio, a day of repose.

27TH
Liberalia honors the Roman vegetation god Liber. Held to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood, this is usually set at the age of seventeen.

This is the last day of the rites of Cybele and Attis, the Lavatio. A procession travels to the brook Almo with an image of the goddess sitting in a wagon drawn by oxen. The statue’s face is of jagged black stone. The high priest washes the wagon, the image, and the other sacred objects in the waters of the stream.

28TH
The sun and moon were created.

The old Roman festival of Sacrifice at the Tombs is performed to honor the ancestors.

Scott Cunningham died in 1993 from complications caused by AIDS.

29TH
The Bobo people of Africa believe the equilibrium of the sun, rain, and soil is upset every time humans farm. Each year, they masquerade in special costumes and painted masks, begging the intermediary god to correct the balance, banish evil, and bring rain.

This is the date of a festival in honor of Ishtar in Babylon.

30TH
A festival of Janus and Concordia is held today.

31ST
The Romans honor Luna, goddess of the Full Moon, with a festival at her temple on the Aventine hill.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

Happy President's Day

2004-02-17T02:36:56Z

So what are you doing with your day off? And if you're working, do you think about Abe and George? (Washington, not Dubya!)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

February holidays

2004-02-16T14:44:54Z

Will Phil see his shadow this year?

Groundhog Day - February 2nd
This is a very popular tradition in the US. On this day, the groundhog comes out of his hole after sleeping through the winter (hibernating,) to look for his shadow. His shadow predicts the weather for the next few weeks. Stay tuned for what this year's shadow brings.

Man, next to Christmas, this might be the second most-hated holiday - and what for?

Valentines Day - February 14th
This is the day of love... and chocolates! This holiday goes back hundreds of years and is around today thanks to a Catholic Bishop. The origins of this holiday involve love, secret weddings and a beheading. Check back for more on the big v-day in Behind the Holiday later this month.

Will we ever celebrate any Bush's birthday?

President's Day - February 17th
Originally the holiday set aside to celebrate George Washington's birthday but President's Day has evolved into a day of recognition for all past and present presidents. At one time, both Abraham Lincoln's birthday and George Washington's brithday were celebrated as seperate holidays, just ten days apart. But, in 1971, President Nixon merged the two holidays and the third Monday in February was officially designated President's Day.

Heritage Day - February 17th
Every third Monday in February, Canadians celebrate Heritage Day. It's not a statutory holiday (yet) but Canadians still appreciate a day to remember their past, eh?

What am I missing?

February 25th - Ash Wednesday

February 24th - Flag Day (Mexico)

What's the deal with Ash Wednesday? Anyone here can weigh in?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 9 replies

Valentine's Day?

2004-02-14T21:18:19Z

So, Who celebrate's it? I hope my hubby will take me out to my favorite seafood restaurant.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 35 replies

Valentine's Day Origins

2004-02-12T04:18:37Z

Hi all,

I'm new here, but I thought I'd introduce myself by re-introducing Valentine's Day to you.

-- Candace

The Origin of Valentine's Day

What better time of the year could a holiday like Valentine’s Day find a home than during spring, a time of love and flowers? A popular holiday of romance when all tokens of affection are exchanged, Valentine’s Day is one of the most obvious continuations of ancient fertility festivals.

Confusion surrounds the exact identity of the man called Saint Valentine, for at least three Saint Valentines are mentioned in the early martyrologies. One is described as a priest in Rome, another as a Bishop of Terni in Italy, and the other lived and died in Africa. The priest of Rome and the Bishop of Terni are often considered the same person. A priest and physician, he was killed during the persecutions of the Emperor Claudius II Gothicus (the Groth). Claudius believed the reason for the dwindling number of men enlisting in his army was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, he cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret and was eventually executed for defying the emperor. He was beaten to death by clubs on February 14, 269 AD, decapitated, and buried in the Roman road Via Flaminia. This was later the site of a basilica built by Pope Julius I. His matrimonial activities coupled with the traditions of Lupercalia made Saint Valentine the patron saint of lovers. Two hundred years later, Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

In the days when Christianity was still taking control of a Pagan Europe, the Roman church was in the practice of merging many Pagan holy days with its own in an effort to both convert and make conversion easier for Pagan worshippers. In this way,
St Valentine's Day was combined with the old Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia, adopting many of its traditions. Valentine’s Day has always been celebrated on February 14, while Lupercalia is observed on February 15.

Lupercalia is primarily a spring festival, honoring the Roman gods Faunus and Lupercus. Faunus (like the Greek Pan) is a god of flocks and fertility, while Lupercus protected the flock from wolfs. Lupercalia was intended to ensure the fertility and protection of flocks, fields and people, but in Rome it was also meant to honor the twin founders of their city –Remus and Romulus –who were nursed by the she-wolf Lupa as children. The Luperci priests sacrificed goats and dogs on Palatine Hill at the Lupercal, the cave where the twins were raised by the wolf. After they had smeared wool dipped in milk and the blood of the sacrifice on the foreheads of young boys, the boys would run through the streets dressed in animal skins, laughing and wielding februa (thongs made from goat-hide). With these thongs, they would slap (februatio) women gathered in the streets, ensuring both fertility and easy child delivery. The name of the month of February came from these words, meaning “to purify.”

As the Roman Empire spread, so too did the observation of Roman and Roman-hybrid holidays. Even after the power of Rome began to wane, Lupercalia was still celebrated by its citizens. Only the focus of the holiday changed, realigning to a more popular female deity. Juno, the goddess of women and marriage, became the deity of Lupercalia. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia, girls placed their names in a container, possibly accompanied by love notes, to be used in a type of lottery. A boy drawing a girl’s name would seek (or was guaranteed) her favor. The two were then considered partners for the festival's duration, sometimes for an entire year. The union often resulted in love and marriage for the young couple. In the Middle Ages, men and women drew names from a bowl to determine their Valentines. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week, and from this tradition came the phrase “wearing your heart on your sleeve.”

As far back as the Middle Ages, lovers would exchange or sing romantic verses at this time. It is thought the young French Duke of Orleans invented the first Valentine-like cards in the 1400s. Captured in battle and held prisoner in the Tower of London for many years, he wrote countless love poems to his wife, sixty of which remain among the royal papers kept in the British Museum. In 1537, King Henry the Eighth declared that February 14 was "Saint Valentine's Day" by Royal Charter. By the 1700s, exchange of handcrafted greeting cards had become a common practice, and the observance grew to include Valentine gifts. In America however, Valentine's Day did not become a tradition until around the Civil War (1861-65). Early Valentines were homemade, fashioned by hand with colored paper, watercolors, lace, ribbon, and colored inks. Miss Esther Howland is credited with developing the first commercial Valentines, reputedly earning $5,000 her first year in business, at the time a great deal of money. By the early 1900s, a card company named Norcross began to produce valentines. Hallmark owns a collection of rare antique valentines and occasionally displays them. Valentine's Day became so popular it rivaled Christmas. This is perhaps why St Valentine’s Day was dropped from the Roman Church Calendar in 1969.

