Tag: Festivals

12/26 Yamoré, Happy Kwanzaa

‘Yamoré’ – Salif Keita with Cesária Évora, music video

Powerful, moving, sultry and poignant. Song about love and life by two African greats… wow… I love it. Magic!

Salif Keita with Cesária Évora, Song: Yamoré, Album: Moffou (2002), Recorded at Les Studios De La Seine, Paris, France between July 15 & December 14, 2001. Label: Decca. ‘Moffou’ was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best World Music Album.

Kwanzaa, founded in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga is held December 26th thru January 1st. It is an African American celebration of family, community, commerce, responsibility, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is not religious or political, nor a replacement for Christmas; rather it honors roots and culture. It is celebrated by more then 18 million people worldwide.

The word Kwanzaa means, ‘first fruits of the harvest’ in Kiswahili (an African language). The celebration is based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles) which are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). On December 31st the community cooporative Kwanzaa Karamu or Feast is held. To learn more visit tike.com

‘The Black Candle’ is a movie about Kwanzaa. In the movie it says,

Kwanzaa means access to your soul, to your people.

The beautiful, striking image above right of the Kwanzaa candles is a quilt by Kit Tossmann of Louisville, KY. It is featured in the 2007 Sacred Threads Gallery.

Happy Kwanzaa! Have a wonderful celebration.

Salif Keita born August 25, 1949 in Djoliba, Mali, Africa is a singer and songwriter. He is considered the Golden voice of Africa. He began his career in 1967 in the government sponsored Super Rail Band de Bamako. Then joined the group, Les Ambassadeurs in 1973 and fled Mali in the mid 70s because of political unrest. The name was changed to Les Ambassadeurs Internationales and they gained international acclaim. In 1977 Keita received a National Order award. He moved to Paris for a while then back to Mali in 2000 where he was inspired to create Moffou. You can learn more about Salif Keita at his official site at universalmusic.fr.

Cesária Évora born August 27, 1941 in Mindelo, São Vicente Island, Cape Verde is a singer. Her nickname is the ‘barefoot diva’ because she prefers performing without shoes. She is known internationally for morna (music and dance from Cape Verde) songs of sadness, sorrow and yearning. She met Eduardo (a sailor) at 16, who taught her the traditional Cape Verdean music coladeiras and mornas. She recorded her first album in Paris called La Diva Aux Pieds Nus (The Barefoot Diva) (1988). ‘Sodade‘ was her first international hit single. At age 47 she became an international star with the release of her album Perfumado. You can read more about her at cesaria-evora.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

December 26, 2008
12/23 Winter Wonderland, Andy Williams

‘Winter Wonderland’ performed by Andy Williams and his brothers

Wonderful, happy and joyful. I remember watching Andy William’s Christmas Shows when I was a child. It was part of our Christmas tradition for years. Loved finding and sharing this jewel with you.

Andy Williams and the Williams’ Brothers, Song: Winter Wonderland, DVD TV Special re-release: Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Christmas Shows. Recently aired November 28 – December 13, 2008 on PBS. The quartet performs holiday classics including, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ as well as many other songs. A DVD of the show is available at andywilliams.com. ‘Winter Wonderland’ words and music by Dick Smith & Felix Bernard, copyright 1934.

‘Winter Wonderland’ lyrics by Richard B. Smith (1901-1935) born in Pennsylvania. Music composed by Felix Bernard (1897-1944) born in Brooklyn, NY. The song first sung by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians (1934) was an instant success. The song has become a Holiday tradition. You can read more about the it at Hymns and Carols.

London, England is having a ‘Winter Wonderland’ event in Hyde Park, November 22, 2008 through January 4, 2009. A festive celebration of the Holidays you can find out more at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Have a wonderful winter and a joyous Holiday!

Andy Williams given name, Howard Andrew “Andy” Williams, born December 3, 1927, in Wall Lake, Iowa is a music icon. His first singing performance was in a children’s choir at the local Presbyterian Church. In the late 1930’s he formed a quartet with his three older brothers Bob, Don and Dick. They sang together until Andy went solo in 1952. The rest is history. You can read more at andywilliams.com or wikipedia.

