It is known as “the day the sun is coming back” in Japan when, customarily, the Japanese eat pumpkin soup and bathe with yuzu fruit to keep good health in the winter season.
The Celtic have named the day “Yule” and celebrate the day as the battle between the aging Holly King, who symbolizes the darkness of the old year, and the young Oak King, who represents the light of the new year. A Yule log is burned to encourage the sun’s easy birth and welcome it back to earth.
In Snohomish, the winter solstice is celebrated with light. Hundreds of luminaries line the River Trail, leading guests from Avenue D to Maple Street at Cady Landing.
According to Karen Guzak, owner of Yoga Circle Studio, “December 21 is the darkest day of the year and marks our turn toward light again. It’s an important time in the season of the planets.”
In sponsoring the event, Guzak relies on many volunteers and encourages those interested in helping to contact her at her studio. “We spend many hours preparing the luminaries and setting them out,” she said. “We love this city and it’s a fine thing to do.”
At dusk, the peaceful candlelight walk along the Snohomish River begins. The evening is also filled with vibrant music to celebrate the birth of winter. It is rumored that the Grinch, who once had a heart two sizes too small, will join the celebration.
Surely, hugs from the children will fill the Grinch’s heart with even more holiday joy.
Whatever weather conditions Mother Nature brings, the winter solstice celebration will take place between 4 and 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21.
As director of Historic Downtown Snohomish, Dena Marie is excited to remind everyone about additional holiday celebrations in Snohomish. “We’re hoping to brand the town with music, youth and kids,” she said. A great part of that goal is the Kaddywompas Country Store and Curiosity Shop Holiday Radio Show at The Thumbnail, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 20. Through music, comedy and storytelling, Tim Noah and his special guests will bring holiday delight to one and all. Tickets are $15 and are available at “The Thumb” and at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Holiday tours of The Blackman House Museum, located at 118 Ave. B, are held each Saturday and Sunday through the month of December. The cozy home features two floors of objects original to the Blackman Family or donated by the families of other early Snohomish settlers. The story of how the Society came to purchase the home from the Blackman family is told as part of the holiday tours. Complementary tea will be served. On December 21 a string quartet will perform.
Additional details are available at www.snohomishhistoricalsociety.org
Of course, Snohomish wouldn’t be Snohomish without its abundance of quaint stores, restaurants and antique shops. Merchants and artists have Christmas gifts aplenty, and the sights of downtown Snohomish are a beautiful backdrop for family photos. Simply put, a relaxing day in Snohomish will lead you to treasures throughout the town.
Historic Downtown Snohomish
21 Ave. A, Snohomish
425-350-5448
www.mainstreetsnohomish.org
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