December 21st is the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. But here on the Ray of SunShine blog, I prefer to celebrate National Look on the Bright Side Day.
Even when things look bad, I always try to think, things could always be worse. No matter what’s going on there is always something to be positive about even if it feels like a small thing. When I was younger, one of my favorite movies was Pollyanna. I also read the entire Pollyanna book series known as the “Glad Books”. Pollyanna's philosophy of life centers on what she calls "The Glad Game", an optimistic and positive attitude she learned from her father. The game consists of finding something to be glad about in every situation, no matter how bleak it may be. It started on Christmas when Pollyanna, who was hoping for a doll in the missionary barrel, only found a pair of crutches inside. Making the game up right then, Pollyanna's father taught her to look at the good side of things—in this case, to be glad about the crutches because she did not need to use them. She turned her whole town around with “The Glad Game”.
Being optimistic is scientifically good for our bodies and minds. Here is an excerpt from an article, by John Hopkins Medicine titled “The Power of Positive Thinking”, about health, wellness and prevention.
“The mechanism for the connection between health and positivity remains murky, but researchers suspect that people who are more positive may be better protected against the inflammatory damage of stress. Another possibility is that hope and positivity help people make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. Studies also find that negative emotions can weaken immune response.
What is clear, however, is that there is definitely a strong link between “positivity” and health. Additional studies have found that a positive attitude improves outcomes and life satisfaction across a spectrum of conditions—including traumatic brain injury, stroke and brain tumors.”
Back to the topic of the Winter Solstice, December 21st is celebrated around the world by many cultures and religions in anticipation of the sun’s return. That’s definitely something bright and happy to look forward to.
Humans have been observing the winter solstice as early as the Neolithic period during the Stone Age around 10,200 B.C. At Stonehenge, modern-day revelers continue to witness the magical occurrence of the sun rising through the stones.
Ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia around the time of the winter solstice. Saturnalia was a holiday honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. People decorated their homes with wreaths and greenery. Instead of the traditional togas they wore colorful clothes known as synthesis. Romans spent Saturnalia gambling, singing, playing music, feasting, socializing and giving each other gifts. Wax taper candles were common signifying light returning after the solstice.
The ancient Norsemen of Scandinavia celebrated Yule from the winter solstice through January, always hopefully looking for the return of the sun.
The Inca Empire paid homage to the sun god Inti at a winter solstice celebration called ‘Inti Raymi’.
In China, Dongzhi is celebrated with family gatherings and a big meal marking the end of the harvest. It stems from the concept of yin and yang. After the solstice, the darkness of winter will begin to be balanced with the light of the sun.
In Pakistan, the Kalasha people celebrate the winter solstice or ‘Choimus’ with a colorful traditional dance, food, and prayer dance.
So today, Look On The Bright Side and appreciate all the wonderful things in life!
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