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Winter Holidays And Their Origins |
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As someone who has spent a great deal of time studying world religions, I have strong respect for most people’s traditions, rituals, and beliefs. I believe, though, that putting things into a historical context can teach us all something.
The Winter Solstice, which usually falls on December 21st or 22nd and is the shortest day of the year, has long been a time when societies have thrown celebrations, perhaps to mark the low point in the solar cycle, but also to express hope and joy at the rebirth of nature and a new year and what that might bring. Christmas and other holidays have their origins in ancient pagan traditions of Winter Solstice festivities. The pagan traditions that still cling to Christmas - the Christmas tree, mistletoe, etc. - bear witness to the resonance ancient holidays still have today.
I celebrate Christmas, like many other Americans, in a more-or-less secular fashion. But I also take a moment to notice and pay my respects to the Winter Solstice, as a unique moment in one of the most important natural cycles and as the symbol of all the wonderful things the new year may bring.
Happy Solstice from The Seminal.
