Buzmi! Winter Solstice! • “Erdh buzmi bujar/ Me gjeth e me bar/ Me edha, me shtjerra/ Mbas tyne vjen vera” • Every ancient culture has a pagan celebration for the winter solstice. For Albanians, it’s “Buzmi.” Similar to the Germanic “Jul,” and the Anglo-Saxon “Yule,” this celebration is centered around a large firelog, or “buzm.” • It is an appreciation of the year past, as well as a celebration of the year to come. A reflection of the cycles of the earth, and a time to pay homage our ancestors and the Sun. • On this night, a large log is lit in the vater, or hearth and a feast commences. The family sets an extra place at the table for those who have passed away, to honor the dead. According to ancient Albanian beliefs, the soul of a person leaves their body upon death but returns to their home during holidays. The aroma of food and the sight of their family gathered together in celebration pleases the spirit and they in turn bless their family. • Like most pagan holidays, Buzmi has morphed over the years and become synonymous with a commercialized Christian holiday, in this case, Christmas. While families may still gather and feast during the winter solstice, it is important to recall the origins of the holiday and the importance it held. • A promise of brighter days ahead. A reminder that even in the darkness of winter, there is always a bit of light. A time to reconnect with family. A time of rest and reflection. • Our ancestors are an integral part of our lives, whether we realize it or not. We are a composite of all their hopes and dreams and heartaches and struggles. Their language, their features, their customs and rituals are ours as well. We are them and they are us. By honoring them, we honor ourselves. • Themes: death, rebirth, ancestors, the sun • • • #thebalkanwitch #albanianwitch #balkanwitchcraft #folkmagic #dielli #witch #shtriga #yshtese #dijes #witchesofinstagram #witchessociety #witchblr #witchy #witchyart #witchcraft #magick #magji #magjik #buzmi #yule #wintersolstice #tarot #astrology #zodiac #pagan #ancestorworship #ancestors https://www.instagram.com/p/CXwk_iUu-IC/?utm_medium=tumblr