Planetarium Hosts Limited Time "Season of Light" Show

WAYNE, Neb. (Dec. 2, 2009) - Wayne State College will host a first-time, high-definition presentation of "Season of Light,'' a 34-minute show tracing the history and development of many of the world's most endearing holiday customs. The WSC Fred G. Dale Planetarium will offer this opportunity for a limited time with shows at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13, 7 p.m.  Dec 7-11 and 3:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Special showings are available upon request. There is no admission charge.

The show will be presented full-dome format via a special projector on loan to the planetarium. The show will involve customs that light up the winter season from burning the Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah. 

The show also recounts the historical, religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice - not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe, to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing, and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well. Season of Light is visually rich, culturally inclusive and musically satisfying.