Sunday, December 30, 2012

The Highland Games


The Highland Games have been in existence
with the Celtic people since before the dawn
of Christianity. In days past, the gatherings were
essentially war games set out to select the finest warriors
of the clans.
Today the modern games consist of:

1. Caper Toss - Flipping a foot tree trunk (various lengths) end over end.
2. Sheaf Toss - Tossing a bale of straw for height and over a crossbar with a pitchfork
    or by hand.
3. Stone Put - Shot-putting throwing a smooth stone for distance.
4. Weight Throw - Slinging a weight with a chain handle for distance or height.
5. Hammer Throw - Whirling a weight with a wooden handle and releasing it
    backwards for distance.

6. Ax Toss - Toss ax at a target.






My brothers son in law Jimmy competing in a local Highland Games.
He wins every time. He thinks he's hot shit.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Many faces of Father Christmas





Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Kris Kringle,
St. Nicholas. The story of Santa Claus has been
around for hundreds of years. He image has evolved
through the ages and has delighted all people from
young to old.

This is a picture of my brother Steve with
his grandchildren. Notice the bridle held
but his grandson. That of course is for the
reindeer who are outside waiting down the
street because there was not room to park
near their house. What a clever Santa he
makes. I think he looks asleep in this
picture.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the winter and the shortest
day of the year. It is also know as Christmas and Yule.
In celtic tradition the Holly King rules in the winter as the Oak King
rules in the summer. They constantly battle for supremency. Each one
given way to the other as the seasons change. The Holly King is sometimes
depicted as a woodsy Santa Claus with holly in his hair and
wearing red and often with eight stags.
Stonehenge - A ancient site in the U.K. for celebrating the Winter Solstice.
Thousands gather to celebrate the event every year.

Newgrange in Ireland
Photos of Newgrange a pre-historic monument in Ireland used
for burials and as a passage tomb. On the winter solstice the
sun lines up directly with a entrance chamber. See link for more info.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Oak Leaf Pendant by William Lloyd

Oak Leaf pendant for me by artist William Lloyd
(front side)
(backside of pendant)

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Green Man!

The Green Man at the Ren festival.
The Green Man image goes back in time pretty
far. There has been allot of speculation as to
his true meaning. He is often related to
as the spirit in nature or a representative of
spring and bringing new growth in the world.
He ask been associated with myth and as Sir Gowain
and the Green Knight. He has even been a symbol
of Robin Hood himself. The early church adopted
his image in sculpture and carvings on many cathedrals
and buildings. He has survived even to this day in
modern structures as well.



The Green Man in a modern
day building.