Handmade valentines varied, but included:
--Acrostic valentines: verses whose first lines spelled out a beloved's name
--Cut-out valentines: made by folding the paper several times, then cutting out a lacelike design with small, sharp, pointed scissors
--Pinprick valentines: made by pricking tiny holes in a paper with a pin or needle to create the look of lace
--Theorem or Poonah valentines: designs that were painted through a stencil cut in oil paper, a style that came from the Orient
--Rebus valentines: verses in which tiny pictures take the place of some of the words (for example, an eye would take the place of the word "I")
--Puzzle Purse valentines: a folded puzzle to read and refold. Among their many folds were verses that had to be read in a certain order
--Fraktur valentines: had ornamental lettering in the style of the medieval illuminated manuscripts

Other Traditions:
--In England, children dressed as adults on Valentine's Day and went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was:
Good morning to you, valentine;
Curl your locks as I do mine---
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine.

--In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as Valentine gifts. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favorite decorations on the spoons.

--In some countries, a young woman might receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she kept it she was agreeing to marry him.

--Birds are also thought to choose their mates on February 14th. By watching birds, a young woman can discover what kind of man she will marry. A robin means a sailor for a husband; a sparrow means a poor man but a happy union. A gold finch represented a wealthy mate.

--In Rome, girls place five bay leaves under their pillows to dream of their future husbands or lovers.

--In Japan, Valentine’s Day ladies buy chocolate for the men. There are two kinds of chocolate –the kiri-choco for friends and acquaintances and has no romantic connotations and the hon-mei for a boy friend, lover or husband. Exactly one month later on White Day the men reciprocate, giving gifts of white chocolate to all the ladies who remembered them on Valentines Day.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

Obscure January holidays

2004-02-01T19:59:00Z

January 25 is . . . . Opposite Day

January 26 is . . . . Australia Day

January 27 is . . . . Punch the Clock Day and Thomas Crapper Day

January 28 is . . . . National Kazoo Day, Clash Day, Rattle Snake Round-Up Day

January 29 is . . . . National Cornchip Day

January 30 is . . . . Escape Day

January 31 is . . . . National Popcorn Day and Child Labor Day

I'm not making this up.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 10 replies

Be Mine!

2004-01-21T16:27:07Z

I know, I know... there's six whole weeks to go yet before Valentine's Day.

But still... it doesn't hurt to ask early, does it?

Will *you* be my Valentine?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 19 replies

January Holidays

2004-01-14T15:15:09Z

It's 2004 and we're back where we started from: but the holidays aren't nearly as glitzy towards the start of the year - I wonder if it works out like that for a reason?

Anyway - the most prominent on this month's calendar;

January 1st - New Year's Day, of course

January 15th - Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday (observed on the 19th as an "official" holiday)

January 22nd - Chinese New Year (Year of the Monkey)

and there are many others, but hopefully, some of you will fill them in. : )

Definitely a kind of light month.

Cheers,

Bing

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 10 replies

New Year's day.

2004-01-06T01:39:19Z

This was the best New Year's day in a really long time.

As soon as I completed today's work, the kiddo and I spent much of it on a photo safari hike.

We got a few cool photos (digital) before the camera's batteries wore out... then we just explored. We saw an otter, a wild turtle, a multitude of Floridian birds (egrets, herons and the like) and other varied flora and fauna.

We got eaten alive by mosquitoes, but it was worth it when our 'gator distress calls' paid off and we were SURROUNDED by the creatures.

Then, on the way home we had occasion to rescue a cat out of a tree, which we did successfully. We returned it to a grateful owner (but the cat was less than thrilled).

It was great. So far, this year is shaping up to be really wild.

:)

What did you do today? I hope your New Year's Day was as special and cool as ours... and that the year coming is interesting for us all. :)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

New Year's Resolutions

2004-01-06T01:28:38Z

Got any?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 20 replies

Kwanzaa

2004-01-02T03:32:34Z

http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/

I must confess that I don't know much about Kwanzaa - it is an observance that is fairly newly organized, yet points to ages-old traditions. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili, widely spoken in Africa.

Any insight on this celebration, which begins this Friday, December 26th and then passes through till January 1st?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 5 replies

That's what I get for being such an Ass...

2003-12-31T15:39:47Z

Ok, some of you may or may not remember a few postings of mine that were on the *bitchy* side regarding how I usually get inappropriate presents for Christmas (like gold jewelry and I only wear silver) and I'd rather not get gifts at all if this was gonna be the case...Well, this Christmas I got a Silver bracelet and Silver earrings from the very person who had been giving me gold all these years! Wow, did I feel like an ass! Every gift I got this year was appropriate and thoughtful. I also got A LOT less than I usually do and that suited me just fine!
So now here I am, feeling very humbled and meek, eating my words.
Just thought you might like to know! ;)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 5 replies

What are you doing for New Year's?

2003-12-31T12:33:06Z

What plans do you have, where ever you might be? How do you wish to be remembered celebrating the changing of the calendar, the welcoming of the new year?

Jae and I will be at a Winter Park, Florida party with live music, munchies and good friends. Who wants to be in the middle of tons of people during an Orange Security alert anyway? I'm not paranoid, but it just gets weirder and weirder out there....

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

New Year's Eve/Day

2003-12-26T22:26:42Z

And yet another holiday that comes bounding along, but this one doesn't really have any religious overtones to it. Unless you dig back far into history, that is!

New Year's is one of mankind's oldest holidays. It has been celebrated different ways by different religions and nationalities. It has also been celebrated all different times of the year, but in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII officially proclaimed that New Year's would be celebrated on January 1st every year. The purpose of the holiday has always been to say farewell to the old year, which was filled with sins and sorrow, and to say hello to the new year, which will be filled with joy and opportunities. Now in order to say goodbye to the old year, most Americans stay awake until midnight on New Year's Eve. Many people attend parties to celebrate with friends. Often people count down the ten seconds before midnight to be certain everyone sees the exact moment. Then at exactly midnight, everyone yells, screams, blows horns, or rattles some kind of noise maker. Legends say that the noise will scare away the devils and evil spirits who lived in the old year and keep them from coming into the new one.

Common Traditions

* Kiss family and friends.
* Sing the song "Auld Lang Syne" by Robbie Burns. Many people no longer know the words to this song, to they just hum along as the music is played. It is written in a very old Scottish style, and many of the words are words native speakers don't even know. The song tells about two friends who have fun and play together. They make a wish that they will always be friends.
* Watch the ball drop on Times Square in New York. Every year a huge metal ball is covered with lights and raised on a pole on the roof of a skyscraper in Times Square. Above the ball, in lights, it says the old year (1999). At exactly midnight, the ball falls down, and at the bottom of the pole, the new year suddenly lights up (2000). This is shown on television around the country as midnight comes to each time zone.
* Make New Year's resolutions. The most common are to lose weight and to quit smoking.
* In the South, people eat black-eyed peas and rice for good luck.
* Watch American football games.
* Watch the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. This is a parade where hundreds of huge floats are made completely of flowers.

