Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Right to Sunlight

All beings have the Right to Sunlight.

Sunlight is a necessary right for the basic survival for all beings,
excepting a few species who have evolved in the complete darkness
of caves or deep sea.

And sunlight has huge symbolic meaning.
"Sunlight is a representation of growth, freedom, survival, and evolvement."
(commenter T.L.)

The shortest day of sunlight of the year is the "winter solstice."
 In 2011, in the Northern Hemisphere, it is December 22nd.
So many cultures celebrate this beginning of a longer day,
as the growth of sunlight, as a symbol of rebirth,
with midwinter celebrations of the sun.
For example, the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights,
begins at winter solstice, and there is a lighting of a candle each day for 8 days thereafter.


Sunrise on the day of winter solstice, Stonehenge, England.
The stones were perfectly aligned, centuries ago, to capture this moment.

"We are kissed by the presence of sunlight,
that appears when the start of a new day begins."
(commenter AQ)



Thanks to commenters: VMR, T.L., AQ

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Every day we exist because the sun comes out and provides heat and light to nourish and protect us. Whether it’s a natural occurrence or created by God, it is magnificent.
BRM

Anonymous said...

I wonder if humanity holds the blindest eye. On a rare occasion do we remember The grand right to the Sunlight! Why must we wait to hear a sign of being deprived in order to fight for something? Do we take the time to smile at the big yellow that shines. It is not the moment when I open my eyes that I wake up, instead when I see the light of the sun. Its presence tells me to keep dancing and dreaming. I don’t give up because it hasn’t, it keeps beaming! Its absence teaches me to be patient and giving because its someone else’s turn miles away to feel it. The Sun provides heat and light. The Sun is far too generous for any imperfect human to say its not another’s right.
LINA.A

Mr.Drama said...

When i was a child i always thought the sun was a "Great man in the sky", a bit strange but can you blame me? It was so great, and the reason being is because you don't feel vulnerable. The sun reveals everything in sight; you can’t hide from it so i always felt safe. I could understand why there would be festivals to praise the sunlight, because the sun gives life to all, and once vulnerability is taken away then you have the will to do as you please, without fear.

p.s. i will be going by the name of Mr.Drama!

Raul A. Hernandez

Anonymous said...

"All beings have the Right to Sunlight. Sunlight is a necessary right for the basic survival for all beings, excepting a few species who have evolved in the complete darkness of caves" In the spirit of open interpretation, I will do my due diligence and comment on this particular quote. So many beings survive in caves with bars and life without sunlight. They stand in the darkness wrongly accused because society failed to identify their basic of needs, teaching them survival amongst a society that identifies with quid pro quo, and appropriate standards and expectation set by the self-righteous. Right to Sunlight for some is more than just stepping outside. Sunlight is a representation of growth, freedom, survival, and evolvement. For those that fall through the cracks and go unidentified with problems of understanding right from wrong, go through life without sunlight and the resignation of living in complete darkness of their assigned caves. T.L.

Anonymous said...

One of the best feelings in life, I think, is lying on the grass and soaking up the suns warm rays. The warmth and light remind me that I'm alive, but also vulnerable to its power. Deprivation of the sun is not only punishment, but a death sentence to most beings. So I am extremely grateful that I can watch the sun rise and set everyday if I so choose.
G.C.

Anonymous said...

We are kissed by the presence of sunlight, that appears when the start of a new day begins. The sun is like the awakening of a prosperous day, with outcomes. Acknowledging that the sunlight is shining it gives a sense of change and hope.So why ever neglect a symbol of our time and essence.
A.Q

Anonymous said...

I agree with the right to sunlight. Though there are times that the sun can do without being so bright. Like when I'm driving and the sun is directly in front of and blinding me, and my sunglasses are cheap imitations of the real thing. Or when you go to the beach and lay on your tummy after you put suntan lotion on your back and hope that half an hour will pass quickly so you can reapply and lay back down. Instead you fall asleep for three hours and wake up with a half baked back... oh yeah I just love sunlight.
M.D.L.

Anonymous said...

Sunlight goes beyond the subject of it being a right or not. Sunlight is the unquestionable necessity to all Living beings of our knowledge. Sunlight should never be controlled nor distributed unequally, it is one of our main sources of life and should remain untamed for as long as it continuous burning.
AG
i had to rewrite the first sentence, sorry.

Anonymous said...

The sunlight is crucial for us to live our daily lives. Prisoners dream of the day that they can see the sunlight again. We need to take care of our Earth and appreciate what we have.

