First State Satanists to gather at The Circle in Georgetown Dec. 21

In observance of the winter solstice, the First State Satanists, a Delaware based non-theistic modern Satanic group, will hold a public candlelight vigil from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday Dec. 21, on The Circle in Georgetown.

The group invites fellow faithless friends and all those who support the country's religious freedoms to join them in celebrating pluralism, religious diversity and equal rights during this holiday season.

This event will serve as an opportunity for the group and the community to come together with love and light on the longest night of the year, in celebration of the longer days to come, the closing of the current year, and the beginning of a new decade.

The winter solstice, also known as midwinter, has historically been celebrated as the last major feast before the winter freeze. It celebrates the new solar year, and is a time of light and bounty.

For centuries, a wide array of ancient religions has celebrated holidays marked by midwinter, including Yule and Saturnalia.

As an organization, the First State Satanists reject supernaturalism and instead advocate for positive change in the corporeal world in the areas of religious plurality, bodily autonomy and equal rights for all people. Members strive to educate themselves and others about modern Satanism, politics and science, and promote charitable works within their communities.