The Holiday It Was

Light a candle, for it is the darkest day of the year.

But worry not, for today the sun’s to be reborn. Now our days grow longer, the long nights shorter and those feelings of eternal darkness begin to melt away in the warmth of the ever-growing sun light. No longer must you suffer Death’s icy cold breath upon your nape or nipping at your heels or suffocating your crops or starving your livestock and children alike. Today the odds begin to turn again in our favor. Today light overcomes the darkness. Today we begin a celebration.

Gather up your family, friends, and fellow townsman; whoever’s left, whoever the Gods took to favor, whoever planned well enough to survive and whoever made it by pure luck or willpower alone. Take the beggar by the arm, for he’s a part of us today.

Share with them what you’ve made and strengthen your bond through giving. A battle axe for your brother, a cloak of beaver for your wife, armbands, and hand carved toys. Don’t give what you don’t mean, for these little offerings shall bind you in time.

Next,

check your provisions, for tonight we feast; on salted fish, roots, bread, and porridge.

Bring all your livestock, hungry and tired, we’ll lighten your burden. And make a feast of them too. We’ll give a horse to the Gods and they’ll leave his body for us to boil. Try a bite. Tonight, we give thanks as we strengthen our odds even further.

Winter’s beginning to pass and we’re still here, but those who aren’t are still nearby, for tonight the veils are their thinnest. Save a plate for those who hadn’t been taken to favor or had luck,

and

let the mead and whiskey flow. Three nights this will last, and four gallons you shall drink. Form a circle, for tonight we toast, as soon we’ll have a renewed chance at living.

“To the Gods!”

“To our forefathers!”

“To the Chief!”

Take a swig from the horn and listen as to the lyres whine and harps chirp; hear the thundering of the drums and the voices rising together to sing tales of heroism, courage, and wisdom. Join in the dance and croon with the chorus. Take another swig and allow yourself to braven.

Lay hands on the boar and take an oath. Be it of vengeance, passion or conquest, the vow made tonight is solemn and ironclad. Once sworn, so be it. And if it isn’t, you aren’t. This is a glimpse into your character's content. And a bad look could cost you your dignity or life. Swear wisely.

Finally,

Choose a log, large but fine. It’s to become not ordinary fire wood, but one of great importance. Choose one of oak. Anoint it with oils of pine, juniper and cedar. Garland it with greenery and carve into it a message to the Gods above. Intersect some lines and >’s. Then light it with a piece of last year’s chosen.

Watch the flames.

Can you scry? Look closely as the flames dance a dance of interpretation. And know that fire shall too return to the sky, to feed our crops, livestock and kids.

Toast again, for we survived, and soon we’ll taste the sweetness of cherries, plums and spring.