Marie-Chantale Sundberg’s Post

Long before Christmas trees sparkled or menorahs illuminated homes, our ancestors gathered to celebrate the winter solstice. Fires blazed, rituals honored the sun's return, and communities found hope during the year's darkest days. Fast forward to today, and the ancient celebration of light continues—this year, in the overlapping glow of Christmas and Chanukah. Though rooted in different histories, these holidays echo the same timeless theme: finding light in darkness and renewal in the coldest season. Let’s explore how ancient solstice traditions shine through these modern celebrations. The Winter Solstice: Humanity’s First Light Festival The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, was a turning point for ancient civilizations. It marked the return of longer days and the promise of life-giving warmth. Stonehenge: Aligned with the solstice, this ancient monument in England drew early worshippers who celebrated the rebirth of the sun. Yule Fires: The Norse lit massive bonfires and Yule logs to welcome the sun’s return, a custom that would later inspire the Christmas tradition of glowing hearths. Saturnalia: In ancient Rome, Saturnalia feasts featured candles and revelry, celebrating renewal and the hope of a brighter future. These celebrations were acts of survival and symbolism—a way of reminding communities that even the darkest nights would give way to light. More in the comments! 👇

What lingers in the quiet of a storm? On the endless white of a Carpathian hillside, sheep move like shadows, their forms a muted contrast against the blinding purity of snow. Each step sinks into the drift, and their wool—thick, matted, an ashen gray—feels more earth than sky, more stone than cloud. Above them, the heavens churn, a cascade of thick snowflakes tumbling down, each one a fleeting whisper in the deep hush of winter. This is not a landscape to be tamed; it is a canvas of wildness, painted in shades of stark simplicity. The flock presses on, their darkened forms etched against a world devoid of edges. The snow is relentless, falling in great silken waves, swallowing horizon and sky alike. The land itself feels as though it breathes beneath this shroud, exhaling faint trails of mist from the mouths of sheep and shepherd alike. Silence reigns, broken only by the muffled crunch of hooves and the occasional, plaintive bleat that hangs in the air before being devoured by the storm. Everything feels suspended, held in the soft, omnipresent grip of winter. In this infinite whiteness, the sheep seem almost elemental, their darker shapes a reminder of the land’s resilience against erasure. They walk as though through time itself, unhurried, steady, eternal. Does the shepherd marvel at this same scene? Or does he know its every rhythm, its every note? There is no other world here, no other moment—just this procession of shadows moving through the heart of winter’s fury. What do you see when you look at such a world? Video by puiu.18 [Carpathian Winters, Snowfall Silence, Mountain Flocks, Shadows in Snow, Elemental Landscapes, Romania’s Shepherds, Pastoral Poetry, Ashen Sheep, Endless Winter, White Sky, Carpathian Mysteries, Stark Beauty, Quiet Storms, Infinite Snowfields, Dark Against Light, Rural Vistas, Eternal Cold, Winter’s Grip, Silent Valleys, Timeworn Traditions] #romania #travel #carpathians #winterlandscape #snowstormbeauty #shepherdlife #mountainmagic #ancienttraditions #whitenoise #romanianculture

What lingers in the quiet of a storm? On the endless white of a Carpathian hillside, sheep move like shadows, their forms a muted contrast against the blinding purity of snow. Each step sinks into the drift, and their wool—thick, matted, an ashen gray—feels more earth than sky, more stone than cloud. Above them, the heavens churn, a cascade of thick snowflakes tumbling down, each one a fleeting whisper in the deep hush of winter. This is not a landscape to be tamed; it is a canvas of wildness, painted in shades of stark simplicity. The flock presses on, their darkened forms etched against a world devoid of edges. The snow is relentless, falling in great silken waves, swallowing horizon and sky alike. The land itself feels as though it breathes beneath this shroud, exhaling faint trails of mist from the mouths of sheep and shepherd alike. Silence reigns, broken only by the muffled crunch of hooves and the occasional, plaintive bleat that hangs in the air before being devoured by the storm. Everything feels suspended, held in the soft, omnipresent grip of winter. In this infinite whiteness, the sheep seem almost elemental, their darker shapes a reminder of the land’s resilience against erasure. They walk as though through time itself, unhurried, steady, eternal. Does the shepherd marvel at this same scene? Or does he know its every rhythm, its every note? There is no other world here, no other moment—just this procession of shadows moving through the heart of winter’s fury. What do you see when you look at such a world? Video by puiu.18 [Carpathian Winters, Snowfall Silence, Mountain Flocks, Shadows in Snow, Elemental Landscapes, Romania’s Shepherds, Pastoral Poetry, Ashen Sheep, Endless Winter, White Sky, Carpathian Mysteries, Stark Beauty, Quiet Storms, Infinite Snowfields, Dark Against Light, Rural Vistas, Eternal Cold, Winter’s Grip, Silent Valleys, Timeworn Traditions] #romania #travel #carpathians #winterlandscape #snowstormbeauty #shepherdlife #mountainmagic #ancienttraditions #whitenoise #romanianculture

