Light for solstice
Winter solstice arrives this Sunday, December 21, marking the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.
Solstice in December is an astrological event and while it signifies the shortest day for the north, it is the longest day for the southern hemisphere. This happens because as the earth rotates it is on a tilt and the tilt causes the earth to have one of its poles facing toward the sun. During winter in the northern hemisphere the sun is facing the south pole causing summer in the southern hemisphere. When the sun reaches its most extreme angle, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn or -23.44 degrees latitude, it is the furthest it will be from the north pole during the 365 days of the year.
Its name describes a point where the sun begins to return: in Latin, sol is the word for sun, and sistere means to stand still. Following winter solstice, daylight will grow longer eventually creating a return to warmer seasons in the northern hemisphere, and shorter colder days in the southern hemisphere.
This astrological shift brings with it ideas of renewed life, as the shortest day is followed by a rebirth of light for the coming year, and has been an important day in cultures across the globe.
Each year the winter solstice is a time for celebration of older pagan traditions. Many modern day households will light candles through the winter solstice to illuminate homes as owners remember a time when fire and the sun were the only light sources that humans had available. It is often considered a somber quiet holiday as it is a time for self reflection and spirituality.
Playing for funds
Out with the old, in with the new. After 31 years, Powell River Regals have retired their annual Boxing Day dance fundraising event in favour of a four-on-four hockey tournament.
The inaugural event will feature eight teams of eight skaters and one goalie competing in a round-robin format with games getting underway at 9 am on December 26 at Hap Parker Arena. Games will continue throughout the morning, afternoon and well into the evening. The final game is expected to start at 9 pm.
A social gathering in the warm room and beer gardens will coincide with the tournament from start to finish and continue after the championship game is played. Entry fees are $50 per player and $400 per team. Teams and individuals interested in registering can contact Rick Hopper at [email protected]. Each team is guaranteed at least three games. Players of all ages are welcome to register.
Fans, alumni and current or former executive members are invited to attend the event for free and spend part of their holiday catching up with friends and teammates.
