12/25/2023 0 Comments Happy saturnalia memeThe Feast of Juul This was an early Scandinavian festival in which fires were lit to symbolize the heat, light and life-giving properties of the Sun God. Emperor Claudius called for a shortening of the holiday, if not a complete ban. The festival eventually deteriorated into a week of debauchery and crime. Masters served their slaves and those who celebrated a little too hard and became disorderly went unpunished.Ī mock king was chosen, usually from a group of slaves or criminals, and although he was permitted to behave in an unrestrained manner for seven days of the festival, he was usually killed at the end. The festival was marked by a reversal of order. People engaged in carnival-like festivities and exchanged gifts, more so after a good harvest season. As part of the festivities grudges and quarrels were forgiven, while businesses, courts and schools were closed. The festival was in honor Saturnus, the god of agriculture and harvest. Saturnalia In Ancient Rome, the Winter Solstice festival referred to as Saturnalia began on the right before the first day of winter and lasted for seven days. Here are my two favorites: Saturnalia by Ernesto Biondi (1909) Many of the lore, symbols, customs and rituals associated with Christmas are in fact drawn from Pagan cultures. These celebrations center on the Winter Solstice, when the autumn harvests are in and the earth seems to die back. You probable know this, but Christmas is an amalgamation of various Pagan celebrations. The traditional Christmas celebration is not as Christian as you may think. The northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, which is why we have winter. No the Earth is not further from the Sun during our winter months in fact it is closest to the Sun. The Romans believed the sun stood still on the winter solsticeĭid you know, in the northern hemisphere, the first day of winter occurs when the Sun is farthest south? This happens on December 21 or 22. It in turn comes from sol (sun) and stit (stop). Our word Solstice comes from the Latin word, solstitium. Until then I give you 4 things you may not know about the Winter Solstice I say a few because there are many conflicting and unverifiable stories concerning the winter holiday. So on this rainy first day of winter I thought I would share a few facts about the Solstice. ![]() Thankfully the snow is on the mountains, and rain is on our valley floors.Īs much as I adore spring and the blooming of flowers, I love a rainy day. Greetings from the northern hemisphere and a happy Solstice Day to you all.
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