Here's a very cool event I came across online. It's a parade of sorts in Brighton, UK called Burning the Clocks. I love everything about Christmas....the decorations, presents under the tree, colored lights. But this antidote to the excesses of Christmas seems like a great idea, especially if you've just come from the mall and realize how much chaos there is. PLUS it's a craft thing!
In Brighton, UK
From the Burning the Clocks website:
Burning the Clocks People gather together to make paper and willow lanterns to carry through their city and burn on the beach as a token for the end of the year. No lantern is better for its purpose than any other, all are unique to the maker and precious but all are given up to be burnt to greet the lengthening days.
Burning the Clocks combines a family centred, workshop based, seasonal parade with a high quality fire show and fireworks for the whole city. The lantern makers become part of the show as they invest the lanterns with their wishes, hopes, and fears and then pass them into the fire. Same Sky are masters at creating new urban rituals to replace those traditional festivals that were lost in the dash to be new and non superstitious.
Samm - of course, pls feel free to pass on to anyone. Thanks, T.
Posted by: Therese | January 01, 2008 at 12:13 PM
What an interesting celebration! I'd like to see something like that here too. :O) May I pass this on to our mayor?
Posted by: samm | January 01, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Happy new year Therese, wishing you all the best in all your ventures and dreams come true. (I am embarrassed to say I've never heard of the Winter Solstice parade, sounds wonderful)
Posted by: cruststation | January 01, 2008 at 06:34 AM