🌟 Have you ever heard of Aragonite? This stunning crystal not only captivates with its natural beauty but also possesses some incredible metaphysical properties! Did you know that Aragonite can actually glow in the dark? 🌌 This unique feature is due to its unique crystalline structure, which absorbs light and then releases it in a dazzling display. How magical is that? Grab yours here: https://lnkd.in/gy_3gs5D Beyond its enchanting glow, Aragonite is known for its grounding properties. It helps to stabilize emotions and encourages a sense of calm during chaotic times. If you’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, holding or meditating with Aragonite can help you find your center and embrace tranquility. It’s like having a little piece of serenity right in your hands! ✨ Moreover, Aragonite is believed to enhance patience and encourage a deeper connection with the earth. It can assist you in accessing your inner wisdom and understanding your true purpose. So, why not invite this beautiful stone into your life and see how it can illuminate your path? 🌈 If you’re curious to learn more about the magical world of crystals or want a personal reading to discover the energies surrounding you, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d love to guide you on your journey. 💖 #Aragonite #CrystalHealing #Metaphysical #GlowInTheDark #GroundingEnergy #EmotionalStability #InnerWisdom #HealingJourney #prosperitystones #crystalsforpastlives #pastlifework #Crystalsformeditation #groundingcrystals #Crystalsforgrounding #connectingwithancestors #seavibes #aragonitebracelet #aragonitestone #aragonitejewelry #aragonite #crystalcollector #polishedstones #crystalhealing #crystalshop #crystalsale #iamgretchen #crystalbracelets #crystaljewelry #gemstonebracelet #metaphysicalhealing

This holiday season, let the warm glow of luminarias illuminate your spirit! ✨ We've placed luminarias on top of Casa Lou in celebration of this beautiful Southwestern tradition. Here's a brief history of luminarias: Ancient Roots: Luminarias, or farolitos ("little lanterns"), originated centuries ago in the American Southwest, evolving from simple bonfires used to guide travelers. Pueblo Influence: Pueblo Native Americans adapted this practice, incorporating candles and sand into clay pots for spiritual rituals, predating Christmas. Spanish Colonization: Spanish colonists integrated Catholic traditions, associating luminarias with guiding the Christ child's spirit on Christmas Eve. Railroad's Role: The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway helped popularize luminarias throughout the Southwest in the late 1800s. Modern Evolution: Luminarias transitioned from bonfires and clay pots to the familiar brown paper bags with candles we see today . They are now used for various celebrations beyond Christmas. Today, luminarias symbolize the light of Christ, overcoming darkness, family traditions, and the simple joys of the holiday season. #CasaLouCardenas #Longmont #Luminarias #HolidayTradition #SouthwesternCulture #HolidaySpirit

In the spirit of spring, let's embark on a journey of rediscovery, seeking to restore lost traditions and ancestral practices that honored the profound interconnection with all living beings. As the season unfolds with its promise of renewal and growth, let's draw inspiration from the wisdom of our ancestors who understood the sacredness of Earth and the reciprocity of gratitude. Let's rekindle the flames of ancient ceremonies, weaving together threads of remembrance and reverence for the natural world. In the heart of the springtime, let's gather together in gratitude ceremonies, offering prayers of thanks for the abundant gifts bestowed upon us by Earth. Let's create sacred spaces where we can pause and reflect on the blessings of nature, from the nourishing soil beneath our feet to the boundless sky above. Let's honor the complex web of life that sustains us all, acknowledging our interconnectedness with the plants, animals, and elements that coexist harmoniously in this intricate tapestry of existence. Through the practice of gratitude, we not only nourish our souls but also cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and purpose within the natural world. Let's reclaim our ancestral heritage as guardians of Earth, embracing our role as stewards entrusted with the care of this sacred planet. Let's walk gently upon the land, guided by the timeless wisdom of our ancestors, and let our gratitude ceremonies serve as a beacon of light, illuminating the path towards a more harmonious and sustainable future for generations to come. #GratitudeCeremony #SpringBlessings . . . . . . . . . . . . Video by I Am Sorin @ Pexels

