Arctish

The UU Fellowship in which I am a member is putting together a solstice program for the kids. I am looking for solstice stories and myths to include.

I know the story of how Raven stole the sun from the Pacific Northwest Native Americans, and Amaterasu emerging from the cave from Japan. I can google-search any suggestions myself, I just need the suggestions. Thanks.

Barefoot Bree

Suggestion from complete ignorance: is the Persephone/Hades myth a solstice myth? It's definitely a seasonal one.

Shven

Yule from the ancient Norse tradition. Cant say I'm all too familiar with it but I'd imagine there are plenty of websites that could help.

JohNeo

Here's some info I looked up:

http://orendacircle.tripod.com/yule.html

Arctish

Thank you for your help Barefoot Bree, Shven, and JohNeo. I do appreciate it.

lenrek

Not sure if this is helpful, you can just do a search of "myth and legends of Solstice" at google.

I found this one here: http://solar-center.stanford.edu/folklore/folklore.html

Writer@Large

Are you looking for stories to perform as skit? Or just to tell? To read? To sing?

This is the first books that springs to mind. I haven't read it, but it seems to be what you're looking for. Also, John Matthews' Winter Solstice is full of myth and legend references, as well as little rituals and traditions for you to try. It's absolutely one of my favorite holiday season books.

--W@L

Arctish

The focus of the R.E. programs this year has been holidays. The kids are learning about what people around the world celebrate and why. We usually tell a story or two and then have them do a related craft project.

Writer@Large

You definitely want Matthews' Winter Solstice, then. There are crafts! And, it "connects the dots" between Solstice and other winter traditions, primarily Christmas.

A good one for kids would be the 'winter shrine,' a small, decorative "contemplation point" that the book encourages individuals personalize to reflect their own traditions as well as the traditions of Solstice. There's also a recipie for Soul Cakes.

--W@L

Arctish

Thank you very much, Writer@Large. That sounds like the exact thing I am looking for.