
The month of December is full of holidays and celebrations across religions and diverse cultures. St. Nicholas Day, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, Hanukah, Las Posadas, Al Hijra, St. Lucia Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day pack December with joyful festivities and cultural ceremonies. For me, the magic crescendos on the Winter Solstice (this year the day falls on December 21st) as it echoes the earthy rhythm of changing seasons. Whether felt as an astronomical, spiritual, religious, or personal event, the day visibly marks a turning point in our 365-day cycle. On this shortest day of light, ancient and modern cultures hold solstice ceremonies to bring them closer to the skies as the giver of life and bounty. At the root of many ancient rituals was the fear that the dwindling light would not return without human intervention, creating the need for generous offerings and lavish celebrations to keep the gods and goddesses happy.
The Winter Solstice has greatest significance to those that live closest to the earth, and whose lives are intimately tied to changing seasons and harvest cycles. Tuning in to celestial events was an especially important cosmic science for ancient societies who created meaningful fertility rites; fire festivals and offerings to their deities in hopes of procuring a bountiful harvest. While not widely known, many of these rituals are part of our modern traditions. Candles, evergreens, mistletoe, lavish feasts, and the giving and receiving of gifts are rooted in ceremonies performed thousands of years ago.
Believe it or not, Christmas in particular is rooted in pagan traditions. As Christianity spread and the need to dampen the prevalence of pagan beliefs arose, the cosmic celebrations of the Winter Solstice were overlaid with the story of the Birth of Christ. Today the “Christmas Season” is a multi-billion dollar business that seems galaxies away from the deep connection to our earth that the Winter Solstice represented in ancient societies. Witnessing the manic and surprisingly unjolly crowds shopping for holiday gifts, it’s clear that a little retro paganism might do us all some good.
This December, as the turning skies bring less light, we can find solace connecting with one another and give thanks for our blessings, or we can rejoice over discounted cashmere sweaters and bargain-priced electronic toys. This cosmic lady will be thanking the stars for a fabulous year of love, art, and adventure, and will be keeping her candle lit for an even brighter 2009!
Happy winter!
Ms. Cosmopolite