What will YOU do for New Year's this year? What have you done in the past? And have you been able to keep your resolutions?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Pathetic?

2003-12-26T22:22:13Z

Today... I was told that I am pathetic because I like the traditional stuff -- lights on the tree, shopping for presents ... and wearing a Santa hat.

Interesting adjective to describe that, huh?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 24 replies

My Card to All

2003-12-26T22:18:12Z

I posted a Holiday Angel, Guardian 2003.
A Peaceful holiday to all my friends here.
Love,
Ve.

P.S.

The SECOND ONE is smaller when you click on it. So use the one titled FOR ALL HERE

I can't remember how to delete these things...if anyone does remember, please delete the first one(too huge)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2003-12-26T22:13:37Z

Merry Christmas to all of you lovely people!

I hope everybody has the most joyful and blessed of holidays.

Mine couldn't get much nicer-- we read "The Night before Christmas" and said nighttime prayers and the little one is SOOOOO excited... our house is full of love and peace tonight, and the good warmth of the love of friends and family.

I wish the same for you and yours.

Happy Holidays!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

The best holiday!

2003-12-26T22:09:59Z

This has been the best holiday ever. Bing and I went to Epcot last night for the Candlelight Processional, courtesy of our friend Kristy. She performs in the choir. Just like last year, it was amazing. The music is breathtaking ... and Epcot at Christmas ... how can you NOT have a good time? It was chilly, and Bing kept me snuggle cuddle warm ... and even warmer when we got home! :)

Today, we had a quiet, relaxing, sexy morning together.. .then we spent the afternoon with family and friends! Bing played his dulcimer (both kinds) and we stuffed ourselves and laughed and just had a really good time.

Bing is resting now. I'm baking a red velvet cake to take to Nedder's house tomorrow night .... the holiday isn't over just yet!

I hope all of you enjoyed your holiday and are at peace tonight as well.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

Anybody see Bad Santa?

2003-12-24T04:04:18Z

Billy Bob is one of my favorite actors..did anybody catch this one? I hear it's pretty hilarious.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

happy hanukah

2003-12-24T03:52:51Z

To all Jewish Tribe Members Happy Hanukah :)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

Holiday Greetings

2003-12-24T03:49:32Z

I might not be around to do it at the time (don't worry, I mean away from internet access, or crossing the pond, rather than swimming in the Hudson) so I'll do it now.

May everyone enjoy this holiday period, savour those close to you, and think warmly of those who cannot be near, for whatever reasons.

Let our new year bring health, happiness and prosperity to all.

With all my love,

Mark xx

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

Holiday Recipes

2003-12-24T02:25:26Z

This may well end up being the longest thread in the tribe. If you've got any kind of holiday recipes, lay 'em out here so that we can try them as the celebrations roll around. There's no better way to guarantee a legacy of food then by passing down the recipes!

And I love me some cookin' - ask Jae - I'm the chef in the family, and I'll lay some good stuff on-ya, uh-huh! LOL!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 29 replies

Unique Christmas Traditions.

2003-12-21T07:41:05Z

What are Christmas traditions that may be unique to you and your family?

Aside from the typical holiday traditions that so many of us share, we have several things that simply have to happen to make proper Christmas magic... without them, it just doesn't feel like Christmas.

1. WINDOW DECORATIONS: At some point in the holiday season, a relative (Dad, my brother, grandma, my sis) and I *must* paint holiday window decorations on the windows of a local business (we call this a 'splash'.) Ideally, this happens near dusk so the paint drips can freeze on our hands until our hands are numb. After the paint job and money collection, a single Andes candy must be eaten -- it's like holy communion!

2. PENNIES: The youngest child (or strongest Santa-believer) must tape the seven shinest pennies they can find to the wall above their bed's headboard 7 days before Christmas. Each night, one penny is removed after they say their evening prayers. This is powerful magic to summon The Claus. ;)

3. MUSIC: Along with the traditional beautiful carols, it just wouldn't be Christmas in my house without such holiday-music bastardizations as:

(To the tune of Feliz Navidad)
Police Nab My dad
Police Nab My dad
Police Nab My dad
And now poor Dad, he is stuck in jail...

(Sung by one of my parents to the Tune of 'Christmas is Coming, the goose is getting fat')
Christmas is Over, we fooled you, didn't we?
We didn't even buy a crummy Christmas tree.
You didn't get no presents, you didn't get to sing.
Aren't you disappointed? 'Cause you missed the whole thing!

(is it any wonder we're all warped?)

There are so many other family traditions we keep, but this is getting rather long... And I want to hear from *you*!

What are your most bizarre or unique holiday traditions?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

least favorite christmas song?

2003-12-20T14:04:06Z

what is your least fav? Mine is "Grandma got run over by a reindeer." Which happens to be far too popular here in the south.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

Visions of Sugarplums (long)

