How did favorite holiday traditions, such as kissing
under the mistletoe and gift giving, originate throughout the world? Find out
this December at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Allen F. Blocher
Planetarium.
Two programs, “Winter Wonders” and “Season of Light,”
will be shown at 2 and 3:15 p.m. respectively, on Sundays, Dec. 7, 14 and
21. Both are open to the public free of charge.
“Winter Wonders” looks at Christian and Jewish religious
events during the winter season as well as rituals of cultures that originate
from solstice observances. The program also explores the customs of Native Americans,
Inuit, Incans and the people of central Africa and China. It closes with a look
at monuments built by prehistoric people to celebrate the winter solstice.
“Season of Light” traces the development of many
well-known holiday customs including burning of yule logs, hanging Christmas
lights and lighting the Menorah and luminaries. The program also explores
holiday customs from other cultures and parts of the world. The show features
appearances by St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas and
Santa Claus while illuminating the lighter side of holiday gift giving,
mistletoe and decorations. “Season of Light” will also present possible
astronomical explanations for the appearance of the Christmas Star.
The planetarium doors open 30 minutes before each
program. Designed for a general audience, planetarium programs appeal to all
ages. Seating is first come, first served for up to 60 people. Groups of 15 or
more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling
715-346-2208. There is a cost of $25 per group for these special presentations.
On Monday evenings, the “Night Skies” program is offered
in the planetarium at 8 p.m. An optional visit to the Arthur J. Pejsa
Observatory for sky viewing through the telescope may follow if skies are
clear.
The planetarium, www.uwsp.edu/physastr/plan_obs,
is located on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building at the
corner of Reserve Street and Fourth Avenue. Parking is available in Lot X near
the building entrance, and is free in all university lots on weekends.