![]() I wanted to do a Holiday Pony that honored one of the most sacred times of year to the Native Americans. While I enjoy Christmas, I also have a great respect and curiosity for ancient traditions of Native peoples. When Christmas was implemented in Rome around 300 A.D., it was around Sol Invictus or the pagan festival celebration of the Invincible Sun. into Christianity to encourage conversion to the religion. It was common practice to absorb pagan rituals, etc. It is no coincidence that Christmas and the Winter Solstice are so close together. Cahokia Mounds also aligns perfectly with the solar system during winter and summer solstice and the spring and fall equinox. Winter Solstice festivals were being held here for thousands of years before Ireland's Stonehenge. Once estimated to have covered over 6 miles, the site today consists of 2,200 acres. It is a prehistoric native city which was the center of massive Winter Solstice festivals in ancient times. The largest ancient archeological site in the USA, known as Cahokia Mounds, lies between Illinois and Missouri. In the southern hemisphere, the day lasts more than 12 hours. In the northern hemisphere, the day lasts less than 12 hours. To the native peoples the Winter Solstice is a time of welcoming the return of light on "Turtle Island" (or the world). A story teller is usually gifted with an offering of tobacco or bundle of gifts. Winter is the perfect time for oral traditions and stories as it is not only to teach and pass along history and knowledge, but to keep the children occupied. One of the most important is the role of the storytellers. They perform rituals observing their ancestors lives, the spirit world and our current world. ![]() Native peoples celebrate the Winter Solstice with various traditional ceremonies of feasting, music and dancing. On December 21st, in the northern hemisphere, we experience a day with the shortest amount of daylight. The sun is seen as a critical part of life by native cultures. Today America's native peoples also celebrate Christmas but before the introduction of Christianity, they had their own winter ceremonies and still do to this day. When Christianity swept through the New World, with it came the celebration of Christmas. There is no damaged pony I won't tackle, and enjoy a good challenge! - Aimee Skee I'm most well known for my Breyer horse model customs, and have had my work featured in the Breyerfest Best Customs contest. ![]() I love working in a lot of mixed media, but also enjoy discovering new mediums and techniques. I am a wildlife and fantasy artist who enjoys working mostly in different sculpture materials such as clays and resins. With this piece, both Mustang and Wolf stand as leaders, as voices of the wilds to help us protect all wildlife. However, it's crucial to take note that these two ambassadors are not the only ones that need saving or preserving! There are species that are endangered or on the brink of extinction that need our help. Wolves and mustangs are popular on their own to stand for wildlife conservation and freedom, and seem to have the loudest voices. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Celebrating this 20th Anniversary at Christmas time, Black Magic honors this special celebration with his sparkling frosted coat shinning like rare jewels, as precious as all the joy the Painted Ponies have brought to their collectors over the years. It casts a glow of glitter and diamonds against his thick black velvet coat. Black Magic shares in the mystical beauty of the Christmas Painted Ponies, standing proud and adorned with very special Christmas morning frost.
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