Hogmanay, Edinburgh.

Hogmanay, Edinburgh.
Enjoy the party where ever you are.

 

P.P.P.P. ANGELS

P. P. P. P. ANGELS

I don’t think I need to remind any one, but just in case; This is my 4 in 1 blog,  P is for poem (as in Poetry Wednesday), P is for Photo (as in Foto Friday), P is for Performance (as in Song Saturday) and P is for Painting (as in Art Sunday). You should be able to click on all the images to enlarge. My topic for today is Angels, Angels to watch over us in the New Year, so here it is with my very, very best and heartfelt wishes to all of you for the New Year.

Below, from the Sistine chapel by Raphael

P IS FOR POEM

TITLE; The Four Angles
Author: Rudyard Kipling

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree,
The Angel of the Earth came down, and offered Earth in fee.
But Adam did not need it,
Nor the plough he would not speed it,
Singing:--"Earth and Water, Air and Fire,
What more can mortal man desire?"
(The Apple Tree's in bud.)
As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree,
The Angel of the Waters offered all the Seas in fee.
But Adam would not take 'em,
Nor the ships he wouldn't make 'em,
Singing:--"Water, Earth and Air and Fire,
What more can mortal man desire?"
(The Apple Tree's in leaf.)
As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree,
The Angel of the Air he offered all the Air in fee.
But Adam did not crave it,
Nor the flight he wouldn't brave it,
Singing:--"Air and Water, Earth and Fire,
What more can mortal man desire?"
(The Apple Tree's in bloom.)
As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree,
The Angel of the Fire rose up and not a word said he.
But he wished a fire and made it,
And in Adam's heart he laid it,
Singing.--"Fire, fire, burning Fire,
Stand up and reach your heart's desire!"
(The Apple Blossom's set.)
As Adam was a-working outside of Eden-Wall,
He used the Earth, he used the Seas, he used the Air and all;
And out of black disaster
He arose to be the master
Of Earth and Water, Air and Fire,
But never reached his heart's desire!
(The Apple Tree's cut down!)

....Not exactly what you expect from an 'Angel Poem', but this is partly what attracted me to it.........I like the unexpected.

AND; to finish up the poetry, a couple of little ‘Angel Quotes’

The Angels were all singing out of tune,
And hoarse with having little else to do,
Excepting to wind up the sun and moon
Or curb a runaway young star or two.
—Lord Byron

The angels are so enamoured of the language that is spoken in heaven, that they will not distort their lips with the hissing and unmusical dialects of men, but speak their own, whether there be any who understand it or not.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson


"The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone"
George Eliot
Below, Head of an Angel by Pietro da Cortona


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P IS FOR PHOTO

This is my own special Angel. She is more of a fairie really but I think of her as the Angel. She is special because she sat at the top of every Christmas tree when I was a child. We always had a real Christmas tree but it was usually quite small. She sat at the top of our Christmas tree when my children were very small babies. When my family grew a little older and we moved here we had enormous trees, they reached to the ceiling of our old house and shed thousands of tiny pine needles that I spent the whole of the following year trying to vacuum up. I decorated those trees with red ribbons and bows and little presents and still she sat at the top of the tree. When my marriage broke up she was the only thing I took from the enormous box of Christmas decorations. Every year since then she has sat at the top of my tree, usually helped into position by one of my grandchildren……………so here she is;

My Angel

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P is for Performance
Robbie Williams Singing
Angels

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P is for Painting

Today I have chosen a couple of different Angel Paintings, no big write up, just paintings to look at.

J. M. W. Turner "The Angel Standing in the Sun" 1846
was painted in his 70's and it shows where the light of the sun dissolves the boundary of Heaven and earth and an angel appears causing a bridge between Heaven and earth.


Virgin with Angels, Regina Angelorum painted by William Bougereau in 1900, depicts the beautiful white-robed, white-winged angels that most of us expect. Bougereau’s angels have sweet faces and generally look like pretty young girls.

