Friday 20 December 2013

Winter Solstice


 
Tomorrow, Saturday, is the shortest day of the year: the Winter Solstice. I find it a fascinating concept that the sun changes direction and the days gradually become longer until the longest day at the Summer Solstice in June.
Midwinter Masquerade is set in the Scottish countryside around the Winter Solstice of 1816 and it is a significant time for the heroine, Lenora, as she contemplates the direction of her future.
I’m talking about winter and Christmas over on PennyEhrenkranz’s blog today, where I’m giving away a free download of Midwinter Masquerade to one commenter. Hope to see you there.
The photo is of my newest Christmas tree decoration: wooden Victorian type ice skates. I fell in love with them when I spotted them at a recent Charity Fair. I’ll post another couple of my favourites before Christmas.

Rosemary

8 comments:

Karen said...

I love that Victorian tree decoration - really gorgeous.

I bought a nice one while on holiday in Bruges earlier this year, but can't for the life of me remember where I put it!

Frances Garrood said...

Rosemary, I hate to be a spoilsport, but are you SURE the sun changes direction? I thought it stayed just where it was/is.

Love the skates!

Wendy's Writing said...

When my five year old grandson came to stay last week, we went to the garden centre (to the Christmas decoration section) and I let him choose a tree decoration for himself and his brother and sister. He spend ages deciding what one they'd like and made brilliant choices. Those three decorations will be very special when they come out each year.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Karen - I often do that with those I bring back from holiday!

Evidently, the sun stays still for a few minutes on the solstice, Frances, then appears to change direction as it moves to its highest point in time for summer - but of course it's the earth that actually tilts!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

That's a lovely tradition to begin, Wendy - I love getting out older tree decorations as well as adding occasional new items.

Joanna said...

I love the ice-skates, Rosemary. We each choose a new decoration for the tree every year and now have so many we have to be selective about which to put on the tree. But I don't suppose we'll ever part with a single one. They all hold a memory. The box of baubles just has to bulge out a bit more. x

Patsy said...

There's something optimistic about the days gradually getting longer, isn't there?

Rosemary Gemmell said...

That's a lovely tradition in your family, Joanna - I think these memories become very precious each passing Christmas.

Absolutely, Patsy - at least we know the darkest day should be over for another year!