Auld Lang Syne! The New Year Moniker

Scottish Poet, Robbie Burns wrote “ Auld Lang Syne” in 1788 and it was then put to music. There was a little controversy that Burns adapted it, or collected phrasing, from a ballad written in 1711 by James Watson.

This melancholy song is often sang at funerals, graduations and as a fairwell, but most of the world will recognize it as the song - sang, at the stroke of midnight, on New Year’s Eve. For the sake of old times.... in several different versions, has become a traditional reflection.   

Olde Saint Sylvester’s Day/ the last day of the year, is celebrated at it’s pivotal point with alcoholic beverages, entertainment & fireworks. Another year is passing, human mortality awakens in people, we reflect on a completed year and anticipate the new year, new chances, new beginnings..... hope.

“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; 

The flames of Love Extinguished and fully past and gone,

Is thy sweet heart now grown so cold, that loving breast of thine; 

That thous canst never once reflect...... on Old long syne”              James Watson

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne* ?                               

CHORUS:

 Joyous celebration of who is in your life.. at the moment

For auld lang syne, my jo,

for auld lang syne,

we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !
and surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

The Toasts with "those no longer with us"

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !
and gie's a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS                                                                                        Robert Burns

So what is the difference?   The first version favours the sorrows of relationships ended and the second, cherishes the partnerships that remain.   The later of course, lends much better to an evening of drinking, for there is nothing worse than a whole lot of anguish and booze!

We don’t like to dwell on the mistakes in our lives.  But face them - we must, because it is a result of these ended relationships that we come to realize what does not work for us and this knowledge gives us opportunities to grow. It is understandable that pain remains when those ended relationships are attached to family cords and business connections, because you cannot totally remove these people from your life.

Is it of any wonder, that the essence of Auld Lang Syne is adapted to a more positive outlook?  We must cherish the relationships in our life that do work and not lament over the people who have gone, old lovers, former wives & husbands, in laws and neighbours..... gone. Things end. 

I personally will toast those in my life that have chosen to continue to love me. I cherish you all!

A bit about Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice evergreens 

Winter Solstice is when the sun’s elevation is at it’s lowest - it marks the beginning of the shortening of nights and the lengthening of days.  Its the shortest day of the year.   Age old communities revered this date in preparation for the famine months. Celtic and pagan tribes embraced this astronomical phenomena with cultural and seasonal celebration.

Usually between December 21st and 22nd, historical observances have lead way to christianity’s christmas culture; the tree, the yule, the lights, holly and mistletoe.

But what has the Winter Solstice become?    Many festivities are planned for community gatherings such as group meditations, and “intention ceremonies”.  Some people gather to watch the sunset, symbolically bonding as one.   Some silently light their homes with only candles and modestly decorate with nature based boughs and evergreen arrangements, and of course, many simply do nothing.

Solstice celebrations don’t need to be complicated, or overly serious. It can be a wonderful time to select for reflection, quiet thought and gratitude.  Think of it as a day (or night) as preparation for the commercial festivities or a time to solidify your disposition for the upcoming assault of winter.  

 

Christmas; scholarly debate, traditional & commercial ritual

For millions, Christmas is a religious experience.  Jesus Christ is commemorated.  His birth or his conception.  For those of olde order, the winter solstice marked a perfect time to bring some celebration to people before the deep sleep of winter, sets in. 

Evidence shows that the two merged in tradition and ritual.  The yule log, the pine tree lit with candles, the feasting, the festivities.  Life, death, family connections and then Santa Claus or St Nick - got thrown into the mix. 

Christmas today is 90% commercial.  I personally know very few Christians who are still practicing.  I am neutral to this, for I myself had been risen Christian.  I went to Catholic school and Mennonite Sunday School.   These beliefs are just childhood memories now. 

I honour Jesus as much as I do Buddah and all the other prophets.  As a tale. 

Yes, I believe in a Godly Spirit.  What name I give it, is not important.  

What Christmas has become, is the pulling together of members of a tribe.  Some choose their family, but if families don’t work, some choose the ones who they care for.

Blood or marriage do not automatically make you family.  Love does. 

My Own Kids, love holiday travel. 

The gifts are an expression of this love, because people need to validate their love.

When money is tight, we feel guilt because we cannot bestow our presents, this is wrong because a simple gesture, alone should do. Or so we think.

I didn’t care for Christmas when I was a child because it was often a time of trouble.  As a young woman, I was often alone.  But as a Mother, I learned to see the magic through the eyes of my children and the satisfaction I get bestowing my love upon them, spoiling them, because I love them so. 

With Santa, emphasis is placed on the children and quite honestly, many people gather to make the day special for them.  I know we did.  As children get older and become young adults, you really see that Christmas is just about the gifts.  The religion has faded, it isn’t solemn with grace - its a great party time with shopping and good food.  It is what it is, what it has become.  I think I’m Ok with that! 

What's Black Friday all about?

Shopping to get the requested Christmas Gifts

Black Friday is an American conceptualized marketing strategy.  It was created to stimulate and kick off holiday shopping by offering some, substantially reduced items.

Always following the day after American Thanksgiving Thursday, the already statutory day (for most), benefitted from having masses of people off work and school.  