2003-12-20T14:01:38Z

Five minutes before the Winter Solstice circle was scheduled to begin, my mother called. Since I'm the only one in our coven who doesn't run on Pagan Standard Time, I took the call. Half the people hadn't arrived, and those who had wouldn't settle down to business for at least twenty minutes.
"Merry Christmas, Frannie."
"Hi, Mom. I don't do Christmas."
"Maybe not--but I do, so I'll say it." she told me in her sassy voice, kind of sweet and vinegary at the same time. "If I can respect your freedom of religion, you can respect my freedom of speech."
I grinned and rolled my eyes. "And the score is Mom - one, Fran -nothing. But I love you, anyway."
People were bustling around in the next room, setting up the altar, decking the halls with what I considered excessive amounts of holly and ivy, and singing something like, "O Solstice Tree." "It sounds like a...holiday party." Mom said.
"We're doing Winter Solstice tonight."
"Oh. That's sort of like your version of Christmas, right?"
I wanted to snap back that Christmas was the Christian version of Solstice, but I held back.
"We celebrate the return of the sun. It's a lot quieter than Christmas. No shopping sprees, no pine needles and tinsel on the floor, and it doesn't wipe me out. I remember how you had always worked yourself to a frazzle by December 26."
"Oh honey, I loved doing all that stuff. I wouldn't trade those memories for all the spare time in the world. I wish you and Jack would loosen up a little for the baby's sake. When you were little, you enjoyed Easter bunnies and trick-or-treating and Christmas things. Since you've gotten into this Wicca religion, you sound a lot like Aunt Betty the year she was a Jehovah's Witness."
I laughed nervously. "Yeah. How is Aunt Betty?"
"Fine. She's into the Celestine Prophecy now, and she seems quite happy. Y'know," she went on, "Aunt Betty always said the Jehovah's Witnesses said those holiday things were pagan. So I don't see why you've given them up."
"Uh, they've been commercialized and polluted beyond recognition. We're into very simple, quiet celebrations."
"Well," she said dubiously, "as long as you're happy."
Sometimes long distance is better than being there, 'cause your mother can't give you the look that makes you agree with everything she says.
Jack rescued me by interrupting.
"Hi, Ma!" he called to the phone as he waved a beribboned sprig of mistletoe over my head. Then he kissed me, one of those quick noisy ones. I frowned at him.
"Druidic tradition, Fran. Swear to Goddess."
"Of course it is. Did the Druids use plastic berries?"
"Always. We'll be needing you in about five minutes."
"Okay. Gotta go, Mom. Love you."
We had a nice, serene kind of Solstice Circle. No jingling bells or filked-out Christmas Carols. Soon after the last coven member left, Jack was ready to pack it in.
"The baby's nestled all snug in her bed," he said with a yawn, "I think I'll go settle in for a long winter's nap."
I heaved a martyred sigh. He grinned unrepentantly, kissed me, called me a grinch, and went to bed. I stayed up and puttered around the house, trying to unwind. I sifted through the day's mail, ditched the flyers urging us to purchase all the Seasonal Joy we could afford or charge. I opened the card from his parents. Another sermonette: a manger scene and a Bible verse, with a handwritten note expressing his mother's fervent
hope that God's love and Christmas spirit would fill our hearts in this blessed season. She means well, really. I amused myself by picking out every pagan element I could find in the card.
When the mail had been sorted, I got up and started turning our ritual room back into a living room. As if the greeting card had carried a virus, I found myself humming Christmas carols. I turned on the classic rock station, but they were playing that Lennon-Ono Christmas song. I switched stations. The weatherman assured me that there was only a twenty percent chance of snow. Then, by Loki, the deejay let Bruce Springsteen insult my ears crooning, "yah better watch out, yah better not pout." I
tried the Oldies station. Elvis lives, and he does Christmas songs. Okay, fine. We'll do classical--no, we won't. They're playing Handel's Messiah.
Maybe the community radio station would have something secular humanist.
"Ahora, escucharemos a Jose Feliciano canta 'Feliz Navidad'."
I was getting annoyed. The radio doesn't usually get this saturated with holiday mush until the twenty-fourth.
"This is too weird." I said to the radio, "Cut that crap out."
The country station had some Kenny Rogers Christmas tune, the first rock station had gone from John and Yoko's Christmas song to Simon and Garfunkel's "Silent Night," and the other rock station still had Springsteen reliving his childhood.
"--I'm tellin' you why. SANTA Claus is comin' to town!" he bellowed. I was about to pick out a nice secular CD when there was a knock at the door.
Now, it could have been a coven member who'd forgotten something. It could have been someone with car trouble. It could have been any number of things, but it certainly couldn't have been a stout guy in a red suit--snowy beard, rosy cheeks, and all--backed by eight reindeer and a sleigh. I blinked, wondered crazily where Rudolph was, and blinked again.
There were nine reindeer. Our twenty-percent chance of snow had frosted the dead grass and was continuing to float down in fat flakes. "Hi, Frannie." he said warmly, "I've missed you."
"I'm stone cold sober, and you don't exist."
He looked at me with a mixture of sorrow and compassion and sighed heavily.
"That's why I miss you, Frannie. Can I come in? We need to talk."
I couldn't quite bring myself to slam the door on this vision,
hallucination, or whatever. So I let him in, because that made more sense then letting all the cold air in while I argued with someone who wasn't there. As he stepped in, a thought crossed my mind about various entities needing an invitation to get in houses. He flashed me a smile that would melt the polar caps.
"Don't you miss Christmas, Frannie?"
"No." I said flatly, "Apparently you don't see me when I'm sleeping and waking these days. I haven't been Christian for years."
"Oh, now don't let that stop you. We both know this holiday's older than that. Yule trees and Saturnalia and here-comes-the-sun, doodoodendoodoo."
I raised an eyebrow at the Beatles reference, then gave him my standard sermonette on the appropriation and adulteration that made Christmas no longer a Pagan holiday. I had done my homework. I listed centuries, I named names--St. Nicholas among them. "In the twentieth century version," I assured him, "Christmas is two parts crass commercialism mixed with one part blind faith in a religion I rejected years ago." I gave him my best lines, the ones that had convinced my coven to abstain from Christmasy cliches. My hallucination sat in Jack's favorite chair, nodding patiently at me.
"And you," I added nastily, "come here talking about ancient customs when you--in your current form--were invented in the nineteenth century by, um...Clement C. Moore."
He laughed, a rolling, belly-deep chuckle unlike any department-store Santa I'd ever heard.
"Of course I change my form now and then to suit fashion. Don't you? And does that stop you from being yourself?" He said, and asked me if I remembered Real Magic, by Isaac Bonewits.
I gaped at him for a moment, then caught myself. "This is like
`Labyrinth', right? I'm having a dream that pretends to be real, but is only made from pieces of things in my memory. You don't look a thing like David Bowie."
"Bonewits has this Switchboard Theory." Santa went on amiably, "The energy you put into your beliefs influences the real existence of the archetypal--oh, let me put it simpler: 'in the beginning, Man created God'. Ian Anderson." He lit a long-stemmed pipe. The tobacco had a mild and somehow Christmasy smell, and every puff sent up a wreath of smoke.
"I'm afraid it's a bit more complicated than Bonewits tells it, but that's close enough for mortals. Are you with me so far?"
"Oh, sure." I lied as unconvincingly as possible.
Santa sighed heavily.
"When's the last time you left out milk and cookies for me?"
"When I figured out my parents were eating them."
"Frannie, Frannie. Remember pinda balls, from Hinduism?"
"Rice balls left as offerings for ancestors and gods."
"Do Hindus really believe that the ancestors and gods eat pinda balls?"
"All right, y'got me there. They say that spirits consume the spiritual essence, then mortals can have what's left."
"Mm-hm." Santa smiled at me compassionately through his snowy beard.
I rallied quickly. "What about the toys? I know for a fact they aren't made by you and a bunch of non-union elves."
"Oh, that's quite true. Manufacturing physical objects out of magical energy is terribly expensive and breaks several laws of Nature--She only allows us to do that on special occasions. It certainly couldn't be done globally and annually. Now, the missus and the elves and I really do have a shop at the North Pole. Not the sort of thing the Air Force would ever
find. What we make up there is what makes this time a holiday, no matter what religion it's called."
"Don't tell me," I said, rolling my eyes, "you make the sun come back."
"Oh my, no. The solar cycle stuff, the Reason For The Season, isn't my department. My part is making it a holiday. We make a mild, non-addictive psychedelic thing called Christmas spirit. Try some."
He dipped his fingers in a pocket and tossed red-gold-green-silver glitter at me. I could have ducked. I don't know why I didn't.
It smelled like snow, and pine needles, and cedar chips in the fireplace. It smelled like fruitcake, like roast turkey, like that foamy white stuff you spray on the window with stencils. It felt like a crisp wind, Grandma's hugs, fuzzy new mittens, pine needles scrunching under my slippers. I saw twinkly lights, mistletoe in the doorway, smiling faces from years gone by. Several Christmas carols played almost simultaneously in a kind of medley.
I fought my way back to my living room and glared sternly at the
hallucination in Jack's chair.
"Fun stuff. Does the DEA know about this?"
"Oh, Frannie. Why are you such a hard case? I told you it's non-addictive and has no harmful side effects. Would Santa Claus lie to you?"
I opened my mouth and closed it again. We looked at each other a while.
"Can I have some more of that glittery stuff?"
"Mmmm. I think you need something stronger. Try a sugarplum."
I tasted rum ball. Peppermint. Those hard candies with the picture all the way through. Mama's favorite fudge. A chorus line of Christmas candies danced through my mouth. The Swedish Angel Chimes, run on candle power, say tingatingatingating. Mama, with a funny smile, promised to give Santa my letter. Greeting cards taped on the refrigerator door. We rode through the tree farm on a straw-filled trailer pulled by a red and
green tractor, looking for a perfect pine. It was so big, Daddy had to cut a bit off so the star wouldn't scrape the ceiling. Lights, ornaments, tinsel. Daddy lifted me up to the mantle to hang my stocking. My dolls stayed up to see Santa Claus, and in the morning they all had new clothes. Grandma carried in a platter with the world's biggest turkey,
and I got the drumstick. Joey's Christmas puppy chased my Christmas kitten up the tree and it would have fallen over but Daddy held it while Mama got the kitten out. Daddy said every bad word there was but he kept laughing anyway. I sneaked my favorite plastic horse into the nativity scene, between the camels and the donkey.
I came back to reality slowly, with a silly smile on my face and a tickly feeling behind my eyes like they wanted to cry. The phrase "visions of sugarplums" took on a whole new meaning.
"How long has it been," Santa asked, "since you played with a nativity set?-"
"But it symbolizes--"
"The winter-born king. The sacred Mother and her sun-child. Got a problem with that? You could redecorate it with pentagrams if you like, they'll look fine. As for the Christianization, I've heard who you invoke at Imbolc."
"But Bridgid was a Goddess for centuries before the Catholic Church-oh."
I crossed my arms and tried to glare at him, but failed. "You're a sneaky old elf, y'know?"
"The term is 'jolly old elf.' Care for another sugarplum?"
I did.
I tasted gingerbread. My first nip of eggnog the way the grown-ups drink it. Fresh sugar cookies, shaped like trees and decked with colored frosting. Dad had been laid off, but we managed a lot of cheer. They told us Christmas would be "slim pickings." Joey and I smiled bravely when Mama brought home that spindly spruce. We loaded down our "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" with every light and ornament it could hold. Popcorn and cranberry strings for the outdoor trees. Mistletoe in the hall: plastic
mistletoe, real kisses. Joey and I snipped and glued and stitched and painted treasures to give as presents. We agonized over our "Santa" letters...by now we knew where the goodies came from, and we tried to compromise between what we longed for and what we thought they could afford. Every day we hoped the factory would reopen. When Joey's dog ate my mitten, I wasn't brave. I knew that meant I'd get mittens for Christmas, and one less toy. I cried. On December twenty-fifth we opened
our presents ve-ery slo-wly, drawing out the experience. We made a show of cheer over our socks and shirts and meager haul of toys. I got red mittens. We could tell Mama and Daddy were proud of us for being so brave, because they were grinning like crazy.
"Go out to the garage for apples." Mama told us, "We'll have apple pancakes."
I don't remember having the pancakes. There was a dollhouse in the garage. No mass-produced aluminum thing but a homemade plywood dollhouse with wall-papered walls and real curtains and thread-spool chairs. My dolls were inside, with newly sewn clothes. Joey was on his knees in front of a plywood barn with hay in the loft. His old farm implements had new paint. Our plastic animals were corralled in popsicle stick fences.
The garage smelled like apples and hay, the cement was bone-chilling under my slippers, and I was crying.
My knees were drawn up to my chest, arms wrapped around them. My chest felt tight, like ice cracking in sunshine. Santa offered me a huge white handkerchief. When all the ice in my chest had melted, he cleared his throat. He was pretty misty-eyed, too.
"Want to come sit on my lap and tell me what you want for Christmas?"
"You've already given it to me." But I sat on his lap anyway, and kissed his rosy cheek until he did his famous laugh.
"I'd better go now, Frannie. I have other stops to make, and you have work to do."
"Right. I'd better pop the corn tonight, it strings best when it's stale." I let him out the door. The reindeer were pawing impatiently at
the moon-kissed new-fallen snow. I'd swear Rudolph winked at me.
"Don't forget the milk and cookies."
"Right. Uh, December twenty-fourth, or Solstice, or what?"
He shrugged. "Whatever night you expect me, I'll be there. Eh, don't wait up. Visits like this are tightly rationed. Laws of Nature, y'know, and She's strict with them."
"Gotcha. Thanks, Santa." I kissed his cheek again. "Happy Holidays." The phrase had a nice, non-denominational ring to it. I thought I'd call my parents and in-laws soon and try it out on them. Santa laid his finger aside of his nose and nodded.
"Blessed be, Frannie."
The sleigh soared up, and Santa really did exclaim something. It sounded like old German. Smart-aleck elf. When I closed the door, the radio was playing Jethro Tull's "Solstice Bells."

