Yule2
Winter Solstice
Due to the 23.5º tilt of its axis, some areas of the Earth get more direct sunlight than others during the year. An example of this would be the Winter Solstice, which occurs this year on December 22, 2003, and is the shortest day of the year. At this time, the northern half of the Earth is tilted away from the sun and gets less direct sunlight than the southern hemisphere.
Winter Solstice has been called Yule, Saturnalia, and Christmas. Today it is a time that reflects religious diversity. Many years ago it was the Roman midwinter holiday celebrating the birth of the new solar year and the beginning of winter. Parties have always been popular as well as displaying bright lights to ward off spirits of darkness. Winter Solstice is also a celebration of light and the rebirth of the sun. Popular colors during this time are red, green, and white.
In ancient times, schools were closed, the army rested, and no criminals were executed during Winter Solstice. Friends and family exchanged good-luck gifts and parades of people with masked faces and extravagant hats paraded through the streets. Roman masters feasted with slaves who could act and say whatever they wished without punishment on this day. Everyone was treated equally.
Mistletoe was cut off sacred oak trees and a spray given to each family to hang in their doorways for good luck. Other important plants used in the celebrations were evergreens, holly, oak, ivy, frankincense, myrrh, and wheat.
Around 350 A.D., December 25th was adopted as the general celebration date of Winter Solstice in Rome. Soon everyone agreed as it coincided with Yule and Saturnalia. Yule was another name for the Winter Solstice celebrated in ancient times. Its celebration date has changed frequently. Yule was a time of peace and charity in Pagan Scandinavia. Yule logs were burned and people drank mead around bonfires and listened to minstral-poets sing ancient legends. The Yule log was thought to have the magical effect of helping the sun to shine brighter. No wheels were to be turned on this day as it showed impatience with the great wheel in the sky, the sun. The Legend of the Yule Cat said it would eat lazy humans who didn’t do their fair share of work in their village.
Winter Solstice or Yule was a celebration of the cycle of nature and a reaffirmation of the continuation of life. During the 16th century, traditions from previous celebrations such as parades, ceremonies, and plays were suppressed. Most Christmas traditions are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations from the past. Christmas mythology combined with contemporary observances to create the holidays we celebrate today.
Source: Candlegrove.com, Shambhala.org, Circle Sanctuary Web
© Copyright 2004 by ClassBrain.com
Top of Page
 |
| Search |
|
|
Email this article
Printer friendly page