Photo of the ornament is from Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

~Bonnee

December 23, 2008
12/22 Ha Nerot, Happy Hannukah

Ha Nerot sung by Chava Rachel Saban

Happy and filled with Light, a wonderful tribute to Hannukah. Enjoy the Holy Lights of the menhora dancing to this joyful song!

Chava Rachel Saban, Song: Ha Nerot, album: Don’t Give Up (2008), video by: Daniel Jacob Pearson

Ha-nerot hallalu is an ancient chant mentioned in the Talmud (Soferim 20:6), which is a reminder of the sacred nature of the Hannukah lights. It is said after the candles are lit. Photo from history.com.

Hannukah (Heb. Judaism, Dedication) is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It honors the victory of Judah the Maccabee, religious freedom and the ‘miracle of holy oil’ and celebrates the power of God. Hannukah begins at sundown the previous day and lasts for 8 days. This year it is celebrated 12/22 to 12/29.

Happy Hannukah! May your life be filled with miracles everyday.

Chava Rachel Saban says about herself,

“I was a junior in Yale college, pursuing a literature degree along with a musical career as a classical violinist, when a wheel flew off the car i was driving. the car flipped, i was knocked unconscious, and had my first spiritual awakening. i clearly experienced the next world, and felt the presence of a friend who had passed away. i heard a heavenly sound; the sound of myself playing the violin. it was the sweetest sound in the world. i began to realize that this sound was inside of me, the song of my soul. i began to realize that i had a soul. I began to sing in order to heal myself.”

I wasn’t able to find much about Chava Rachel Saban. Her webpage wasn’t loading this morning 12/22. I linked her name to it in hopes it works again soon.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

December 22, 2008
12/21 'The Light', Winter Solstice

‘The Light’, Winter Solstice at New Grange, County Meath, Ireland photograph by Alan Betson

Only on Winter Solstice each year will the sunrise create this beautiful warm glow in the depths of the chamber at New Grange. In complete darkness (the womb or void) one sits in quiet contemplation until the sun’s first rays bring the renewal of sweet light and life. A reminder of the all the blessing it brings for another season. The photo looks a bit like ‘light at the end of a tunnel’, or ‘a star at the top of an evergreen tree’. Spectacular!

Message… the Light increases multifold this day. Open to receive the blessings which are pouring forth. Come to me I await you. Let us dance in joy and celebrate the Glory and Majesty of God. Be of good cheer for it comes. Rejoice!

Celebration abounds…

12/21 – Winter begins, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Winter Solstice (12:04 am UTC).

Yule, Pagan and Wiccan holiday which ushers in the return of Light. It celebrates the return of the Sun God. It is a time of enlightenment, when light is reborn in the womb of darkness to begin another cycle.

The lighting of the Yule log (usually oak or pine), is a traditional custom for the Holiday. It symbolizes and honors the Sun God. Some of the log is kept to begin next years yule fire.
During Yule homes are decorated with fresh evergreens, holly, ivy and mistletoe commemorating the coming of light and life. Fresh greenery in winter is seen as a magical tool of growth. Yule is a reminder that the ultimate product of death is rebirth. The celebrations include much laughter, singing, dancing and feasting.

The painting above left is called ‘Winter Solstice Fire Lord’ by Steven Lucas (2008). Amazing, powerful image. I hear him say “Come within, warm self and dance with me… renew.” Magnificent! You can read Steven’s blog or see more of his works at fineartamerica.com.

12/21 to 12/25 – Pancha Ganapati, Hindu festival celebrating Lord Ganesha the Five-Faced Maha Ganapati – Lord of Categories. The celebration is five days of festivities, feasts charity and gift-giving. Daily chants, songs and bhajanas are sung and trays of sweets, fruits and incense are offered. After the daily puja, sweets are shared. Gifts are given to the children each day, who put them before Pancha Ganapati, all are saved to open on the the last day. The festival is centered on restoring peace, love, harmony and bringing joy and happiness. Image is Lord Ganesha. More at hinduismtoday.com.

