Christmas Old and New

Mid-winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the birth of Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter with jubilant feasting. Amid the bitter cold and general dreariness, their sagging spirits, weary of the constant gloominess needed uplifting and they found just the way to do it while honoring their gods as well. So it was that many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could happily anticipate longer days and more hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. The people were made ecstatic by the return of the sun. Mothers and daughters would perform their duties at home and await the return of the men, while fathers and sons, would go out in search of and bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which, if they were lucky, could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was considered an ideal time for celebration in most of Europe. Not only were the people in the right frame of mind for a feast, but it was at that time of year that most cattle were slaughtered to avoid having to feed them during the long, barren winter months. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking, another matter of great importance.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden and took pains to worship him as he deserved, for they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his fearsome presence, many people elected to remain indoors, hoping to escape his notice.

Saturnalia

In Rome, winters, although not mild, were not as severe as those in the far north, so they celebrated Saturnalia — a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. It began in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continued for a full month, virtually turning the whole empire topsy-turvy. Food and drink were abundant and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For exactly one month, slaves would become masters, peasants ran the city, and businesses and schools were closed so that everyone who was able to could join in the fun.