Visions of Sugarplums
by Margaret Morrison
first published in "The Rune," Winter '95
Copyright ©1995, Margaret Morrison (aka Morwyn Amrita Oake)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

Favorite Christmas Holiday Song

2003-12-20T03:24:15Z

My personal favorites at the moment are: Ride On Santa (a doowop song from 50s/60s and O Holy Night. What are yours?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 14 replies

Our Christmas Tree

2003-12-19T23:07:19Z

We put our tree up this afternoon! It's beautiful!! Bing and I had just gotten engaged before Christmas of last year and didn't start officially living together until January, so the tree here last year was *my* tree -- usual decorations and stuff. This year, our tree is new for both of us and is *our* tree. We inherited a bigger, better, faster fake tree from my aunt and uncle, and today we decorated it with beautiful purple and white lights, and gold and purple bulbs, and three (so far) ornaments that we've collected together that have special meaning for us (hey baby, can you find the pickle!).

It's beautiful, and it's *our* tree!

I love you, Binger.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 13 replies

Top 10 Hanukkah Songs That Never Quite Caught On

2003-12-18T15:17:26Z

Top 10 Hanukkah Songs That Never Quite Caught On:

Top 10 Hanukkah Songs That Never Quite Caught On:
________________________________________________

10. "Oy To The World"

9. "Schlepping Through A Winter Wonderland"

8. "Havah Negilah-The Mega-mix"

7. "Bubbie Got Run Over By A Reindeer"

6. "Enough With Those Jingle Bells Already!"

5. "Matzo Man" By The Lower East Side Village People

4. "I Have A Little Dreidel(The Barking Dogs Version)"

3. "Come On, Baby, Light My Menorah"

2. "Deck The Halls With Balls Of Challah"

And The #1 Hanukkah Song That Never Quite Caught
On....

"Silent Night? I Should Be So Lucky!"

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

I made this for you....