New standard for Astrantia bunches 🌸 Starting week 17, all Astrantia varieties will be bunched with 25 stems instead of 50. MARKET DEMAND Why this change? Because we listen to you. We love to create the most beautiful flowers for florists and designers around the world, but we also heard feedback from the market that sometimes the stem count was not optimal. Especially for florists, 50 stems of one type of Astrantia can sometimes be just a bit too much. TRANSITION Astrantia Roma has been bunched on 25 stems for some time, and the positive responses have led us to decide to completely make the transition, including our Star® series. Since Astrantia is supplied from various production countries, the transition will take place over several days. Please note: - Astrantia from Marginpar ET (Ethiopia) will be bunched at 25 stems starting Friday, April 19th. - Marginpar KD and Marginpar BT (Kudenga and Bondet) will transition on Wednesday, April 24th. - Marginpar Tsanga, where Astrantia Roma is grown, was already suppling bunches at 25 stems. From Wednesday, April 24th, only bunches of 25 stems will be available. Until that time, both 50 en 25 stems per bunch will be available. https://lnkd.in/eEeYu7xa #Astrantia #summerflowers #Kenya #ethiopia #marginpar

VIEWS FROM MY OBSERVATORY CREST A NATURAL COLLABORATION WITH PURPOSE A Sunday stroll in the local woods revealed one of natures gems. Growing under a birch tree, one lonely fly-agaric (Amanita muscaria) red capped, white freckled mushroom. An enchanting symbol of the magical and mysterious. On the one hand with anti-inflammatory properties, on the other, enough toxins to take you on a psychedelic trip to the ‘otherworld’. A icon from nature, extending into the realms of mythology, spirituality, and cultural symbolism. Very few organisms have been so ingrained in popular culture as the fly-agaric. From Alice in Wonderland, fairies, rooftops for elves to Smurfs, Pokémon and Super Mario, it is the endearing icon of the forest people. Lore legend even has it, the iconic red and white colours are the inspiration for Santa Claus, and that Santa’s sleigh is the illusion of psychedelic hallucinations. Demonised by the church as the work of the Devil, feared and revered in medieval Europe, worshipped by shaman in ancient rituals. A folklore icon. The forbidden fruit of the forest. All the while alluring children with its cute & colourful charm. So it’s good to know the most iconic symbol of all the fairytale forest, has a backstory that rewards its hardworking existence - a perfect example of when nature does collaborations. The mushroom’s net of mycelium wrap around the trees roots and absorb its sugars, in return sending back vital minerals to the tree such as nitrogen and phosphorus. A symbiotic marriage between fungi and tree. Classical folklore the synergy of working together with purpose. As partnerships go, they don’t get much more interesting and meaningful than this one. So next time your children claim they’ve just seen Santa Claus its quite possible they’re hallucinating on psychedelic mushrooms. #scribetribe #collaboration #folklore #meaningfulpartnerships #dolectures #pokemon

Nature often tells stories more profound than any book, and historical trees stand as living monuments to our past. These silent sentinels have witnessed centuries of human history, seen empires rise and fall, and have become symbols of resilience, wisdom, and continuity. Here are a few remarkable examples: The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, England: Legend has it that this ancient tree, estimated to be around 800-1000 years old, was a hiding place for Robin Hood and his merry men. Its sprawling branches have become a symbol of folklore and defiance. The Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India: Under this sacred fig tree, Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. A direct descendant of that original tree still stands today, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. The Anne Frank Tree in Amsterdam, Netherlands: A horse-chestnut tree that Anne Frank could see from her hiding place during World War II. Despite being felled by disease in 2010, saplings from the tree have been planted globally as a symbol of hope and remembrance. General Sherman in California, USA: This giant sequoia is the largest tree on Earth by volume. At over 2,000 years old, it's not just a natural wonder but a testament to the enduring power and grandeur of nature. These trees remind us of the stories they hold within their rings. They are not just botanical marvels but touchstones of our cultural heritage. In their longevity, we see the passage of time and the enduring spirit of life itself. Next time you come across a venerable old tree, take a moment to consider the history it has witnessed and the stories it could tell. 🌲✨ #Nature #History #Trees #Conservation #Heritage #Storytelling #EnvironmentalAwareness