    The Angels Message
"Angel's Message" by
George Hillyard Swinstead 1860-1926

Angels Coronation, Botticelli

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And to finish up I decided to add a little extra Pleasure (think of it as a bonus P)………. 

a lovely slide show of Angles.

In this slideshow, you can see how angels were portrayed in traditional art. It differs from modern depictions, where  angels have been turned into female figures, biblical angels tended to be portrayed as male.

Music: Modest Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (orchastrated by Maurice Ravel)

Artists:
0:08 - Master of Mileseva
0:12 - Duccio
0:16 - Pietro Cavallini
0:20 - Simone Martini
0:24 - Andrey Rublyov
0:28 - Robert Campin
0:32 - Dieric Bouts the elder
0:36 - Hans Memling
0:40 - Francesco Botticini
0:44 - Leonardo da Vinci
0:48 - Sandro Botticelli
0:52 - Giovanni Bellini
0:56 - Filippino Lippi
1:00 - Sandro Botticelli
1:04 - Josse Lieferinxe
1:08 - Perugino
1:12 - Raffaello
1:16 - Tiziano
1:20 - Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo
1:24 - Garofalo
1:28 - Agnolo Bronzino
1:32 - Frans Floris
1:36 - Tintoretto
1:40 - Caravaggio
1:44 - Caravaggio
1:48 - Caravaggio
1:52 - Bartolomeo Schedoni
1:56 - Guido Reni
2:00 - Bartolome Esteban Murillo
2:04 - Luca Giordano
2:08 - Simon Ushakov

    

ART SUNDAY; MATTIN-LAURENT PARTARRIEU

I haven’t posted an ‘Art Sunday’ for a while, …..time restraints etc etc; But today while wandering down the high street I happened to glance into the window of one of our local galleries and saw one of these prints. I just caught a glimpse of it through the window but it so intrigued me I had to go in and take a closer look. Initially I was drawn to it because I recognised, even through the shop window and across the gallery, that this was the work of someone who intuitively understood figurative drawing. Once inside and standing just inches away, I experienced mixed emotions. This wasn’t what I first thought, close up it began to look vulgar and cartoonish, and it reminded me of the so called ‘cheeky’ seaside postcards.  I experienced some disappointment, but the longer I stood there the more it intrigued me. Regardless of what it was, this image before me, it was undoubtedly created by someone whose ability to capture the human form in two dimensions was undisputed. Not only is this man master of figurative drawing, he is an expert in observing and accurately portraying body language and facial expression. His work has a strong linear quality, beautifully drawn simple lines that make up the image.

Look at ‘’My Favourite Dress’’, and see how the woman is drawn with the minimum of bold clean lines but how within these few simple lines every thing about this woman is perfectly conveyed.

And then there is his use of colour, vibrant and alive, look at the colours used in ‘’The Florest’’, they really do portray fresh flowers. The painting of two people at a bar (unfortunately I don’t have a title for it just the number IMG_3759.jpg) shows wonderful use of vibrant colour.

His work can be sensitive as in the way the couple are gently holding hands in ‘Le Clown’, or provocative as in ‘Au Sphinx’.

The only rather odd thing about this work is that he always paints the same people. Especially the rather tall lean young man who is in every one of his paintings, not at all sure what the significance of this is.

The painting that first drew my attention through the gallery window was ‘’Artists at ‘La Couple’’, this is described as depicting a

 ‘’popular haunt for Parisian artists for over 70 years, you can find more inspiration here’’

As I looked at this image through the window of the gallery all I could think was how well the figures were drawn and how i needed to stand in front of it and have a closer look. The actual work I was looking at was a Gliclee limited edition print of 94, 563cm x 457cm (221/2 in x 18 in) and the cost of this framed limited edition print was £400, far more than I expected a print to cost. The gallery owner told me he was highly collectable and very popular!!


I did manage to gather a little information about him from the internet. Mattin-Laurent Partarrieu is a painter of Basque origin, who dared to break with the traditional ways of the Basque artists who preceded him. He apparently left his Basque home when a small child but retained some of its traditions. He could be called a modern day painter of social commentary.The rest of his work is here

http://forgetmenot525.multiply.com/photos/album/218/Art_Sunday_Partarrieu


SOURCE OF PICTURES AND INFORMATION;
If you want to read more of him these two sites should help.

http://www.folio.dk/Partarrieu/default.htm

http://www.portmanart.com/asp/default.asp?dynamic=artist&artist_id=124
 
 

 

Art Sunday; Partarrieu

This is the work of contemporary Basque artist Mattin-laurent Partarrieu

Song Saturday; The Faryl Smith Story

The Faryl Smith Story

The  12 year girl who made it to the finals of Britain's Got Talent (but didn’t win), has landed herself a contract!!

From source;
http://issue.hellomagazine.com/music/2008/12/10/faryl-smith-contract/

10 DECEMBER 2008
A 13-year-old's signature just became worth £2.3 million – that's how much record label Universal paid for a recording contract with Faryl Smith. The schoolgirl was among the runners-up on Britain's Got Talent, the show created by Simon Cowell.

Her rendition of Ave Maria was so moving Simon described her as "the most talented youngster I've ever heard".

In the end, though, her parents chose to go with Universal because they were impressed with the way the company has backed classical music sensation Katherine Jenkins.

The mezzo soprano became Faryl's champion three years ago after watching her win Wales' prestigious Llangollen International Eisteddfod. And on Tuesday her mentor looked on with pride at the Royal Albert Hall as the talented teen put her name to the contract.

"I'm honoured to be joining such a fantastic record company, especially since it's where Katherine started," said Faryl. "She's been brilliant, and she will always take my calls. I feel much better knowing she is around."

With a prediction that her earnings will reach £20m by the time she's 20, the teenager from Kettering, Northamptonshire, has got used to answering questions about what she'll do with her fortune.

"My family are all Manchester United fans, but we can't quite afford that so my Dad is thinking of buying Kettering Town instead!" she joked.

Please watch the three videos in order, they tell her story, and I dare any doting dad who has ever been proud of his daughter to watch the last one with out a tear in his eye.

Britain's Got Talent Faryl performs Ave Maria

Faryl's Got Talent - Part 1

Faryl Smith Part 2  

Post Christmas Musings

Another Christmas come and gone, all that worry, all that preparation, spending, wrapping, posting, buying and ''organizing''.............all done and dusted for another year. And I'm happy to report I've survived this mammoth, annual, stress-buster more or less intact.

Everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) was completed in my house by the morning of Christmas Eve. Two of my three daughters and ALL of my grandchildren were visiting and eating lunch in my house that day, the other daughter had to work which was a bit of a shame. After lunch I went back with my eldest daughter and her daughter to spend Christmas with them. Back at her house we, that is the granddaughter and I,  made mince pies, did some last minute wrapping, made orange and clove ball table decorations and made our authentic yule log out of cotton wool, old Christmas cards, glitter and a piece of driftwood. After our evening meal off we all went to the town square to participate in Carol Singing and Mulled Wine,  accompanied by the local brass band, and all very civilized. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera so the only photo I have is a very poor quality snap taken with my 'phone. Better than nothing I guess.
Christmas day started at about 4 am. This is when my granddaughter woke up for the first time and asked me for the time, she then woke up more or less every half hour until 6.30 when I allowed her to put the light on and start chatting, at which point she woke her parents and Christmas day began in earnest. It passed in a blur of food, wine, movies and the sound of wrapping paper being torn apart with great gusto. By the evening exhaustion set in and off to bed we went, grateful to sink into oblivion. Thankfully every one slept quite late on Boxing day and after a late, leisurely breakfast (did I really need MORE food??) my bags were packed and I was taken home..............so.............here I am.

 Post Christmas, back in my own little house, alone, mulling over the events of the last couple of days and thinking about what changes I need to make to my life over the coming year.

