Winter solstice, also known as Yule, is a significant event in various pagan traditions and cultures. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the midpoint of winter. Pagan customs and rituals associated with the winter solstice often revolve around the themes of rebirth, renewal, and the return of light. One common pagan custom during this time is the lighting of bonfires. The bonfires symbolize the power of the sun and its return after the longest night. People gather around the fire, singing, dancing, and celebrating the turning of the seasons.
New Living Translation
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
New King James Version Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. NASB 1977 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
People gather around the fire, singing, dancing, and celebrating the turning of the seasons. The bonfires also serve as a source of warmth and light during the dark and cold winter nights. Another popular pagan custom is the decorating of homes and altars with evergreen foliage.
Pardon Powers Northwestern Past Nebraska
EVANSTON, Ill. — led the way with 19 points and 22 rebounds, and added 20 points as Northwestern recorded its fifth-straight Big Ten win, in a 73-61 win over Nebraska on Thursday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
The 'Cats improved to 6-2 in the conference, their best start since 1943-44. They are 17-4 on the season and 11-1 at home. Their five-game conference win streak is their longest since 1965-66.
Pardon's 22 rebounds are the most in a game by a Northwestern player since 1966, equaling Jim Pitts' total against Ohio State.
Northwestern, already 13th in the nation in opponent shooting percentage with a 38.7 percent mark, held Nebraska to 23-of-63 shooting on Thursday, a 36.5 percent rate.
Law propelled Northwestern to a 12-4 start with two early three-point plays. His first came on a corner 3-pointer, the second on an and-one alley-oop pass from McIntosh off an inbounds pass. But Nebraska held the 'Cats in check, forcing eight-straight missed field goals during a 12-2 run to reclaim the lead.
With the Huskers leading 16-14 at the seven-minute mark, both teams began trading baskets, with neither side able to gain more than a two-point edge until Northwestern pulled ahead 27-23 with 2:33 left on a Pardon putback dunk.
followed shortly after with a triple, opening the lead up to six. The freshman guard finished the half with nine points, tied with Pardon for the team lead, and the 'Cats rolled into the break with a 32-29 edge.
Northwestern held the Huskers to a 12-of-33 (36.4 percent) shooting performance in the half.
After a sloppy start to the second half by both sides, McIntosh hit a three on a fast break four minutes in, upping the 'Cats lead to six. A defensive battled ensued, with both teams going nearly two minutes without a field goal at one point.
The 'Cats started to heat up just before the midway point in the half, when Law took advantage of some open space on a fast break to sink his second three of the game
The trey gave the 'Cats a nine-point lead, their largest of the game at that point. Back-to-back scores brought Nebraska within four, but a three pointer again widened the gap. Less than a minute later, got fouled on a tip-in and completed the three-point play to put Northwestern ahead 53-46 with 8:58 to go.
Meanwhile, the 'Cats held Nebraska scoreless for a 2:39 stretch, keeping the Huskers at bay during an NU cold streak of its own. But Pardon put Northwestern ahead 55-48 when he scooped up another offensive rebound. He finished the game with six offensive boards.
Minutes later, with the 'Cats up 59-53, McIntosh scooped up a loose ball on Nebraska's side of the court. Driving down the length of the court with just one defender in his way, the junior guard opted out of the contested layup, instead feeding Law for a ferocious alley-oop jam.
The 'Cats extended the lead to double digits with 4:12 left after Nebraska head coach Tim Miles received a technical foul. Law capped a 10-0 run soon after with an athletic and-one putback dunk over Nebraska's Evan Taylor, putting the finishing touches on a 16-1 Northwestern run.
The 'Cats return to action Sunday night, when they host Indiana at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. The game is sold out, and fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays.
Northwestern Notes vs. Nebraska
Jan. 26, 2017
• Northwestern has now won five straight Big Ten games for the first time since the 1965-66 season.
• The Wildcats' 6-2 Big Ten record is its best start since starting the 1943-44 season with the same mark.
• established a career high with 22 rebounds. Pardon's 13 rebounds prior to halftime are a new high for a half. He had 11 rebounds in second half at Nebraska Dec. 30, 2015. It is the first 20-rebound game since Evan Eschmeyer had 21 vs. Penn State Jan. 20, 1999. It is the most rebounds by a Northwestern player since Jim Pitts had 22 against Ohio State in 1966.
• Pardon posted 19 points in the game, giving him his second double-double of the season and the third of his career. Two of his double-doubles have come against Nebraska.
• posted a team-high 20 points to notch his fourth 20-point game of the season and his career.
• recorded 3 rebounds to raise his career total to 583 and move him past Mike Weaver (582; 1965-68) into 17 th place in Northwestern history.
• Lumpkin started his 111 th game of his career, moving him into a tie with Kevin Rankin (1991-94) for seventh place in school history. He also appeared in the 122 nd game of his career, matching (2013-16) for seventh place all-time at NU.
Northwestern, already 13th in the nation in opponent shooting percentage with a 38.7 percent mark, held Nebraska to 23-of-63 shooting on Thursday, a 36.5 percent rate.
Evergreens, such as pine and holly, are considered sacred plants because they do not wither during the winter months. They symbolize life and vitality amidst the dormant and barren landscape. Additionally, wreaths made from evergreen branches are hung on doors as a way to bring protection and good fortune into the home. Feasting and sharing a meal together is another important pagan custom during the winter solstice. The feast typically includes foods that represent the abundance of the harvest season, such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and dried fruits. It is a time to gather with loved ones, express gratitude for the past year, and look forward to the coming year. Gift-giving is also a pagan custom associated with the winter solstice. It is believed that by exchanging gifts, people are creating a cycle of generosity and goodwill. The act of giving symbolizes sharing the light and warmth with others during the darkest time of the year. Gifts are often handmade or symbolic, reflecting the personal connection between the giver and the receiver. Overall, the pagan customs of the winter solstice highlight the importance of embracing the cyclical nature of the seasons and finding joy and meaning in the darkness. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and the anticipation of the return of light and warmth..
Reviews for "Winter Solstice Celebrations: Incorporating Pagan Beliefs into Modern Life"
1. David - 2 stars - I did not enjoy the Winter Solstice Pagan Customs at all. As someone who doesn't practice paganism, I found it to be an odd and uncomfortable experience. The rituals and customs seemed confusing and out of place to me, and I didn't connect with the spiritual aspects of the celebration. I would have preferred a more traditional and mainstream holiday experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star - Winter Solstice Pagan Customs were not my cup of tea. I found the whole event to be boring and uninspiring. The chants and rituals felt silly and meaningless, and I couldn't understand the purpose behind them. It was a waste of my time, and I would not recommend it to anyone who is not deeply involved in pagan practices.
3. John - 2 stars - I attended the Winter Solstice Pagan Customs out of curiosity, but I was left disappointed. The event lacked structure and organization, and I felt like an outsider the entire time. The pagan participants seemed more focused on themselves and their own beliefs rather than making the event inclusive for everyone. It was not a welcoming environment, and I left feeling disconnected and uninterested in paganism.
4. Laura - 1 star - The Winter Solstice Pagan Customs were nothing but a bunch of hocus pocus to me. I didn't understand the point of the rituals and traditions, and they seemed to be a lot of unnecessary mumbo jumbo. The event lacked any real substance and left me feeling like I had wasted my time. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and spiritual experience during the winter solstice.