While we were saddened that the ongoing global pandemic kept us from hosting our traditional Winter Solstice Celebration in person, we were delighted by the turnout and reception of our virtual version.

Over 80 people, most from Minnesota but we had participants from such varied places as Hawaii, California, Texas, New York, Colorado, and Nebraska, joined together via Zoom to celebrate the Winter Solstice with Living Earth Center.

The celebration opened with a brief history of Solstice from DNR Naturalist Scott Kudelka, followed by our traditional winter poetry share, kicked off with an original poem written by Mankato-based poet Esther Marcella Hoffman.  Participants also shared poetry, both original works and favorite poems by others.

Mankato-based harpist Amy Kortuem played an original piece, "Solstice Lullaby" to transition us to the traditional ritual honoring the four directions and we then had a virtual bonfire, encouraging participants to light a candle wherever they were, posting the location in the comments so that we all could share in the welcoming back of the light.

The celebration was recorded, if you missed it, or if you were there and want to go back and rewatch, you can find the video on our youtube page:
https://youtu.be/olZiCfzgyrw