I am among the first to step up and complain about the relentless darkness that is the reality of December. Where I live, the sun is setting by 4:12pm (as of today) and it’s middle-of-the-night dark by 5:30–6pm. Sigh.
But I discovered a silver lining last year (yes, I’m always late to the party): lots of botanical gardens and zoos, and yes, even cemeteries set up location-appropriate light exhibits for the winter season, inviting folks to walk through their spaces in the darkness, enjoying their artsy, funny, joyous and even contemplative creations.
Last night, I returned to the Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge with a bunch of friends to experience their Solstice lights walk. Unlike zoos and gardens and historic houses, there are no elves or Santas, and no holiday jingles are playing. There is music, but it’s more somber and majestic. We are all encouraged to reflect, to look inward, to be aware of movement and stillness. This is, in my view, just what’s ordered for a cold, dark December.
In case you’re finding this hard to imagine, we got pictures (several of them courtesy of friends who accompanied me).
One of the coolest art installations was a field of lights, facing a row of mausoleums. There was a rubber mat to stand on that signaled a person’s stillness and movement. The lights responded.
Moving our arms and legs every which way, the lights responded, as if they were waves of wheat. It was so cool.
Continuing our walk, we saw orbs of light and candle pillars, strewn among the stones and benches.
The next light exhibit was the eclipse, accompanied by deep bass music and fog.
We then made our way by more headstones, trees and memorials to loved ones.
The last big outdoor exhibit was a light show on the facade of the Chapel.
Inside the Chapel there was a violinist playing, and we were encouraged to stand or sit in quiet contemplation.
Leaving the scene, we headed down the hill and back to normal life. It was a lovely side trip to a space for breathing, stillness, and movement.
Oh, and I got a lot of steps in, too, at a time and place that I normally wouldn’t. Which was fun.
I have more plans for outdoor walking light shows: I’m going with my friend Melanie to the Eleanor Cabot Bradley house Winterlights show, and also to the New York Botanical Garden for their holiday train and light show with my friend Martin. And who knows what else may present itself before the holidays are over…
Hey, y’all– does anyone have plans for strolling around a garden, zoo, historic house, cookie factory, etc. that’s strewn with lights? If not, I heartily recommend it. All you need to do is dress warmly and prepare for wonder.