Over the years, the date has become well known for shopping frenzies and has bled into Canada.  But things are changing.  Clever retailers have learned to feed the growing trend with online purchasing.  In fact a growing number of consumers are realizing that they can forgo the mayhem and enjoy - at home browsing and benefit with the additional bonus of free shipping, when offered.  

Although some people enjoy the outing, many do not.  Will there always be a Black Friday?  As long as there will be a commercial Christmas, there will always be a Black Friday - when retailers across the land experience profit and cannot claim they are in the red. Of course, it’s also just a precursor to Cyber Monday...which was created to get the last of kick off shopping by promoting online buying power. Items are further reduced to entice the exhausted Thanksgiving Holiday shopper.  

I support a family cherishing holiday, I think Christians should always have the opportunity to symbolize Christ, and I personally like a winter solstice type gathering of fires burning, good food and wintery outdoor lights.  I just think the value of merchandise can be reduced and the stress of expectations be evened out a bit.  But Happy Shopping - none the less!

All About Smudging

Originally a Native American ceremony, smudging now has become a common practice among those who believe in all spiritual energy. Indigenous people use smudging as an accompaniment to prayer and those of wider reaching spirituality, use it to also cleanse or repel negative spirits and bad energy.

The burning of sacred herbs for ceremony is a method that uses the healing properties of the plants chosen.   NeoPagan followers & NewAge inclined, use the scent released and the smoke in their ceremonies, for each herb has a specific characteristic.

Sage, for example; drives away bad spirit, feelings or negativity.  Cedar is believed to purify and be direct communication to the creator and Sweetgrass announces your intention to pray. There are so many variations and there is no wrong way of smudging, because it all relies on intent. The purpose is to cleanse with reverence. 

You can create your own smudge sticks by gathering herbs, binding them with string or thread while they are fresh and then allow them to dry out.  When setting them on fire, it is recommended to do so over a non combustable container.  Ignite and allow to burn out (or blow out flame), then waft the smoke in circular motions through out your home. 

I am one of those, who believe a home feels better after a smudging.  There is a lovely lingering scent and a subtle calm.  

Remembrance Day: War Slaughter Score Cards, Silent moment for the Fallen

Remembrance Day exists because we need to validate the loss of our loved one’s lives & souls.

I had quite a few War Veterans in my family.  They were either physically scarred or empty souled. Two drank.  One had lost limbs.  All of them were damaged.  

They didn’t fight for their countries, they were forced to fight for ally countries.  They were young, scarred and didn’t have a choice.  

Growing up, I noted that Remembrance Day was somber.  It was sad. People died. 

Doing school projects about the origins of war made me question the volatile nature of political leaders.  They, for the most part are bullies.  They insist, they proclaim then an opponent disagrees, everybody picks sides and a war ensues. 

And then the men die or are forever broken.  What was to be proud in that?   The leaders keep the score cards and the glory.  As an adult I learned the importance of standing one’s ground,  but I learned it always came with consequence.  I have been on both sides of rebuttal and the best advice anyone had ever given me, was a police sergeant who told me to avoid a hostile neighbour - at all costs.  Avoidance of course does not get rid of the problem, as I have learned with unreconciled relationships, for there is nothing more empty then “pretending to be civil”.  

Why must we have war?  History shows that it is not always successful. 

Remembrance day isn’t about the battle.  It’s the time taken to feel sorrow for the pawns that fell by the wayside, to acknowledge that they mattered, their spirit is cherished and that they are not just a check on a political score card.  And this dear friend, is how the custom of Remembrance Day - came to be. 

   May all souls have peace. 

Two Finnish born brothers who became  Canadian Immigrants.

My Great Uncles Tauno & Tysto Lehikoinen (or to us - Tony & Ty) 

with my father & uncle (as children)

Ty served in WW2.  

Tony also served in WW2 & Korean War.  Neither had any children of their own. 

Belief in Psychics & Mediums

SEE or Perceive?

A Psychic is a person who claims to have an ability to perceive information.  Perceive.

A Medium is a person who feels they are a “go between” for spirit on the otherside.  They do so by “channelling”.  Psychic lingering of energy or thought, is a metaphysical study that is part of every culture and vein of spirituality.  

From my own experimentation, research and study, I find that such incidences in my own life are intermittent, subtle but definite. I note that the practitioners (I have met so far) do not live day by day, continually being 100% accurate in their perceptions.  But I have faith.  The more I delve into research organizations like: Forever Family Foundation (US)  & Metaphysics Research Canada (medium7.com), the more I believe the acceptability of this phenomenon. 

I watch Long Island Medium - Theresa Cuputo & John Edward on TV. I even get tickets to their shows.  I used to watch Kim Dennis of Canada, but she is no longer on.  I read, I study, I experiment myself.  I like the “science” of the Afterlife.  Maybe even the spirituality.  But not the haunting. I have witnessed, I am absolutely certain.  But I cannot prove.  Heck, I even read Tarot cards. Belief in Psychics and Mediums is often presented in the magazine app I am editor for. 

I note that historically the evidence of such research has always been suppressed and I for one, would like to explore why.  It is difficult to capture and validate, so I'd like to see more research done. 

Some people cling to the memory of past loved ones. Some experience the surviving essence of a life lost.  But how is it, and how fascinating it is..... that a person can have the ability to perceive even a trace of validating information.   And I am indeed, in awe.