The obvious and usual are top of the list.......''I really do need to lose weight and get more exercise'', nothing new there, I think that every year. But I suppose this year I should make more of an effort than I have in the past, my health really deserves it, needs it even. But on a more positive note; I'm going to try to do a lot more drawing and painting. At the moment I only seem to find time to do it in class but what I should be doing, is drawing and painting most days if not every day. What I would like, my own little dream, is to have enough work of sufficient quality to stage a small exhibition. This is something I am going to work toward.

Which brings me back to here.............my Multiply page and you..... my friends. This has all been such a wonderful experience for me this year, I have loved being online, getting involved in every thing, and getting to know every one. I think if I am serious about drawing a bit more and maybe taking an exercise class I shall have less time here. Less online time should just mean posting a bit less but still keeping in touch with people.  At least thats they way I hope it pans out because I really have enjoyed every thing here over the last year and don't intend to lose it.


Oh...........another change, I am going back to restricting my posts to contacts only, at least for a while. This is due to the only blot on my happy Christmas experience. I've discovered a person who I don't much want contact with has been 'hanging' about my site, this person has set up their own multiply site in order to leave little messages for me, not quite sure why, but the easiest way of dealing with this is to keep my posts for network only. SO.............for a while at least that is what I'm going to do. I'm sure I've said this before in a similar situation but.........if you can't access anything just let me know and I'll add you as a contact.


There are of course the little glitches, or ''blips'' with multiply, odd things do happen and seem to be happening to more people more often, so my sincere New Year wish is for Multiply to sort out all of its little problems. At the moment I think I am one of the people who are receiving email alerts from ''Multiply friends'' offering dubious links. And of course I still can't use my media locker, that has been out of bounds to  me for ages. Then there are the countless people who suddenly find they are unable to post or who double post every thing, or who can't comment..............etc etc etc.............the list goes on. BUT; despite all the little so called glitches I love the multiply experience and hope to spend next year building on it.


Well...............guess thats it for my post-Christmas Musings, guess the only thing left for me is to wish each and every one of you a very, very

HAPPY NEW YEAR

P. P. P. P. ; The Holly and The Ivy

Sunday December 21st 2008; Winter Solstice.

First, an apology, I have been online very little recently and have not been visiting or commenting the way I should, I feel very guilty, as if I have been neglecting my friends. Neglect was never my intent, I just can’t find enough time to do every thing I would like. This, my last P. P. P. P. before Christmas has been sitting half written on my computer for most of the previous week. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Hopefully, over the next couple of days,  I will manage to visit most of my friends and wish you all a Merry Christmas, but in case I miss any one;

MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
TO EVERYONE

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P. P. P. P. THE HOLLY AND THE IVY

I don’t think I need to remind any one, but just in case; P is for poem (as in Poetry Wednesday), P is for Photo (as in Foto Friday), P is for Performance (as in Song Saturday) and P is for Painting (as in Art Sunday)

P IS FOR POEM

The Holly
By Walter De La mare

The sturdiest of forest trees
With acorns is inset;
Wan white blossoms the elder brings
To fruit as black as jet;
But O, in all green English woods
Is aught so fair to view
As the sleek, sharp, dark-leaved holly tree
And its berries burning through?
Towers the ash; and dazzling green
The larch her tassels wears;
Wondrous sweet are the clots of may
The tangled hawthorn bears;
But O, in heath or meadow or wold
Springs aught beneath the blue
As brisk and trim as the holly-tree bole
With its berries burning through?
When hither, thither, falls the snow,
And blazes small the frost,
Naked amid the winter stars
The elm's vast boughs are tossed;
But O, of all that summer showed
What now to winter's true
As the prickle-beribbed dark holly tree,
With berries burning through!

Green Groweth the Holly
by Henry VIII
(1491-1547)

"As the holly groweth green,
And never changeth hue,
So I am, ever hath been
Unto my lady true."

Unknown author
English,
16th century

Green Grow'th the Holly
Green grow'th the holly, So doth the ivy;
Though winter blasts blow ne'er so high,
Green grow'th the holly.
Green grow'th the holly, So doth the ivy;
The God of life can never die,
Hope! saith the holly.

