The start of any festive season isn’t an exact science. In Malaysia, for example, as we approach the fasting month and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, more and more places start to sell ‘kuih raya’, or play Raya songs or offer Raya-specific discounts for random items like washing machines, curtains, and cars (!).
Here in the UK, I am beginning to see more and more signs of Christmas season, albeit with the threat of ‘storm clouds‘ (according to Boris) following a dramatic rise in Covid cases in Europe.
The Oxford Christmas Light Festival is one such sign. Various events are happening around the city between the 19th and 20th of November (yesterday and today) including a Victorian Christmas Market, light trails & shows, as well as a photography workshop.
Right next to our house, Cutteslowe Park has been turned into its own festival of light. I’ve written before how trees often remind me of neurons (see ‘Neurons in Nature‘, ‘Dendrite‘, and ‘Dendrite Again‘) but yet again, I was reminded of this fact upon seeing the trees illuminated from below. Here are some pictures from our area:
My favourite picture is this one, which I call ‘Ice & Fire’ in honour of George R. R. Martin.
Hopefully this will motivate him to finally finish the novels before, you know, the inevitable happens. All the best George! 🧙🏼♂️
Oh, and in case you wanted to see some videos of the light trail, I’ve got you covered as well:
Imran Idris 