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| Summer Solstice: significance and celebrations Posted: 21 Jun 2010 05:03 AM PDT
 Summer Solstice Summer Solstice 2010 marks the longest day of the year as well as the shortest night and technically the first day of summer. Also known as midsummer, the day witnesses several celebrations such as the Pagan Spirit Gathering in Missouri, accompanied by ritual, prayers, altars and sacred space. The 2010 River Days festival in Detroit culminates with fireworks on the solstice, meeting fire with fire. The significance of solstice can be traced even ancient times. The Stonehenge that dates back to 3000-1500 BCE has its main axis is aligned to the solstice sunrise. Last year, there was an enormous gathering here to mark the occasion. The solstice enthusiasts assembled shared their thoughts to the world: ‘We believe it is very important for people to move with the cycles of nature, and actually feel them. If you get up early in the morning and you watch that special sunrise, you’ve been a part of it. The rest of the year is shaped by that. And we think it’s a really healthy thing to do, and a very spiritual thing to do.’ Like the Roman celebrations of Vesta, rituals on solstice are spread across different cultures and ethnicities. American writer Starhawk tries to embed solstice symbolism in contemporary Goddess spirituality when he quotes: "Now on this longest day, light triumphs, and yet begins the decline into the dark. The Sun King grown embraces the Queen of Summer in the love that is death because it is so complete that all dissolves into the single song of ecstasy that moves the worlds". |
| World Music Day: A tribute to music from across the globe Posted: 20 Jun 2010 11:37 PM PDT  World Music Day June 21 is observed as the world music day allover the globe. The legacy originated in France with Fete de la Musique, a music festival that began in 1982. Jack Lang, the French Minister of Culture had come forward with the idea of the festival in 1981. World Music Day is celebrated in many countries including Argentina, Australia, Britain, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, China, India, and Lebanon. On this day, musicians offer free performances for the public. It is not restricted to any particular form of music and pays tribute to all genres whether it is traditional, folk, Tribal, Film Songs, Remixes, Fusion, hip hop or rock music. Music is a factor that binds the world together irrespective of the cultural diversities. It also is said to possess a healing touch and soothing experience. Music is being used to treat depression and mood swings as well. However, it is also shown to have certain negative effects as well. Certain hip hop songs and lyrics project violence, sex and drug abuse damaging the values of the younger generation. It is essential to focus on the reality than just blindly worship the music idols. Apart from the World Music Day, certain other occasions are also celebrated in the name of music. They include Ariano Folkfestival in southern Italy, California World Music Festival, Washington StatRainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia and Stern Grove festival is a San Francisco celebration of musical and cultural diversity. |
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