A new year beckons as the old one fades and it inevitably brings moments of reflection on days gone by, a taking stock, a time of new beginnings, of hope and often of sadness.In reality it is no more than another day same as all the others a man-made cut-off point, an imaginary line drawn in the sands of time.
But for all that, it still brings a significance with it , a chance to think of the past while looking to the future.It is within this spirit that I propose a festival of light at midday (12 noon) on New Years Day.
The one thing we all have in common, regardless of age ,race ,colour or creed ,is that someone close in mind body or spirit will have died, whether it be in the last 12 months or the last hundred years.
Often we may have been loving and close, other times there may have been tensions and difficulties, even anger, guilt, or deep regret. My own Dad's death when I was 16 is something, for different reasons (all on my part) , I am trying to come to terms with slowly throughout my life.
My proposal is that at 12 noon on New Years Day we simply light a candle, both for those gone before us ,and also as a symbol of hope for ourselves and the future- whether we be atheist, or of a religious disposition ,or whatever.
To maybe just be silent for a moment , listen to a favourite piece of music, or say a prayer, to sing, have a drink, or hug a tree or a car or a person. I'm a bit of a tree hugger by times-only old one's that have lived hundreds of years and seen it all. I'll certainly raise a glass.
I might put a list of people I am thinking of on my blog, you might like to do the same.If you do, let me know and I will post links to your blog so others might read the names and have all in mind as they light their candle. There is often something special about communal gatherings, even when only virtual , and a load of candles can only bring warmth and hopefully a small degree of peace and of hope.
Happy New Year to everyone!
30 comments:
Lighting a candle sounds like a fine idea, I will do so.
What a great idea TFE - I shall ponder on how I'd like to do this - probably tree-hugging in it somewhere!
I always spend quite a lot of time thinking over the past year and looking forward at this time, and also kind of celebrating the people who have made the year special.
This is a very special post TFE and beautifully expressed. So sorry you lost your Dad so early in your life. It's a lovely idea to light a candle and I'll mark the calendar to remind me to do so. Hope you and your family had a great Christmas and here's to a Happy and Healthy New Year with lots of good opportunities for you all.
At noon. Thanks.
This is a lovely plan TFE, I'll light a candle alright.
My mother used to light a candle whenever we sat exams. I loved to imagine the candle burning for me as I struggled through my examination paper.
This is a lovely idea. I shall try to honour it with a candle, too.
At first, I thought you might be heading in the direction of Einstein's theory and how he's applying it to the bus maintenance.
Moving through the teens is tough, and losing a parent at that crucial time had to have left an emotional imprint. My Mom's last words to me were "Stick to your guns, Jeanne!" So I'll share that bit of advice with you, too, TFE.
Enlightenment shall begin here at noon, then. We did this across the U.S. right after 9/11 and it was a beautiful experience. A great start to the new year and decade. Thanks, TFE!
wv: theffi: All the letters in the greeting, 'Hi TFE!' (+ one extra f)
Sterling idea! In my non-cynical hippy days I used to have a little window sill that I used as an alter, I kept special photos, those little things you find like stones, momentos of places, people, moments etc. Every morning I would stand and light a candle and just drink my cup of tea casting my mind into things there. It was incredible the ammount of peace just that five minute ritual inspired... I keep thinking about doing it again.. maybe new years day will be a good excuse to find a spot!
Hope your x-mas was a good-un mush!
cheers!
Thanks Sparkey!
Thanks Phoenix, tree hugging is good, specially when they hug back!
Thanks Heather and best wishes to you and yours for the new year too!
High noon ,Karen, candles drawn!
Good on ya Niamh, thanks!
Thanks Elisabeth.Exams ? ooh, even the thoughts of them give me the shivers!
Thanks for that encouragement,Jeanne.
Pip pip!
Lovely idea. I'll do it. Where to put the candle? in a window, perhaps, to beckon to their spirits should they be wandering? in the garden, place of repose? by the fireplace to warm their memory? so many choices.
A good idea. I will, too.
That's a beautiful idea, and a lovely one to share with the kids. I'll be doing it.
Happy New Year!
I really like this idea, Peadar. Thanks for the event invite on FB. I've been hanging back from blogging (it's nice, actually) and might have missed out.
I will definitely be participating.
Kat
What a beautiful idea, EEjit! Count me in. :D
We'll have folk here but I might do it quietly. The house is full of bleeding candles though so I shouldn't have any trouble finding one to light (Mark loves them!).
x
Hey Watercats ,I love the idea of the small shrine you created on your windowsill, full of special candlelit things.I think I will do the same.
Hello Granny Sue, can only be indoors for the candle lighting here, you wouldn't put a gate out in this weather !
Good man Dominic!(Will you be playing Stockhausen at the time!?)
Thanks Susan and Happy New Year to you and yours too!
Nice one Kit Kat!
Cool Susan, you're in ,hooray!
What a beautiful idea, a candle is so symbolic of many things - enlightenment, honouring a memory, clearing energy, hope, chasing away the darkness. I will def light one!
A candle in the new day, for the new year. I'm with ya. -Jayne
I will do this now. Less than an hour left here in Oregon. Better get busy. - Jeanne
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