Christmas Gems

Midwinter Festivals

Most cultures have a midwinter festival, some call it Christmas, others call it Hannukah or Yuletide, the Romans called it Saturnalia.  In the Christian calender December 25 is the time of the birth of Jesus, but that is not the only sacred figure associated with this period.  Throughout time, many cultures and religions have celebrated midwinter, and especially the return of the Sun at the Winter Solstice, as a time of new life and hope - a time when gods are born.  Therefore, several sacred festivals are celebrated at this time of year. 

Many customs and rituals remain the same from one culture or religion to another, even if the ideology differs.  The celebration always involves fire or candles, as a representation of the returning Sun.  Bringing evergreen plants into the home ensures that fertility and new growth will return in Spring.  The giving of gifts expresses abundance, friendship and appreciation of others.

Winter Solstice (Pagan)

One of the oldest known midwinter festivals is the Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, a turning point in the Wheel fo the Year.  The season is called Yule, which we still recognize today.

Balance of Power

The Holly King, ruler of winter, is at his maximum power and is about to be defeated by the Oak King, who will gain in strength until he reaches his peak at the Summer Solstice.  Pagans celebrate the returning light with bonfires, a Yule log and candles, and much feasting.  They also bring evergreens into their homes.

Christmas (Christian)

On December 25, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Born of a virgin, he was the Light of World, a latter-day Sun god.  The date of Christmas corresponds to the old Roman festivals of Saturnalia and the Birth of the Unconquered Sun.  Christians worship the divine child as a sigh of hope to come by singing carols, lighting candles, feasting and decorating a Christmas Tree with tinsel and gifts.  Gift-giving is important, relating back to both the Pagan ways and the gold, frankincense and myrrh given to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men.

Hannukah (Jewish)

The Jewish Hannukah, or Festival of Lights, celebrates a historic victory and the rededication of the temple at Jerusalem.  Only a tiny drop of sacred oil could be found to light the Eternal Flame, but it lasted for eight days.

Lighting of the Menorah

Nowadays, Jewish people celebrate Hannukah by lighting the nine candles on a menorah - one for each of the eight days and one to light them all.  The decorate their homes while friends and family gather to eat traditional festive foods and exchange gifts.

Toji (Japanese)

In Japan, the Winter Solstice is know as Toji.  It is especially important to farmers, who welcome the return of the Sun to grow the crops.  Pumpkin, which resembles the Sun, is a traditional Toji food; it is baked in slices and served with soy and miso sauces.  During these holidays, the Japanese hold ceremonies to honour their ancestors and light bonfires to encourage the return of the Sun.  A great bonfire is burned on Mount Fuji at the solstice point.