On Sunday, December 21, 2008 The Center presents The Winter Solstice celebrations. This year’s Solstice celebrations are anticipated to draw a larger attendance than past years, particularly since celebration of the occasion falls on the evening of Sunday December 21st, and those attending won’t have to deal with normal rush hour traffic. Solstice, now as in ancient times, marks the longest night of the year, whereby the Sun is at its lowest elevation in the sky. The return of the Sun from its most southern position on the horizon has always been of great ceremonial significance, in addition to serving as a celestial clock. In Phoenix the occasion is marked by music and poetry. Ribbons are placed on the branches of the special Ribbon Tree, to spiritually unite us with those no longer here. A parade from the hunger memorial on site takes us to the bonfire where the Grove of the Rising Phoenix shares their ritual traditions. This year, the customary special Irish dinner, prepared by Chef Frank will be served starting at 4:00 p.m.


Note, that reservations for the food are required, call 480-242-3500. Outside ceremonies start at sunset (5:25 p.m.) Inside the Great Hall there will be traditional Irish Music following. COST: $12. includes dinner. $6.00 for presentations only. Outside ceremonies start at sunset (5:25 p.m.)

Solstice, now as in ancient times, marks the longest night of the year, whereby the Sun is at its lowest elevation in the sky. The return of the Sun from its most southern position on the horizon has always been of great ceremonial significance, in addition to serving as a celestial clock. In Phoenix the occasion is marked by music and poetry. Ribbons are placed on the branches of the special Ribbon Tree, to spiritually unite us with those no longer here. A parade from the hunger memorial on site takes us to the bonfire where the Grove of the Rising Phoenix shares their ritual traditions. )

WHAT: Solstice celebrations
WHERE: Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
WHEN: Saturday December 21nd, starting 4:00 p.m.
COST: $12. includes dinner. $6.00 for presentations only.

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.