bringing everything back to life again! Very symbolic of ancient religions, too, even those far removed and isolated from the so-called cradle of civilization.
I remember going to Chichen Itsa in the Yucatán many years ago. Climbed to the top of the ancient pyramid where they did human sacrifices long ago, and learned about their ancient beliefs, rituals and folklore… not so different from similar beliefs still prevalent today. Everything that people depend on for life revolves around the Sun and the seasons. They believed that the god(s) were angry when the Sun ‘died’ or disappeared each year with its diminished light. So they had to appease or sacrifice something valuable to regain the God’s favor and have the Sun rise again, bringing everything back to life. Kinda makes you think… there is a time and purpose and cycle/season for everything under the Sun… a time for vigorous growth and life, and a time for death, sleep or dormancy… a time for joy and a time for sadness… a time for reflection… a time for celebration…..
Nature can be a blessing, and Nature can be cruel. Just a week or so ago, I had some asparagus popping out of the ground, and the plum trees were in full bloom. Then we got a hard freeze! And that was that. Dashed my hopes of having any plums this year. That’s just the way it goes… or maybe I should’ve paid the preacher. lol 😂