The Winter Solstice

The word “solstice” is derived from two Latin words: “sol” (the sun) and “sistere” (to stand still). The Winter Solstice
therefore means, “Sun stands still in Winter”. Yule marks the longest night and shortest day of the year, when the Sun
ceases its decline in the sky, and for three days thereafter seems to stand still and lie dormant on the horizon. After this it
once again begins its ascent into the northern skies and the days grow longer.
Yule celebrates the rebirth of the Sun God, born of the Goddess after her return from the
Underworld. Fires and candles are lit to welcome the return of the Sun God’s light while the
Goddess rests after delivery and the hardships of her winter in labour. Yule or the Winter Solstice
is known by various other names, including: Alban Arthan (Caledonii or Druid), Jul (Norse),
Yuletide (Teutonic), Feill Fionnain (Pecti-Wita), Gwyl Canol Gaeof (Welsh), the Longest Night,
Midwinter and of course Christmas from Christianity.
The Yule celebration was particularly important to our ancestors, occurring at a time when many
(the poor, the old, the feeble) were not expected to live throughout the winter. It was a time when
their very survival depended on preparations they had made during the previous nine months.
Starvation was a constant threat for many throughout the winter, (indeed January through April
were known as “the famine months”). For many, the Midwinter festival was their last great feast
before the deprivations of deep winter set in. Any cattle left not needed for future breeding would
have been slaughtered to provide fresh meat, and any left-over produce from the last harvest
fermented and made into wine and beer for drinking.
Traditionally for the festivities, streets, homes and churches would be decorated using natural
resources, such like Mistletoe, Holly and Ivy. Their use brought colour and life into the home and
acted as a means of contact with the spirits of nature at a time when such has been threatened by
the declining light of the Sun. The Druids especially prized mistletoe that grew in the sacred Oak
trees, and on the Eve of the Winter Solstice would harvest the plant with a Golden Sickle. The
white berries of the Mistletoe represented the male aspects of the Sun God, and were used to
invoke fertility and the awakening powers of the Sun.
Equally sacred was the Holly, which again was prized by the Druids. When all the other trees
have lost their leaves, the Holly’s evergreen nature symbolized immortality by adding a splash of
colour to an otherwise barren woodlands. The red berries of the Holly were also thought
representative of the sacred menstrual blood of the Goddess. A wreath of Holly was hung on the
doors of the home for protection, and a sprig kept throughout the year for continued good fortune.
Ivy is another evergreen plant and associated with one of the most popular of the ancient Egyptian
gods, Osiris, a God of the Sun, Agriculture and Health.
Given the Druid’s veneration of trees, it may come as no surprise that the tree should play an
important part in the Yule celebrations. As a focal point in the household, a tree, normally a
conifer because of its evergreen nature, would be brought inside the home and decorated. As the
tree was a known home of the Fairies and other
Spirits, to appease them, they dressed the tree
with strips of brightly coloured cloth, strings of
shiny beads, fruit, gingerbread men and sweets of
all kinds, which they hung from its branches.
Later however, with the arrival of Christianity, early Church leaders
banned the practice in their efforts to stamp out pagan beliefs and
associations.
The modern Christmas tree as we know it today, only dates back to
Victorian times, when the practice of decorating a tree was re-introduced
and made popular by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1846 they
were pictured in the Illustrated London News standing with their children
around a decorated Christmas tree. As the Queen was very popular the
practice soon became fashionable, not only in Britain and continental
Europe, but also in America.
Another tradition of old was the lighting of a Yule Log, which was done
with great ceremony and as a highlight of the family celebrations. It was
believed that fire symbolized the return of the Sun after the Winter

You may now kiss the bride.

MINISTER:
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in  matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

Marriage is the union of a couple  in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

Through marriage, person 1 NAME GROOM'S NAME  and person 2  NAME BRIDE'S NAME    make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. GROOM'S NAME and BRIDE'S NAME will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.

We are here today  – – to witness the joining in marriage of GROOM'S NAME and BRIDE'S NAME. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this couple  begin their life together.
Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?


BRIDE’S FATHER OR ESCORT:

Her family and friends gathered here today do.


MINISTER:

This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one’s own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship – the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives.

By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for GROOM'S NAME and BRIDE'S NAME from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for “what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.

This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.

Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is amoral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last.


Exchange of Vows


MINISTER TO GROOM:

Do you GROOM'S NAME take BRIDE'S NAME to be your wife – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?


GROOM:

I will.


MINISTER TO BRIDE:

Do you BRIDE'S NAME) take GROOM'S NAME to be your husband – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?


BRIDE:

I will.


Exchange of Wedding Rings

MINISTER:

What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the ring(s) in my hand?

May this/these ring(s) be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May this/these ring(s) on her/their finger(s) symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.


Handing ring to the Groom


MINISTER TO GROOM:

GROOM'S NAME, in placing this ring on BRIDE'S NAME finger, repeat after me: BRIDE'S NAME), you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.



Handing ring to the Bride


MINISTER TO BRIDE:

BRIDE'S NAME, in placing this ring on GROOM'S NAME finger, repeat after me: GROOM'S NAME, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.


Pronouncement


MINISTER:

May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness.

In as much as GROOM'S NAME and BRIDE'S NAME have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.

You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other’s best friend.

What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.

And so, by the power vested in me by the State of ______ I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth.

You may now kiss the bride.

A.M