By JESSE GRAHAM
A GROUP of Healesvillians marked the winter solstice in a special way last weekend, taking part in a dance before dawn and a walk lit by lanterns.
About 10 community members braved the cold and made their way to the Healesville Labyrinth before dawn on Saturday 21 June for the Midwinter Rebirth event.
Candles were carefully laid around the labyrinth’s paths, and, as 7am came around, all of the visitors linked hands and danced their way to the centre.
Many of the participants sang as they made their way through, and by the time the sun rose, they took part in a silent meditative walk back through the labyrinth.
Afterwards, the group settled into the morning, and the sun rose as they all tucked into breakfast at the ripe and early time of 8am.
The winter solstice is known as the shortest day of the year, due to the least amount of sunlight hours in the day and more hours of night.
The Friends of Healesville Labyrinth organised the Midwinter Rebirth event as part of Healesville’s 150th birthday celebrations.
Many events will be taking place in the lead-up to November, including a Masquerade Ball this weekend, at Healesville’s Memorial Hall.
For more information, visit www.healesville150.org.
