centuries
of the snow-white world
Came people singing,
dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in
the winter trees;
They hung their homes with
evergreen; "
I am always keen for the winter solstice, as it signals a return to each new day having a bit more light. I do not recall reading another book specifically portraying 'the shortest day.' So, I was keen to read this one, given the artists who bring it to life. It is based on a poem written by Susan Cooper. It is read each year for the Christmas Revels, and is performed in celebration of Yule.
In earliest times, the sun is given a mythical body and is shown shining its light on cave dwellers and their animals. Moving forward in time, the artist observes wood gatherers picking up piles of sticks as the sun provides light to help them with their task. They carry the wood to warm their homes as day ends and the darkness settles. Candles light the windows, and soon people emerge singing and dancing to 'drive the dark away'. A Viking father and child place candles in trees, hang their home with greens, and join a fire dance that lasts all the night long.
Celebration ensues when the sun pokes its light above the horizon before rising high in the sky. As the poem comes to an end, children rejoice as they run toward a contemporary home, decked out for a Yuletide performance. Once done, they return to the outdoors to enjoy the return of light.
Carson Ellis creates a dramatic accompaniment to Ms. Cooper's words that envisions for readers the changes that have come to pass down through the centuries. She very effectively shows time moving forward and the way that the celebration has evolved.
An author’s note provides important and telling facts about the changes throughout history, the Christmas Revels and Jack Langstaff how founded the performances. The full text of the poem follows.
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