By Mary T. Harrington Night has fallen over the world.
Sunrise comes later and the day darkens earlier.
The land, which was rich in life just a few short weeks ago, slumbers in a gray veil that is only lightened by snow not warmed. Then there is a change and the daylight gradually begins to return. We know this event as the winter solstice. For many millennium, this day has been a cause for celebration and the origin of many of the enduring holidays throughout the world. The fascination regarding the long, dark night predates 3000 BCE where the prehistoric peoples of Europe built reliable and impressive indicators such as Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland.