Planetarium show explores holiday season

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- The Westminster College Physics Department will present "Tis the Season" at 7 p.m. Dec. 8-10, with an additional matinee showing at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at the planetarium, in the Hoyt Science Resources Center.
"Tis the Season" explores the coldest and darkest of seasons -- the winter holiday season, which holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year.
The show traces the development of many of the world's endearing holiday customs and how they involve lighting up with Christmas trees, Menorah lighting, luminaries and Yule logs.
Traditions such as gift-giving, kissing under the mistletoe, songs about lords-a-leaping and ladies dancing, as well as the custom of decking the halls and visits from St. Nicholas under his various names are explored.
Historical, religious and cultural rituals practiced at the time of the winter solstice are also examined in the show. Astronomy is examined to give a possible explanation of the star over Bethlehem.
Weather permitting, the rooftop observatory will be open following the show for a closer look at the constellations discussed in the show.
The show is free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, reservations are requested for the 45-minute show. For more information, call the Westminster College Physics Department at (724) 946-7200.