Planetarium Presents "'Tis the Season"

Westminster College Planetarium will present "'Tis the Season," the winter holiday show, Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 1, 6, 7, and 8 at 7 p.m. in the Hoyt Science Resources Center room 116.

"'Tis the Season" explores the coldest and darkest of seasons, which holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year. The show traces the development of many endearing holiday customs from the Yule log and sparkling Christmas lights to the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries.

Historical, religious, and cultural rituals practiced at the time of the winter solstice will be examined. Christian and Jewish traditions are recounted along with Celtic, Pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian, and Hopi practices.

"'Tis the Season" will look at some of the light-hearted seasonal traditions including gift-giving; kissing under the mistletoe; songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing; decking the halls with greenery and candles; and visits from St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or Santa Claus.

The audience will see the northern winter constellations, learn why we have seasons, and explore possible astronomical explanations of the star over Bethlehem. Weather permitting, the rooftop observatory will be open following the show for a closer look at the constellations discussed in the show, and the observation of the Comet Holmes.

The show is free and open to the public, although reservations are requested due to limited seating.

Contact Westminster's Physics Department at (724) 946-7200 or e-mail physics@westminster.edu for additional information and to reserve seating. 

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