This month we celebrate the coming of spring. But, this year, to paraphrase Lewis Carroll, we can’t have spring because we haven’t had winter yet. Even so, the march of the seasons progresses. This week we celebrate Imbolc, or Oibelc (pronounce it Groundhog Day). The mythology surrounding this day is rich in story and symbolism, but is known widely by the behavior of a rodent, who was originally a Roman hedgehog.
As fate or coincidence would have it, much of what we are doing in our Society is in line with the celebration of this ancient holiday. Of course, the ancient meanings have been thoroughly Christianized. It’s far beyond me to surmise the origins of this day, thought by some to be the first day of spring or the first day of the New Year. Some cultures, like the Chinese, still do celebrate the New Year around this time.
It is also Brigit’s Day in Ireland. Brigit is the Goddess of fire, the hearth, brides, birthing and healing. Those of us who have raised livestock know that this is the beginning of lambing season, following the ewe’s having spent time with the ram in the fall.
According to the tradition that was passed down to me, Oibelc (honestly, pronouncing Welsh words is beyond me!) or Groundhog Day is a time to throw out last year’s candles and make or light the candles for the next year. So, how does this relate with what we are doing at AUUS? Well, we are literally throwing out our old hearth/ kitchen, and replacing it with a new one. What better way of starting a new phase of growth and understanding than replacing the hearth/heart of our building.
All of us, members and friends, at this AUUSpicious time are involved. From committing funds and materials, to providing the labor to take out the old and putting in the new, there is something for everyone. When we are done with this hearth/heart renewal, we will be primed for growth in the new season. The dark of winter is ending. We will take our winter’s introspection and see it put into action.
We, as UU’s have so much to contribute to the world and our neighborhoods. This is a festival of lights and life. Let us let our light shine. We are not in competition with anyone, we are everyone who believes in light in this world. Using the light of reason we can work for a better world, accepting that we don’t have the understanding to answer all of life’s questions and allow the mysteries to inspire us.
AUUSsum,
Patrick
As fate or coincidence would have it, much of what we are doing in our Society is in line with the celebration of this ancient holiday. Of course, the ancient meanings have been thoroughly Christianized. It’s far beyond me to surmise the origins of this day, thought by some to be the first day of spring or the first day of the New Year. Some cultures, like the Chinese, still do celebrate the New Year around this time.
It is also Brigit’s Day in Ireland. Brigit is the Goddess of fire, the hearth, brides, birthing and healing. Those of us who have raised livestock know that this is the beginning of lambing season, following the ewe’s having spent time with the ram in the fall.
According to the tradition that was passed down to me, Oibelc (honestly, pronouncing Welsh words is beyond me!) or Groundhog Day is a time to throw out last year’s candles and make or light the candles for the next year. So, how does this relate with what we are doing at AUUS? Well, we are literally throwing out our old hearth/ kitchen, and replacing it with a new one. What better way of starting a new phase of growth and understanding than replacing the hearth/heart of our building.
All of us, members and friends, at this AUUSpicious time are involved. From committing funds and materials, to providing the labor to take out the old and putting in the new, there is something for everyone. When we are done with this hearth/heart renewal, we will be primed for growth in the new season. The dark of winter is ending. We will take our winter’s introspection and see it put into action.
We, as UU’s have so much to contribute to the world and our neighborhoods. This is a festival of lights and life. Let us let our light shine. We are not in competition with anyone, we are everyone who believes in light in this world. Using the light of reason we can work for a better world, accepting that we don’t have the understanding to answer all of life’s questions and allow the mysteries to inspire us.
AUUSsum,
Patrick