Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org

Thur. DEC. 21 - WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY AT ICC

There will be a Winter Solstice Party at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix starting at about 4:00 pm there will be a presentation outdoors by the Hunger Memorial followed by party with food and music inside the Center.

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and has special significance in Irish history. "The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The passage and chamber of Newgrange are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise. A shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box over the entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber. The dramatic event lasts for 17 minutes at dawn from the 19th to the 23rd of December". www.knowth.com/newgrange.htm.

Once again preparations are underway at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, for the annual celebration of the mid-winter Solstice Thursday, December 21. The occasion now as in ancient times marks the longest night of the year. For people living in Ireland, this could mean having darkness for as many as seventeen hours. So it is understandable why the first farmers who arrived Ireland over 5,000 years ago, so eagerly awaited evidence from within the passage tomb called Newgrange, in county Meath, for signs that the sun had started to return from it's annual southern migration. The penetration of light from the rising sun into the central chamber at Newgrange on December 21 had great ceremonial significance for the Irish and others in pre-historic times, in addition to serving as a precise celestial clock for those early farmers.

Songs and poetry illuminate the longest night of the year. The vigil fire illuminates the monument, An Gorta Mor. We proceed to the Ribbon Trees and honor those no longer here to enjoy the fruits of life. By placing ribbons on the branches of this special tree(s), those dearest to us, but who are no longer here, can rest in knowing that their passing and suffering will long be remembered by those of us who care. Afterwards, the firelight guides us to the Great Hall where we feast and enjoy the music of our heritage.

To help raise funds and food for the needy, we will be placing ribbons on the "Ribbon Tree" being introduced for the first time this year. Also, those wishing to drop off non-perishable food items at the Irish Cultural Center may do so between now and the Solstice event on the evening of December 21 st .

This year, the Irish Cultural Center welcomes Grove of the Rising Phoenix, a Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) affiliate located in Arizona. They will present a Winter Solstice ceremony celebrating the return of the light.

The event begins at 6:00 PM. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM. Admission is $5 per person, $10 per person with dinner. Ribbon donation is $1. Due to the popularity of this event, seating is limited, RSVPs before December 17 are necessary. Unfortunately, walk-ins for dinner cannot be accepted.

See a Celebration of the Sun or www.azirish.org or call 602-258-0109

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