2003-12-17T16:39:31Z

Talking about making gifts for people for holidays, what is the most amazing thing you ever made for someone else?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

crees..mas

2003-12-17T13:35:21Z

...makes me nuts... it alwasy dread it coming.... it represnts to me this time where i am expected to spend outrageous amounts of money and stress about decorations.... i can appreciate it is a religious holiday and that is great...but you don't hear any other religious holidays (outside of christianity) where people monoploze the radio stations with that holiday's music and decorations and blessings of that said holiday...i am not the scrouge, really but why not allow people to revere their recognition to their belief system and not throw all the capitalization and force feed one belief system...majority, right...people say merry christmas...or god bless you and it is a bit presumtious, i think...not that i choose to negate anyone's beliefs...i encourage people to find out what they believe and live by it...i just have issue with cramming it down my throat..... why not choose to buy people gifts when you can afford it and because you want to, instead of the pressure that goes into christmas.... i like the aspect of family convening and the like.... i guess i am just irritated with the mass commercialization that has gone into the holiday... it make me ill
merry christmas ;)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 16 replies

Chanukah

2003-12-15T14:49:08Z

Is there anybody here who will be celebrating Chanukah that can enlighten us with what your family does during this celebration?

A friend of mine used to throw a big Seder celebration that she'd invite friends to, but it doesn't strike me that Chanukah is something that you have guests over for. Or am I wrong?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 12 replies

Artist

2003-12-15T05:44:56Z

Who drew the *XMAS...N.Y.*?
(gallery)

Very nice...

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

A Great Gift for a little girl you know

2003-12-15T02:51:32Z

My Little Ponys!!! they are only $5.00 a piece. they are cute and pretty. you can brush their hair. they are just irresistible! i even have one, and i'm 24! :)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Christmas Joke

2003-12-13T15:49:11Z

Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the
pearly gates.
" In honor of this holy season," Saint Peter said, "you
must each
possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven."
The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a
lighter.
He flicked it on. It represents a candle, he said.
You may pass through the pearly gates Saint Peter said.
The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of
keys.
He shook them and said, "They're bells."
Saint Peter said you may pass through the pearly gates.
The third man started searching desperately through his
pockets and
finally pulled out a pair of women's panties.
St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked,
"And
just what do those symbolize?"
The man replied, "They're Carol's."
And So The Holiday Season Begins...

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

Nice sentiment

2003-12-11T07:08:40Z

I got this in an email this morning and thought I would share it with everyone, as it's a very nice sentiment for not only the holidays, but everyday:

"Excellence isn't a synonym for perfection. What people will remember about the holidays is not that everything was done right but that it was done in a spirit of celebration and love."

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

Holiday Volunteering

2003-12-09T19:28:15Z

I posted this in the Orlando Tribe, but thought it might be a good one to put over here as well. What are some other volunteer things that y'all are doing during the holidays?

Thought I'd toss this one out there and see if anyone is interested in joining me this Saturday, 12/13, to volunteer for the Epilepsy Association gift wrapping booth at the Florida Mall. It's a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, it's a good cause, and you'll get to spread some holiday cheer! What better way to start the holidays? If you are interested, drop me a note for details.

P.S. - You don't have to be an expert gift wrapper either.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Holiday blues?

2003-12-09T14:41:03Z

They seem to be the worst this time of year and they get stronger all throughout the month of December. The suicide rate goes up, according to official reports and the cries of "bah humbug!" answer back the calls of "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah".

I wanna shower those of you with the holiday blues with some love, since I've known the feeling. Is anybody already feeling in a blue place?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 12 replies

I'm dreaming of a.....

2003-12-09T02:02:17Z

Yep! We've got snow and it's still snowing. Couldn't get out of the house to even buy groceries cause the roads were pretty bad.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 6 replies

Welcome Christmas.

2003-12-08T18:51:06Z

So as many of you probably know, I've been stressing out madly over the financial state of my house lately-- Santa money isn't here, neither are rent funds for that matter.

Things are really hard around here, and I've been feeling *really* blue.

But last night, kiddo and I watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as we do each year. Sitting there, holding her on my lap and singing the Whoville "Welcome Christmas" with her, I was reminded...

"Christmas day is in our grasp, as long as we have hands to clasp... Christmas day will always be, just as long as we have We."

I feel much better. Thank you -- as always -- Ted Geisel, for your words of wisdom, the gentle reminder I really needed. Because after all... Christmas can't be bought in a store: maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

Advent Services

2003-12-08T17:57:50Z

Tonight, Bing and I attended "An Advent Candlelight Procession with Lessons and Carols" at The Cathedral Church of St. Luke in downtown, Orlando. Our friend, Stu, is in the choir there and he invited us to the services last year and again this year. It's looking like this is going to be a Christmas tradition for Bing and me!

Neither of us are Episcopal, but it doesn't matter. The music and arrangements are just amazing. The Cathedral itself is just stunning and humbling.

It was a beautiful evening.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

One Last Tree Shot

2003-12-07T19:29:34Z

As promised, here is the finished tree (from another side)
but in daylight...
;->

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Me and the damn digital...;->

2003-12-07T18:09:40Z

For those who live in comfy warm climes...here's a peek out my window in NYC on our second snow day...UPLOADED TO GALLERY

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

ROCKEFELLAR TREE

2003-12-06T17:18:49Z

I uploaded the finished tree...but it was taken at night. I'll get a daytime shot today on the way to work.
Ve.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 5 replies

Where for Thanksgiving?

2003-12-04T22:23:05Z

So, where are you headed for Thanksgiving? Staying at home or traveling to be with family, friends or just to get away from the holiday madness?

Jae and I are going to Key West, Florida - her sister and brother-in-law have a house on the island and we'll be there through the weekend, soaking up some of the tropical sun and kick-back vibes! Her brother-in-law is an amazing cook, so we're really looking forward to this Thanksgiving Gone Troppo!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 19 replies

Thanksgiving Reviews

2003-12-03T21:36:26Z

Happy Monday to you!

We've all cruised through our first couple of holidays as a tribe - after all of the lead-up, I'd love to hear how everyone actually spent their Thanksgiving!

Jae and I are still in Key West, driving back to Orlando today. It was a wonderful Thanksgiving, ate only one plate of food and three whole servings of pie, ay-chihuahua! One of the turkey's was deep-fried, which was a first for me, and extremely delish; most of the guests were old-school Conchs (native Key Westers)and there was a real air of otherworldliness to the proceedings. All-in-all, it was beautiful.

Looking forward to catching up when we return!

Aloha nui loa,

Bing

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 7 replies

Bodhi Day

2003-12-03T20:28:55Z

December 8th is the Buddhist observance of Bodhi Day!

