When facing the longest nights of the year, humankind has always — and in many different forms — celebrated life and light. Opalanga Pugh, a Denver native and storyteller, noted in her Kwanzaa talk to American Academy students last week that candles are a big part of almost all holidays occurring this time of year. For Kwanzaa, Christmas and Hanukkah, the lighting of candles evokes deep cultural traditions and meanings. Candlelight fends off the dark, symbolically offering hope of regeneration, while our decorative holiday lights help us pierce the long nights with a colorful glow. As a community, we turn to tradition, culture, family and faith to make it through the winter season. Happening upon a Santa sighting, picking a Colorado Christmas tree and watching the magic of “The Nutcracker,” a Ballet Nouveau rehearsal of which is pictured above, are recurring seasonal moments that last a lifetime for those who experience them. Looking beyond the commercial onslaught and stress this season often brings, we can still find meaning and joy in the simple things that keep our own lights burning. Page scenes of the season, 20-21A
Photos and text by Glenn Asakawa, The Denver Post
