Winter Solstice 2019
Happy Winter Solstice! This year marks the 20th edition of artwork celebrating the spirit of the Winter Solstice. It is hard to believe I have been at this for 20 years. I can still remember creating the first illustration way back in 1999. Since then, the artwork has evolved, becoming more complex with each passing year. Finding interesting themes or different angles to explore is also a challenge. So far, I have not repeated any of the past themes. I do manage to work in the concept of light, which is always a constant, in some fashion. This segues us to this year’s theme of the lantern, an artificial way to illuminate the darkness and dispel the unknown. Lanterns, while not exclusive to Winter Solstice observances, have been used for centuries in celebrations dedicated to happiness, good fortune, and remembrances.
The origins for when lanterns were first used in celebrations can only be traced back to myths and elements of legend in China with local customs added over time. One origin theory is the celebration of "the declining darkness of winter" and community's ability to "move about at night with human-made light," namely, lanterns. However, the “Lantern Festival” roots can be traced back more than 2000 years and is popularly linked to the reign of Emperor Ming of Han at the time when Buddhism was growing in China. Emperor Ming was an advocate of Buddhism and noticed Buddhist monks would light lanterns in temples on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. As a result, Emperor Ming ordered all households, temples and the imperial palace to light lanterns on that evening. From there it developed into a folk custom.
In Thailand, Loy Krathong, also known as the Thailand Lantern festival, is celebrated nationwide by releasing lotus-shaped baskets, decorated with candles and flowers onto the rivers. The act of floating the krathong symbolizes letting go of one's negative qualities. Yi Peng, another light festival, is celebrated on the same day alongside Loy Krathong in Northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai. It is different in that lights are placed into sky lanterns. Swarms of sky lanterns, decorated with good luck wishes and prayers are released to the sky.
Lanterns construction generally consists of paper and a light source. Sky lanterns are traditionally made from oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame. The source of hot air may be a small candle or fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material. Floating lanterns, which originated in India then later spread to Southeast Asia and East Asia due to Buddhism, are usually made of plant materials such as flowers and leaves but can consist of a wooden frame with a paper shade.
In modern times, there are a few Winter Solstice celebrations with the lantern as the main theme. The Secret Lantern Society in Vancouver, BC, hosts a yearly Winter Solstice celebration with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, music, and storytelling. In North Carolina, the Hillsborough Arts Council hosts a Solstice Celebration Lantern Walk which recognizes the peaceful quiet the darker, colder months of the year can bring.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Winter Solstice and a happy holiday season. Please enjoy the artwork and, as always, I look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback.