Yuletide Greetings! Now is the time to shine our light!
Yes, it is that time again! The winter solstice is the day of the year when the Northern Hemisphere has the fewest hours of sunlight, and the Southern Hemisphere has the most.
Ancient Winter Solstice Traditions
Yule is the old pagan festival that celebrates the northern winter solstice, around 21st December. Traditionally, it involves the lighting of logs, feasting, and rituals to welcome the return of the sun’s warmth. Ceremonies focus on the themes of light, rebirth, and the triumph of warmth over cold.
Some Middle Eastern and Islamic countries such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Turkey also celebrate the winter solstice (known as Yalda or Chelle Night) with their own with ancient traditions. Families and friends gather to eat, drink and read poetry. Red fruits such as watermelon and pomegranates are shared and symbolize the crimson hues of dawn and the glow of life.
Lighting up the World
Lights contribute to the overall festive and joyous atmosphere of winter celebrations. They add colour, warmth, and a sense of excitement to the surroundings, creating a visually appealing environment that enhances the experience of the festival. And it is a common theme across all cultures and faiths around the globe.
A European Christmas
Here I am, in the photo above in early December on Orihuela Costa in southern Spain. Expats often find that the weather on the Mediterranean coast is mild and sunny enough to spend Christmas day or New Year / Hogmanay celebrating with friends and neighbours at beach parties with shared picnics or having barbecues elsewhere outdoors. Not dissimilar to the way in which Australians spend the holiday season Down Under during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer!
In the run up to the Christmas and New Year period in northern Europe we anticipate snow on mountains and the start of the ski season, dark evenings, log fires, and the latest shop decorations to brighten our mood. We visit colourful German markets, take the children to view the Christmas lights adorning city centres and the music, trees, and pretty lanterns, do indeed serve to lift us up.
A Far Eastern Festive Season
My first Christmas overseas was spent wining and dining in Tokyo where the winter was cold and dry with blue skies. The Japanese adapted to the spirit of the season with gusto and bright lights despite the non-Christian country´s mix of Indigenous Shinto beliefs and various other imported religious traditions. In modern Japan however there is an increasingly secular or non-religious population too.
Similarly, Buddhist Thailand also embraces the Christmas spirit with glee, and it was there that I first experienced spending the Christmas break in a hot climate rather than hoping for a White Christmas. I found it most odd back then to see a Santa and Reindeer on display at the resort’s outdoor pool. Elsewhere in Asia I also spent a fabulous Christmas in the Philippines. There I was able to join a local Catholic Midnight Mass on the beach with a magical Nativity Play involving live animals in the cast!
Celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide, the Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar new year, normally in January or February. Festivities include dramatic dragon and lion dances, family reunions, traditional meals, lanterns, and the giving of money red envelopes for good luck.
Other Multi-Cultural Celebrations
Here in Spain the children traditionally receive gifts from the Three Kings for 6th January (known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night). While Christians worldwide commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ on 25th December, attend church, enjoy special meals, and exchange gifts, other winter festivals are celebrated, in many locations around the world, each with its own unique traditions and customs.
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival that lasts for eight nights usually in December, is known as the Festival of Lights with candles symbolizing light, purity, and the divine presence. Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu festival also known as a Festival of Lights. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People celebrate with the lighting of lamps, fireworks, feasts, and the exchange of gifts usually in October or November.
Created in the United States, Kwanza is a week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage. Each day is dedicated to one of seven principles (Nguzo Saba), and celebrations include lighting the Kinara (candle holder), feasting, and storytelling. Meanwhile, the Native American communities hold events around the winter solstice to honour their ancient sun deity.
What a Wonderful World!
How sad that we cannot all live in peace when we all have far more in common as human beings than we realise, as our celebrations demonstrate. At the end of a year dominated from the start by the Russia – Ukraine war and latterly the conflict in Israel – Palestine it is easy to overlook the fact that there are in total now over twenty active conflict zones around the world. The main ones include Yemen, Ethiopia, Haiti, Pakistan, Taiwan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We all need to shine our light if we are to cope with the aftermath of war, help to rebuild societies and have a chance to rectify our collective past mistakes.
Peace on Earth
Light is the universal symbol of hope and a reminder of the heart’s capacity to overcome darkness and an assurance of brighter things to come. It signals rebirth, positivity, and enlightenment and the triumph of good over evil. I am sure that is what we all pray for in 2024.
With all good wishes to you for Christmas and New Year! Happy Holidays!
