In the very chilly evening darkness on Friday, December 20, around 30 revelers, bundled up decoratively, gathered in the Firefly Sanctuary in Stream Valley Park to sing, dance, stroll and celebrate the Winter Solstice.
Greenbelt’s Honk! Situation band provided their trademark musical foolishness. Fabulously costumed characters, a giant eyeball and a dancing dragon led the crowd down the stream valley, “following darkness like a dream,” in the words of William Shakespeare.
At the Northway/Crescent crosswalk, flashing crossing lights stopped traffic, and the glittering procession (complete with dancing crossing guards) amused the waiting drivers.
The crowd lured passersby along the way across Braden Field, and debouched into Roosevelt Center. There more folks awaited enchantment (and/or Honk! hilarity) between a softly glowing Mother and Child statue and the festive holiday tree, all surrounded by fairy lights. The ensuing zany Honk! song ’n’ dance fest was enhanced by a dragon photo spot and a bewilderment of individual lighting effects.
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest, darkest day and is celebrated in anticipation of coming sunnier seasons. Solstice day sometimes is called Yule among neo-pagans (a feisty, ubiquitous element of Greenbelt’s spiritual diversity). And in religions and cultures throughout the ages, this quiet time of year has inspired uplifting displays of dancing and music, fire and lights.
“For me this is the perfect blend of community, music and joy in the beautiful darkness of the winter. A gift that anyone can enjoy,” said Susan Barnett. “I particularly enjoyed parading along the path through town. It just seemed magical!”