Hera's Spotlight

What is UP Campers? Long time no see, amiright? I know, I know. You missed me. I missed you! So let's get it! 

Before we jump into this, do you know what time of year it is? I bet you do. So break out the hot chocolate and your fluffiest blanket because we're about to be educated on the frigid season called winter. 

I know I've been a bit icy lately, but that's because of Khione. Rumor has it that the goddess has a penchant for turning people into ice sculptures. Rather brutal, but I guess there are worse ways to spend a day. So who is Khione anyway? Glad you asked. She is the daughter of Boreas, you know, the deity responsible for the North Wind. She also happened to be the mother of a kid with none other than Poseidon. (That's right. Congrats to all those in his cabin, you have another brother!) Now, not only did she give the god of the sea a baby, BUT she had a fling with Apollo! Might be a good thing she had two pretty serious gods on her side because our girl straight up said she was better than Artemis... not a claim to take lightly. 

So that's cool and all, but how do we go about celebrating the season? Well, we can buy into the hallmark holiday and give gifts and wait for the fat dude in the red suit to break into our homes, sure. OR, we can kick it ancient Greek style and celebrate the winter solstice! I'm leaning towards the latter, especially if we're breaking out the Haloea, which is the Festival of Poseidon. I'm not down for any sacrifices so we'll just skip over that part. There was wine and ... cakes for the ladies part so drinking, eating cake, shedding those layers that keep us warm and whatnot. Can't forget the saucy banter! But the men were more down with a giant bonfire and banquets, which seem a little more family-friendly, minus the sacrifices of animals, which again, it's a no go. 

Now, that's all cool and all, but what about my favorite part? Glad you asked! Give it up for the goddess Freya and.... you guessed it! MISTLETOE! Druids would cut the mistletoe with a great big ceremony and present it so it took centerstage a lot. Sadly it did not represent the kissing then that it does today. Instead, it was all about the sun in the dead of winter. Still cool though, right? 

No matter how you choose to celebrate the holidays, have a good one! And I'll be sure to catch ya later.