=============

The prince, Siddhartha Gautama, left his home and family and all his possessions behind at the age of 29 to discover the meaning of life, particularly its hardships. After six years of rigorous discipline and asceticism under the guidance of a number of spiritual teachers, he still hadn't found what he was looking for. While traveling with a small group of fellow seekers, he went off by himself, broke his fast, and sat down under a pipal tree and vowed not to arise until he understood. He sat through the week, day and night, and on the eighth morning came to the realization which became the founding principles of what the modern world calls Buddhism. Bodhi Day--Usually observed December 8 or the Sunday immediately preceding, is the date, according to Mahayana tradition, of Siddhartha Gautama’s realization and presentation to his fellow seekers of the Four Noble Truths:

1. All beings are subject to suffering. No one escapes... suffering is universal.

2. The cause of suffering is Ignorance. And Ignorance of oneself is the greatest Ignorance.

3. Ignorance, the cause of suffering, can be overcome, and

4. The way to overcome Ignorance is the Eightfold Path.

From that point forward, he was referred to as the Buddha, the Enlightened One. He is also referred to as Shakyamuni (the sage of the Shakya clan) Buddha, Gautama Buddha, Shakanyorai (in Japanese), and many other names to distinguish him from Amida Buddha, who in our Temple’s interpretation, is not seen as a historical figure but the idealized Buddha of unlimited wisdom and compassion and is equated with all of life itself, and thus signifies all of us.

Is there anyone who will be observing Bodhi Day this year?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

A joke for Thanksgiving

2003-12-03T19:46:46Z

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a
bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the
bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently
saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could
think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled
back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even
ruder.

John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him
in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and
screamed! Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was
heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the freezer
door.
The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I
believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm
sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully
intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable
behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was
about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his
behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

Yule...and Winter Solstice & "Xmas" vs Christmas

2003-12-03T19:43:14Z

http://www.fabulousfoods.com/holidays/xmas/yulehistory.html
Yule
By Cheri Sicard

Yule is the Pagan celebration also known as the Winter Solstice. Held on the longest day of the year, Yule commemorates the return of the Sun. Prior to the solstice the nights are at their longest, but after the days begin to grow in strength in the perpetual balance between light and darkness.

To most Pagans and Wiccans, the Sun represents the male aspect of Deity. His death and rebirth at the Winter Solstice is symbolic of the death of the old year and the birth of the new. Some traditions tell of this struggle in the legend of the battle between the Oak King (God of the Waxing Year) and the Holly King (God of the Waning Year). At Yule, the Oak King is defeated by the Holly King, hence this important botanical symbol of the season. At the summer solstice, the roles will be reversed. The New Year's icons of Father Time and Baby New Year are also thought to have their origins in this perpetual struggle.

The Yule Log was another important symbol of the holiday. While most people today associate the Yule Log with a cake served for dessert, the original Yule Log was actually made of wood. The log would be ceremoniously be cut and carried to the house, decorated and set ablaze, although not allowed to burn completely. Each celebrant would then get a piece of the Yule log to take home to their own hearth, to symbolically offer wealth and protection throughout the coming year.

Norse Yuletide lasts from December 20th through December 31st or twelve nights. It's easy to see how Christmas carols like The Twelve Days of Christmas are filled with Pagan symbolism and traditions. The Norse word for Yule means wheel, which signifies the circle of the year. Wreaths, another important holiday symbol, celebrate this never-ending circle of life without beginning or end.

My thoughts on Xmas vs Christmas:
XMAS:...is a holiday created by the BIG corportations...Hallmark(R)...SEE's(R)...WalMart(R)...KMart(R)...etc...how many of us buy stuff made in other countries by people poorer than us and do not get paid very well for their work? How many of us spend hours in stores...malls...and Parking places...and not with family...
"Christmas" on the other hand is the celebration of Christ's Birthday...and he does not expect any gifts from us...Only LOVE...give the gift of Love...(no not diamonds...etc)...Something from the heart...
Big hugs to all...
Nikki ( none "Xmas" celebrator for 7 years. )

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 1 reply

What's on your Christmas/Hannukah list?

2003-12-03T19:40:50Z

Here's mine:

1. My health, My Sanity & Happiness for myself and for others.

2. Gift certificates to Home Depot,Lowes & other home improvement stores.

3. Really fun & safe toys for my 3 cats(Betsy,Sasha & Amber) and my 2 birds(Silly & Dave)

4. CD's of course (Anything but country)

5. A digital camera that actually takes decent photos. Or a web cam.

6. A record deal.

7. Maid service for life.

8. South Park Talking Plushies of: Cartman, Kyle & Kenny.

9. That new J-Lo perfume Still

10. To have all of my bills paid.

11. A trip to Manchester England.

12. A trip to Egypt

13. To see my mom's family in Vieques(puerto rico)

14. Gift certificates to every place I get my jewelry & beading supplies from.

15. A years supscription to Spin, Q, Rolling Stone & Bead & Button magazines.

16. A gift certificate for Hot Topic (clothes store)

17. Really cool neon signs for the recording studio downstairs.

18. To meet Ted Nugent, Debbie Harry,Carlos Santana & Lenny Kravitz.

19. A white christmas

20. For the homeless people to find homes,For the homeless animals to find homes so they don't have to be put down or be treated cruelly and for every living being on this planet to have everything that they need to exist in life, physically,emotionally,spiritually etc.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 6 replies

What do you LOVE about holidays in general?

2003-11-26T21:52:19Z

On the flip side of the other post - for those of you who embrace holidays with joy and whimsy, what is it that you love about them and what's your favorite holiday? How do you celebrate? We'd love to hear your stories!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 18 replies

Your Thanksgiving table

2003-11-26T17:05:46Z

For those of you who are celebrating Thanksgiving this year - what delectable vittles will be laid upon your table?

Jae and I are headed down to Key West, but I'm not sure what her sister and husband will prepare - though I heard some rumblings (stomach rumblings?) about deep-fried turkey (mmmmmm). Maybe I'll make some of my famous chitterlings?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 22 replies

Last-minute shopping?

2003-11-26T04:24:37Z

oops! You forgot some stuff for this week's meal? What's on your list?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 7 replies

Eid al-Fitr

2003-11-26T03:35:03Z

Muslims have two major celebrations during the year and both are called Eid, which means "celebration." Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting, from dawn until sunset each day. (Kinda like what David Blaine did in that box over London, but not really. That was just goofy.)

The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so each year, the dates shift forward about eleven days according to a normal calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year and is followed by Shawal. The first three days of Shawal are Eid days. This year, Eid al-Fitr begins on November 25th.

The celebration is all about celebrating the good things that we've received throughout the year (sound familiar?), Allah's bounty and our family and friends. Every household that can afford it pays a form of tax which is then given to others so that they can celebrate as well.

There is house-decorating involved (but since people are waiting for the appearance of the moon, this is usually done last-minute) and complete new outfits are purchased. On the morning of Eid, prayer is held, sometimes in mosques or even in football stadiums 80 minutes after sunrise. After prayers, everyone heads home for breakfast and then the celebration kicks in. Instead of gifts, children receive money (typically around $3 dollars at a time) from visitors - which, if you're in an extended family, can end up being quite a bundle! Upon visiting, friends and neighbors make mid-morning rounds, special cakes are eaten, dinner is spent with family. Each day of the holiday is spent with a different branch of the family. In the evening, visits start up again and this goes on for three days. Often, street fairs are held with music, dancing, games, fireworks and more.

If anybody is celebrating Eid al-Fitr this year, please share how you're going about it this month!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 10 replies

better tree photo

2003-11-22T18:07:12Z

I put a better "before" one in the gallery

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

Three Kings and Gifts

2003-11-21T17:44:47Z

So, I'm probably going to go to hell for sacrilege.

