Whatever you seek
Is already within you
Waiting to wake up.
***
The winter solstice, which was on December 21st,
marks the shortest day of the year and the official beginning of winter.
But from this time on, we shall be getting a little more daylight each day until the month of June.
In different countries all over the world,
there are different ways of celebrating the return of light.
Just one of them is from Persia which I find very lovely.
In keeping with ancient tradition, Persians celebrate Shab-e-Yalda
to honour the victory of Mithra, the Sun God,
who symbolizes light, goodness and strength.
Shab-e Yalda is still celebrated by Iranians all over the world today.
Friends and families unite to feast and read poetry, especially the Sufi poet, Hafiz.
Fires are burnt all night to defeat the darkness.
With the return to light, after the winter solstice,
transformation occurs and goodness triumphs.
***
"Awake my dear.
Be kind to your sleeping heart.
Take it out into the vast fields of Light
and let it breathe."
Hafiz.
***
Links for you to follow if you wish to know more:
Lovely post, dear Sandra! Do enjoy these very few last days of 2017! See you next year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marjan! A peaceful end of the year for me, which is just how I like it to be! Yes, see you next year!
DeleteYAY for the return to light after long cold winter days!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy New Year and sending positive vibes your way that 2018 is everything you wish it to be.
Hugs, Sarn xxx
I know! Isn't the return of the light great news!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wishes for the New Year! The good vibes arrived and I'm keeping them safe for 2018!
A lovely reflection. Happy New Year, Sandra.
ReplyDeleteInch by inch the light returns. So happy for a little more every day!
ReplyDeleteYes, it feels wonderful!
DeleteHappy new year, Sandra. May the light always be within YOU.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. Happy New Year to you also!
DeleteLovely post. I love the idea of reading poetry and keeping fires burning at winter solstice. I'm always intrigued by customs and traditions of other countries. Wishing you a wonderful new year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. I loved the idea of keeping the fires burning and reading poetry too! Happy New Year to you!
DeleteLooking so forward to longer days, even if only a few minutes a day!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the very best in the New Year, Sandra.
Yes, longer days feels good, I agree! Thank you for your wishes for the New Year. I hope that 2018 will be a lovely year for you also!
Delete