[little blue]

The wreath is a Pagan symbol for the 'circle of life'  or 'wheel of the year'. On the winter solstice, the wheel stops turning, and you should reflect on the peace and stillness, look back on the year past and look forward to the new year and lengthening days.  and not turn anything!
The holly and ivy give protection to the household (and then the Christians added candles for Advent)

Not sure where the 'not washing' originates from....  But makes sense if its to do with keeping warm!

[Rosemary]

Does the same apply on the summer solstice - ie stopping to reflect?

[little blue]

I think so, but the 'Wheel of life' doesnt stop on the summer solstice, so its not quite the same.
My friend who is Pagan has changed jobs so I cant ask him so easily! (alledgedly, our ex boss was too, and he once saw her dancing naked which was quite a surprise!  Nobody mentioned it directly to her though...)

[Snoopy]

I Love all this Pagan stuff - the thing is, we have had frozen water for five days now,
and my dishwashers are full, and I will have to use paper plates and cups for our
party today, and I can't wash my hair, and my shower and washing machine wont
work either.

So I am becomming a True PAgan woman

Burning lots of logs.

If it doesnt thaw soon will have to go out and scoop snow up in pans to boil on
the wood burning stove so can wash hair and pots and pans   

How deep do you have to bury water pipes to stop them freezing???

Julie

[Crofter]

Hi Julie

They usually recommend 4 feet deep for water pipes.  Ours are nothing like that but we seldom get more than 3 degrees of frost here.

Dave

[doganjo]

IIwas told 18inches when I was building my new house.  Seems to be OK so far and I believe they have minus 10 there today,.

[marigold]

I know just how you feel snoopy. Our shower has been frozen for days. We heated pots on the stove and had a bath on Christmas eve but it was only a few inches deep with ice on the inside of the bathroom window. An envigorating experience. So glad no one gave me shower gel for christmas it would have added insult to injury. A stand up wash just does not do the trick

[Rosemary]

You could go swimming tomorrow! If the roads are clear that is.

[marigold]

You could go swimming tomorrow! If the roads are clear that is.

What a good idea!!!!! I could go for a sauna too - didn't even cross my mind

[scattybiker1972]

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all.  what do you think to go in cards?

[HappyHippy]

 
Time to give Hallmark a call me thinks 

[marigold]

Think you should get copyright before others nick it - its so catchy!