I think this because da 6 year old Katrina and I were talking about the story of the Three Wise Men and their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh... and I explained that the latter two are basically spices.

Her: I think the gold was the best gift. What's a baby need with a bunch of spices?
Me: Well that must be how he became Holy Infant so Tender and mild.
Both: Yum!

*we dissolve into lunatic giggles at the concept of marinating sweet baby Jesus*

Yup. Hell. In a handbasket, whatever that is. :D

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 9 replies

Happy Holiday collage...

2003-11-20T23:42:13Z

Happy Holiday Collage...hope you all like it...it is everyone as of this date...Nov.19th (even the ?'s photos)
If not Bing can take it out...
<>/:)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

Welcome!

2003-11-20T23:02:59Z

Well, this should be fun! There are so many different holidays and people to celebrate them. I see this tribe becoming a nifty place where people can go to learn about holidays, their origins and discuss how we celebrate them and why. As each holiday approaches, members can share their love and knowledge with others in an effort to promote greater understanding and unity between people of all nations!

And I'm personally looking forward to some killer recipes. : )

So without any further ado - let's take a holiday!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 8 replies

Christmas trees: fake or real?

2003-11-20T22:59:37Z

Back in the day, I would've voted "real." It was exciting to go out and pick one from the lot, bring it home tied to the top of the car, attempt to get it through the front door without breaking off branches and then setting it up in the living room, ready for trimming.

But as I grew older and saw all of those lovely, once-living things, thrown out by the curbside come New Year's Day - it brought me to realize that this slaughter was happening ALL OVER THE COUNTRY and with deforestation what it is today, I figured we could simply not afford this kind of Merry Massacre. : )

::ahem:: sorry.

So, my question to you is: are you a devotee of real trees or fake ones and why?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 5 replies

Turkey confusion

2003-11-20T22:52:46Z

Today's ad for Winn Dixie grocery store offers a tantalizing deal: a FREE FROZEN TURKEY with your purchase of $75 or more.

A good deal on the Thanksgiving bird! Cool!

And then I read the fine print, and now I am confused:

EXCLUDES ALL NATURAL TURKEYS.

Whaaa? Does this only include turkeys that were formerly hams but got a meat-change operation? What the hell is an unnatural turkey, and even if it's free(ish) do I really want my kid eating one? Or am I simply being too close minded about my turkey choices; should I give the non-natural turkeys a chance?

Now I finally understand what the Butterball crisis counseling hotline is for.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 5 replies

LATE TO THE PARTY!!!

2003-11-19T18:20:34Z

You guys...

All this chatter back and forth. IT IS A BIG PARTY! I swear Tribe. Net poltergeists have been at work...!

Here's what I wrote to Bing in case it falls through the cracks...:

Bing!!!

I kept noticing crickets chirping around the Holiday site...never any posts...and so today I thought, *I'll just go over there and jump start this suckah...poor Bing invites us to his party and NO POSTS...* I get to Holiday and there is LOADS going on.

QUESTION:How come It never says there are new posts here on my home page???

I got a lot of catchin' up to do!
Seriously though, whas up?

Ve.(late but here now)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 4 replies

Christmas Hug

2003-11-19T16:40:59Z

I uploaded a picture of Snowy the Snowman into the tribe image area ... he's giving the holiday tribe a big Christmastime hug, with art courtesy Katrina.

:)

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Favorite Thanksgiving treat?

2003-11-19T16:32:20Z

Finish the sentence, please!

It wouldn't be the Thanksgiving feast at my house without...

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 3 replies

Merry Christmas

2003-11-19T12:14:26Z

Its my favorite holiday and I just wanted to be the first to say it.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 38 replies

A lament: it's beginning to look a lot like THANKSGIVING

2003-11-18T23:05:32Z

I'm completely in the holiday spirit!

But the folks around here, they keep smiting me for my Christmas carol singing... not for the badness and off-keyness (ok, that too) so much as for being too *early*.

When is somebody going to write us a catchy Thanksgiving song, something meaningful and pretty but geared toward the NOVEMBER holiday crowd?

For cryin' out loud. There's a NEED here.

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 8 replies

What do you HATE about holidays in general?

2003-11-14T16:49:53Z

Far be it from me to moderate a tribe where everyone is either on one side of the fence or t'other. So, as an ice-breaker, if you've got reasons to truly hate one holiday or another - whether for crass commercialism sake or a bad event or incident that triggered a life-long rejection of all things holiday - please post them here!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 2 replies

December Holiday overview

2003-11-14T08:06:39Z

World Aids Day: December 1
* Day Without Art: December 1
* Bodhi Day: December 8
* Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: December 8
* Chanukah (Begins at Sundown*): December 19
* Christmas Day: December 25
* Kwanzaa: December 26
* Boxing Day: December 26

Any I forgot? I know there are!

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 0 replies

Thanksgiving

2003-11-14T05:43:03Z

It's quickly coming up here - and from personal experience, I know that many people celebrate Thanksgiving in many different ways. What does it mean to you and what may we find on your harvest table?

posted in *A Holiday Tribe* - 15 replies

*A Holiday Tribe*'s topics - tribe.net

Lost: One jingle bells blooper by Bing and the Andrew sisters

any ideas for mothers day?

Christmas and Kangaroos

What's your new year resolution?

Does anyone know the name of this song?

An Explosive Fourth Of July?

The Glory (and the horror) of Easter

Chinese New Year

are there any holiday traditions you wish would DIE OUT?

MLK day

New Year's Eve

SOLSTICE

NEW holiday tradition proposals!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This Is Halloween

Day Of The Dead

November Holiday overview

Columbus Day

Birthdays? Do they count?

EQUINOX

FRIDAY THE 13th

4th of July

SUMMER SOLSTICE

JUNE 15

JUNE 16 IS BLOOMSDAY...what are you going to do about it?

MAY

Happy Earth day!

Easter Traditions

April Holidays

Tribe is shutting down!

New pics?

A Holiday Pantoum

March Holidays

Happy President's Day

February holidays

Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day Origins

Obscure January holidays

Be Mine!

January Holidays

New Year's day.

New Year's Resolutions

Kwanzaa

That's what I get for being such an Ass...

What are you doing for New Year's?

New Year's Eve/Day

Pathetic?

My Card to All

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The best holiday!

Anybody see Bad Santa?

happy hanukah

Holiday Greetings

Holiday Recipes

Unique Christmas Traditions.

least favorite christmas song?

Visions of Sugarplums (long)

Favorite Christmas Holiday Song

Our Christmas Tree

Top 10 Hanukkah Songs That Never Quite Caught On

I made this for you....

crees..mas

Chanukah

Artist

A Great Gift for a little girl you know

Christmas Joke

Nice sentiment

Holiday Volunteering

Holiday blues?

I'm dreaming of a.....

Welcome Christmas.

Advent Services

One Last Tree Shot

Me and the damn digital...;->

ROCKEFELLAR TREE

Where for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Reviews

Bodhi Day

A joke for Thanksgiving

A Holiday Tribe's topics - tribe.net