Ancient Symbolism of Holly

painting;
Fairies in the Meadow by Nils Blommer 1850
Holly conjures up images of Christmas wreaths, but it had cultural and symbolic significance long before it was adopted by Christianity. There are around 400 natural types of holly in the world, but the one people are most familiar with is Ilex aquifolium, or "English/Christmas Holly". It is a coniferous evergreen plant that can be found in many parts of the world. Holly was important in the Pagan/Druidic way of life. It was placed around dwellings during winter, so that the fairies could come into their homes and use the holly as shelter against the cold. It was the evergreen nature of the plant that made it special, the Druids believed it remained green to help keep the earth beautiful when the deciduous trees such as the sacred oak shed their leaves. The holly berries were thought to represent the sacred menstrual blood of their Goddess, this ancient pagan belief was corrupted by the early Christians to represent the spilt blood of Christ.  Holly was also used for protection, decorating doors and windows with holly prevented the  evil spirits from entering. As the British Isles began to convert to Christianity, the early Christians continued the tradition of decorating their home with holly. The significance of the berries changed so that they now symbolized the blood of Christ and holly gradually solidified its position as a Christmas tradition.

SIGNIFICANCE OF IVY

Ivy - Ivy has to cling to something to support itself as it grows. This reminds us that we need to cling to God for support in our lives.

In pagan times, Holly was thought to be a male plant and Ivy a female plant. An old tradition from the Midlands of England says that whatever one brought into the house first over winter, tells you whether the man or woman of the house would rule that year!! But it was unlucky to bring either into a house before Christmas Eve.
In Germany, it is traditional that Ivy is only used outside and a piece tied to the outside of a Church was supposed to protect it from lightning!
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P IS FOR PHOTO

These are recent photos of the decorations in my home, most of the ‘Holly and Ivy’’ seen here is artificial. I could not decide which was more environmentally friendly; To use artificial plants which can be used year after year but are made from plastics which are very UN-environmentally friendly, OR to use the real thing which is non toxic and non polluting, but involves cutting away at real trees AND needs replacing every year. I chose the artificial in the end………..partly because the real thing is more expensive and needs replacing………..at more expense every year. Anyway……………here are the photos.


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P IS FOR PERFORMANCE

THE HOLLY AND THE IVY

This is a surprising integration of pagan tradition and Christian sentiment. Holly and ivy are primitive symbols for male and female and the words probably derive from an ancient fertility dance. 'The rising of the sun' almost certainly has its roots in pagan religion.

The Holly and the Ivy : Lyrics

Play Music !
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

This version we of the Holly and the Ivy was first published by Cecil Sharp.
Cecil James Sharp (22 November 1859 – 23 June 1924) was the founding father of the folklore revival in England in the early twentieth century, many of England's traditional dances and music owe their continuing existence to his work in recording and publishing them.  As well as rescuing The Holly and The Ivy, Sharp was responsible for rescuing English Morris dancing from obscurity. Sharp was born in London; his father was a slate merchant, much interested in archaeology, architecture, old furniture, and music. His mother, Jane Bloyd, was also a music-lover. Sharp was educated at University of Cambridge, where he rowed in the Clare College boat and graduated B.A. in 1882. From this mix of parentage and a classical education grew his love affair with ancient music and dance traditions.
The Holly and the Ivy has Pagan origins and could date back more than 1500/2000 years. It’s very unusual for a traditional pagan song to have survived, especially during different periods of religious repression both by the catholic Christians and by the protestant Christians of the 17th century. The only way this song has survived is by being ‘Christianised’ (sanitised), and adopted by the church. Holly and Ivy have always been taken indoors during the winter in the hope that those within the decorated walls survive the difficult, harsh, winter conditions as well as the hardy Holly and Ivy growing outside. The colours of the Holly and Ivy, green and red are traditionally associated with Christmas. The original pagan author/s and composer/s of the Holly and the Ivy are unknown as are much those early traditions. It could even be that in Celtic times the traditional songs and chants gradually evolved over time and were passed down through generations of people with a strong oral tradition.
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P IS FOR PAINTING

THE ARTIST - ALFONS MUCHA

Alphonse Mucha (1869-1939) was one of Europe's leading Art Nouveau artists. In 1896, Mucha designed four enormously successful decorative panels in Paris called "The Four Seasons".  Each beautiful Mucha female figure embodies a season: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, and carries its characteristic attribute. This type of image is the pinnacle of the Art Nouveau style as represented in Paris, Prague and Chicago. This is the ‘’WINTER’’ panel from this series.


Alfons Maria Mucha was born in Ivančice, Moravia (today's region of Czech Republic). His singing abilities allowed him to continue his education through high school in the Moravian capital of Brno, but drawing had always been his first love. He worked at decorative painting jobs in Moravia, mostly painting theatrical scenery, then in 1879 moved to Vienna to work for a leading Viennese theatrical design company, while informally furthering his artistic education. Count Karl Khuen of Mikulov hired Mucha to decorate Hrušovany Emmahof Castle with murals, and was impressed enough that he agreed to sponsor Mucha's formal training at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts. Mucha moved to Paris in 1887, and continued his studies at Académie Julian and Académie Colarossi while also producing magazine and advertising illustrations. Around Christmas 1894, Mucha was in the right place at the right time, an unplanned, chance meeting in a print shop led to his now famous poster of Sarah Bernhardt. On 1 January 1895, the advertisement for Gismonda appeared on the streets of the city. It was an overnight sensation and announced the new artistic style and its creator to the citizens of Paris. Bernhardt was so satisfied with the success of that first poster that she entered into a 6 years contract with Mucha.
This one is simply called  IVY, and the next one is called ''Maddona of the lilies'', but she is holding a wreath of ivy, which is why it is included. as always...... all pictures and photos here can be clicked on to see the original size without distortion.

P. P. P. P. ; The Winter solstice and Mistletoe.

Above; ''A Druid priestess bearing Mistletoe'', artist unknown.

Welcome to something new. I find I have an extreme lack of time during this Pre-Christmas period but, I think I have found a solution, and this is it. Introducing the four in one blog;

 P. P.P. P.

And this is what it stands for; P is for POETRY, (or Poetry Wednesday), P is for PHOTO, (or Foto Friday), P is for PERFORMANCE, (or Song Saturday) and last but by no means least P is for PAINTING, (or Art Sunday).
This is how it’s going to be until Christmas, my economical four in one P. P. P. P.  Take your time and savour this, it’s four in one and has to last all week.

P. P. P. P. The Winter Solstice and Mistletoe



The ancient pre-Christian celebration of the Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. The Winter Solstice falls on the shortest day of the year and has been celebrated in Britain from the earliest of times. The Druids would cut the mistletoe that grew on the oak tree and give it as a blessing. Oaks were seen as sacred and the winter fruit of the mistletoe was a symbol of life in the dark winter months. It's believed that the Druids began the tradition of the Yule log.

The Celts believed the sun stood still for twelve days in the middle of winter and during this time a log was lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year.
Many of these customs are still followed today. They have been incorporated into both Christian and secular celebrations all over the world. Prior to the legalization of Christianity by the Emperor Constantine in 313, no universal date or celebration of the birth of Christ is recorded. Roman Pagans used to gather at the hill where the Vatican is now to commemorate the “Birth of the Unconquered Sun” This pagan feast was celebrated throughout the Empire either on December 25th, or January 6th, (depending on which calendar they were using). Most historians believe it was Constantine who replaced the pagan festival with that of Christmas. According to scholars of ancient writings the actual birthday of Christ was most likely around Easter time in about 3 BC. I find it somehow comforting to know that our ancestors celebrated the Winter Solstice and as times changed, belief changed, customs changed, the Solstice, under one name or another, has been constant through out history.

P IS FOR POEM; WINTER SOLSTICE & MISTLETOE

Mistletoe a Christmas poem by Walter de la Mare

Make it Snow !
Sitting under the mistletoe
(Pale-green, fairy mistletoe),
One last candle burning low,
All the sleepy dancers gone,
Just one candle burning on,
Shadows lurking everywhere:
Some one came, and kissed me there.

Tired I was; my head would go
Nodding under the mistletoe
(Pale-green, fairy mistletoe),
No footsteps came, no voice, but only,
Just as I sat there, sleepy, lonely,
Stooped in the still and shadowy air
Lips unseen - and kissed me there.

Exerts from; The Mistletoe (A Christmas Tale)
by Mary Darby Robinson

'Twas Christmas time, the peasant throng
Assembled gay, with dance and Song:
The Farmer's Kitchen long had been
Of annual sports the busy scene;
The wood-fire blaz'd, the chimney wide
Presented seats, on either side;
Long rows of wooden Trenchers, clean,
Bedeck'd with holly-boughs, were seen;
The shining Tankard's foamy ale
Gave spirits to the Goblin tale,
And many a rosy cheek--grew pale.

It happen'd, that some sport to shew
The ceiling held a MISTLETOE.
A magic bough, and well design'd
To prove the coyest Maiden, kind.
A magic bough, which DRUIDS old
Its sacred mysteries enroll'd;
And which, or gossip Fame's a liar,
Still warms the soul with vivid fire;
Still promises a store of bliss
While bigots snatch their Idol's kiss.

This MISTLETOE was doom'd to be
The talisman of Destiny;
Beneath its ample boughs we're told
Full many a timid Swain grew bold;
Full many a roguish eye askance
Beheld it with impatient glance,
And many a ruddy cheek confest,
The triumphs of the beating breast;
And many a rustic rover sigh'd
Who ask'd the kiss, and was denied.

P IS FOR PHOTO; WINTER SOLSTICE AND MISTLETOE
Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle has played an important role during many crucial episodes of Scottish History, however, it was originally known as a Pictish fortress, and its greatest hour came during Æthelstan 's invasion of Alba 934AD.


The castle is probably the most dramatic historical site in Scotland: a formidable castle rock, surrounded on three sides by the North Sea and accessed only by a narrow isthmus of land with a steep, stone-cut path leading to the top of the rock. For over 1000 years it played a crucial role in Scottish history, occasionally as Scotland’s last bastion, and has housed some of the nation's greatest historical figures including William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Marquis of Montrose.

P IS FOR PERFORMANCE

Jethro Tull - Solstice Bells

P IS FOR PAINTING
Druids Cutting the Mistletoe on the Sixth Day of the Moon
Henri Paul Motte
French, 1846 – 1922
Date: circa 1890-1900

The druidic mistletoe tradition in Britain is well known. The druidic priesthood valued mistletoe both as a peace symbol and in medicine. They harvested it with a golden sickle, never letting it touch the ground. Mistletoe on oak, the druids sacred tree, was especially valued.

An early 20th-century painting depicting the mid-winter festival at the
Gamla Uppsala temple.
Artist: Carl Larsson, Swedish

Before the arrival of Christianity in Sweden, Gamla Uppsala was the seat of Swedish kings and a ceremonial site known all over northern Europe. The settlement was home to royal palaces, a royal burial ground, and a great pagan temple. The stone church of Gamla Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala kyrka), is built over the pagan temple and dates from the early 12th century. Due to fire and renovations, the present church is only a remnant of the original cathedral.



"This is Yuletide!
Bring the holly boughs, Deck the old mansion with its berries red;
Bring in the mistletoe, that lover's vows Be sweetly sealed the while it hangs o'erhead.
Pile on the logs, fresh gathered from the wood, And let the firelight dance upon the walls,
The while we tell the stories of the good,
The brave, the noble, that the past recalls

anon

Ok..............thats it for this week, hope you enjoy it, all of the photos and paintings will enlarge if you click on them.