J.R.

Anonymous said...

The sun is what keeps living things alive,so it's more than a right,it's vital to survive. But we should enjoy it not abused it
VP

Anonymous said...

Sunlight is indispensable to life on earth. It does not discriminate it benefits or consequences to all mankind. However, in comparison, mankinds hope can be likened, not to a candle in the darkness, but to the brilliant rays of the morning sun, filling one’s life with peace, happiness, purpose, and courage. -YEM

Anonymous said...

Sunlight provides the right conditions for growth and development of microorganisms on earth, making it necessary for human life. On the other hand waking up with the sunlight in your face; not only wakes you faster, but it is also the beginning of a beautiful new day.
By. Adolfo Segovia
ENC1102 Sat.8am

Fidela said...

Thanks God that the sunlight comes out for all living creatures on earth as an inalienable right. Otherwise,if men would have the power to control the sun,rules and/or laws of inequalities might have been established already to mankind. Therefore,enjoy the sun and the beaches of the Sunshine State of Florida and be appreciative to God of "The Right to Sunlight".
Fidela

Anonymous said...

I think that this is all on perception and we do have a right to think it is a new day. But for those species that start their day at night and are nocternal creatures start their day at night. The daylight is just a lable placed by us humans and their is no reason to be closed minded and see things our way. The world is constanly moving. Are these species different because they weird or just not like us? JPG

Anonymous said...

I agree in the right to sunlight, because it was wakes us up each day. When we see the sun it brings the start of the day and our many achievements to come. A good example of why it is good to have sunlight is through the eyes of a prisoner. When a prisoner goes into solitary, they are striped of everything including the sun. They must spend some time in closed dark room for good amount of time as a punishment. So I enjoy every day that I am able to see the sun.
ABL

Anonymous said...

Sunlight provides the right conditions for growth and development of microorganisms on earth, making it necessary for human life. On the other hand waking up with the sunlight in your face; not only wakes you faster, but it is also the beginning of a beautiful new day.
ASR.

Anonymous said...

December 22, the “winter solstice” may have a significant value to many people. It many cultures it is considered the beginning of a cycle, a rejuvenation of Earth and all living things to include the Aztecs who build their solar calendar up to December 21, 2012. Coincidence? I guess we will see.

AYS

Anonymous said...

Winter changes moods, as the day becomes shorter, and less sunlight is enjoyed, many people find themselves saddened in the eternal nights. Sunlight encourages alertness, embraces humanity and gives them the light to enjoy life. Although not all species depend on sunlight to survive, humans would never thrive without it. Sunlight is essential. ALB

Anonymous said...

There are times where my body craves sunlight, I would admit it does motivate you to go outside and enjoy time with the family. However, the thought of having a glass of wine in my backyard and contemplate the stars is more my style.
*NG*

RCW said...

Sunlight makes a light that removes the other stars fron view. it creates sunrise and sunset that range from quiet and peaceful to colorfully spectacular. Sunlight is seen at night reflected from the Moon and planets, which leads us inexorably back to the stars. It's physical nature is not only a wonder but I agree the energy it gives off as well.

-RCW

Bruna said...

When I think of sunlight, what comes to my mind is one more day to live and encountering new realities, new beginings, and new chances. Sunlight is a gift from the universe, but we often don't see it. Even animals enjoy a ray of sunlight. It offers hope.

SKT said...

Everybody has a right to sunlight . Nobody handmade the sun; whether you believe in a higher being who made it or it just came about. Nonetheless, we all need the sun to survive. Wonder if the government blocked our view to the sun and made us pay to see it, feel it, or just give out daily sight of light. Will that be right ? No . Everybody is entitled the rights to the sun as everybody is entitled to the rights of water. They are both free and nobody owns either. Nobody knows how they were brought here but we all need both to live.
SKT

SKT said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Sunlight is just as essential as water. Plants and animals need it to survive and we need them to survive. People and different cultures have known this since the beginning of time and have showed their respect with sun gods.
CP

Anonymous said...

Sunlight is the start of a new day. It wakes us up, gives us vitamin D, and most importantly lights up the planet. I believe without sunlight, a lot of people will become depressed. Being outside and enjoying the sun gives you that sense of enjoyment. We all have a right to sunlight.

Anonymous said...

Sunlight is the start of a new day. It wakes us up, gives us vitamin D, and most importantly lights up the planet. I believe without sunlight, a lot of people will become depressed. Being outside and enjoying the sun gives you that sense of enjoyment. We all have a right to sunlight.
- F.B.