Lily's Language Lab: 01/02/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

The word perihelion comes from the Greek words “peri,” which means "near," and “Helios,” which means "Sun.” The perihelion of Earth, also known as the point on our planet's orbit when it is closest to the Sun, will occur on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. As the Earth reaches its perihelion, it means that the Earth is closest to the Sun.

Digital Image by the Editor:

The ancient Hittite solar goddess Arinna drives the fiery chariot of the Sun across the daytime sky. The Hittite Empire, which flourished in Anatolia (present-day Turkey) during the 2nd millennium BCE, ruled over a diverse group of peoples until it came to an end during the Bronze Age Collapse of Eastern Mediterranean civilizations around 1177 BCE. The Hittite peoples are mentioned several times by the biblical writers of ancient Israel.

Weekly Haiku: New Year's Eve 2025

 Our last haiku of 2025 -- by the Editor's cousin, Rowan! :)

"Ring in the New Year!

A fresh start, a second chance.

Hope is born anew!"

Image Caption:

Rowan holds a blue rose amid the winter snow. In German Romanticism, the blue rose symbolized love and longing -- in this case, for a Happy New Year in 2026! (Digital image processed by the Editor.)

Lily's Language Lab: 12/26/2025

 Compiled by Lily  Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

The term "epiphany" has roots in both Greek and Christian traditions. It is derived from the Greek word "epiphaneia," which means "manifestation" or "showing forth." In Christian tradition, the Feast of the Epiphany marks the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world as the Son of God, symbolized by the visit of the Persian Magi or Three Kings to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. The Epiphany is often celebrated on January 6th.

The Three Magi -- Balthazar, Gaspar, and Melchior -- gaze up at the Christmas Star in the night sky from a balcony in their Zoroastrian temple, located somewhere in ancient Persia. (Digital artwork by the Editor.)

Weekly Haiku: Christmas Eve 2025

A Christmas Eve haiku from the Editor & his cousin Rowan!

"In Winter's shadow,

Light breaks forth in darkest night.

Love and life abound."

Digital image by the Editor: An illuminated palm tree outside the cave-stable in Bethlehem, where the Christ Child was born.

Image Description:

On a starlit Christmas Eve long ago, the heavens looked down upon an illuminated palm tree and beheld golden light emanating from a cave-stable in Bethlehem. "Amor vincit omnia." = "Love conquers all." (Virgil)

Lily's Language Lab: 12/19/2025

 Lily's Language Lab

Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

Yuletide, a festive season celebrated during the darkest time of the year, is steeped in traditions and rituals, bringing people together to commemorate the Winter Solstice and the return of longer days. From gift-giving and feasting to singing carols and lighting candles, Yuletide embodies the spirit of the season with its warmth and cheer. Yuletide, an ancient celebration, holds a special place in the hearts of many, marking the change of seasons and the promise of brighter days ahead. Happy Yuletide to all!"

In this festive digital Yuletide image by the Editor, we see two legendary wintertime figures from Celtic folklore -- the Holly King and the Ivy Queen -- dancing at a Christmas ball "once upon a time." It may be that they are dancing to "The Holly and the Ivy," a traditional Christmas carol from Elizabethan England.

For a delightful music video featuring the Holly King, be sure to watch "Reel of the Holly King" by Orla Callan at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXlVIShm8gw.

Weekly Haiku: 12/17/2025

Haiku of the week from the Editor & his cousin Rowan!

"Saturnalia!

Echoes of the Golden Age!

Gazing on the stars."

Digital image by the Editor: Saturn, Roman ruins, & Sophia (Divine Wisdom), who governed humanity during the prehistoric Golden Age.

Image Description:

Sophia dwelt on Earth (metaphorically speaking) during the legendary prehistoric Golden Age. Her golden hair, scepter, and tiara symbolize how humanity was governed by wisdom and compassion during that long-ago time. Her green eyes & green royal robes symbolize humanity's harmonious relationship with the natural world. In the background, we see ancient Roman ruins, and the planet Saturn (celestial ruler of the once-and-future Golden Age) is in the night sky overhead.

Editor's Note: The following passage from 1 Enoch (an esoteric text compiled in Judea during the 3rd century BCE) echoes the ancient Greek myth of Astraea, the goddess of justice, who governed humanity during the Golden Age. The story is told in Hesiod's Works and Days, in Aratus' Phaenomena, and in Virgil's Fourth Eclogue (which foresees her return to usher in a new Golden Age in the future).

1 Enoch 42:1-2

Sophia found no place where she might dwell;

    Then a dwelling-place was assigned her in the heavens.

Sophia went forth to make her dwelling among the children of Earthlings,

    And found no dwelling-place:

Sophia returned to her place,

    And took her seat among the angels.

Lily's Language Lab: 12/12/2025

Lily's Language Lab

Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin (Vocabulary Master) 

This week's word is a scientific term, and it's related to the field of biology.

Here it is: synapomorphy. It's a term used in biology, particularly in cladistics and systematics, to describe a shared characteristic or trait among organisms that evolved from a common ancestor. It often refers to physical traits or characteristics, but it can also refer to behavioral, physiological, or ecological features that evolved after the divergence of the species from their common ancestor. Synapomorphies are considered strong evidence for the evolutionary relationships among species within a phylogenetic tree.

Mary Anning (1799-1847) was the founding mother of the modern science of paleontology. In this picture, we see her as a teenage fossil hunter along England's coastline. (Digital image created by the Editor.)