12/21 to 12/29 – Chanukah the Festival of Lights, eight-day Jewish festival that begins on the eve of Kislev 25, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality. The menorha (a nine-branched candelabra) is lit nightly, starting with a single flame plus the shamash on the first night. Two on the second and so on until all eight lights plus the shamash are kindled. The holiday traditions include eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes), dreidel games and “gelt,” gifts of money. Image is a menorha. More at chabad.org.

12/21 to 1/9 – Soyala New Year Festival, Hopi, Pueblo and Zuni American Indian tribes consider this a time of purification and renewal. The Soyala symbolizes the second phase of Creation at the dawn of life. One of the most sacred celebrations which honors the beginning of a new cycle. Activities take place in the kiva and include reverent silence, fasting, humility and eating of sacred foods to achieve spiritual focus. Prayer feathers are prepared and placed in homes, villages and in shrine sites around the ancestral homeland. Picture is of the Hopi Soyal Kachina who comes in December. More brownielocks.com.

May the Light renew you and yours on this sacred day. Happy Holidays!

The photo of the 2003 Winter Solstice sunrise at New Grange, Ireland is by Alan Betson, from Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Ireland. The photo was printed on the front page of The Irish Times newspaper on the 22nd December 2003. You can find out more about Alan at gaelicweb.com.

There is a webcast of the 2007 Winter Solstice sunrise at New Grange, Ireland available at newgrange.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

December 21, 2008
12/13 White Christmas, Crosby and Reynolds

‘White Christmas’ Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds

Lovely, sweet and beautiful song. A walk down memory lane, when winter included horse-drawn sleigh rides and Christmas Holidays were filled with singing carols by the fire.

Artists: Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds, song:’ White Christmas’, movie: Holiday Inn (1942) Paramount Pictures, Songwriter: Irving Berlin.

Saint Lucia or Saint Lucy of Syracuse, (Spanish: Santa Lucia) was a young Roman Christian woman who refused to marry because she wanted to dedicate her life to God. Her rejected bridegroom betrayed her and she was put to death by the Roman Emperor, Diocletian. She is the patron saint of the blind. The root of Lucia is luc or lux, Latin for light. You can find out more about Saint Lucy at Saints & Angels.

Christian Missionaries traveled to Scandinavia telling stories of Saint Lucy’s courage; she became known as Lucia Bride. The elders often tell stories of how Lucia Bride, dressed in white with a crown of ‘light’ ,would bring food and drink to the poor. She is seen as the ‘Light bearer’ in times of darkness.

Santa Lucia Day or Luciadagen is celebrated December 13 in Scandinavia. The story of Saint Lucia is reenacted in many Swedish homes with the eldest daughter becoming Lucia Bride dressing in white with a crown of candles. Early in the morning she will bring her parents sweet saffron buns and coffee. Lucia celebrations are often held at the workplace and school. They have a procession with a Lucia, attendants, and starmen with pointed hats, caroling and sharing of saffron cake, ginger biscuits and drinks. One of the popular carols sung is ‘White Christmas’.

Saint Lucia is also honored in Italy where many Christians celebrate with bonfires and torchlight parades.

Happy Santa Lucia Day! Have a wonderful day filled with Light.

The lovely painting above left is called The Martyrdom of St. Lucy by Domenico Veneziano (circa 1445-48). It is one of the predelas (side panels) of Santa Lucia del Magnoli Altarpiece in Berlin, Germany that was split into separate panels. Domenico, de Bartolomeo di Venezia (c. 1405/10 – 1461) born in Venice, lived most of his life in Florence, Italy. An early Renaissance painter who studied with Gentile da Fabriano in 1422-23. He was one of the founders of the 15th-century Florentine school of painting.

The photo above right ‘a young girl dressed as Saint Lucia’ is from the short film ‘Santa Lucia’ by Elsa Entertainment. You can see more at elsaentertainment.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

December 13, 2008