It’s no mere coincidence that people have wanted to celebrate a happy festival of lights at winter solstice ever since ancient times. It takes away the dread of the coming time of darkness and cold, and raises the people’s morale to handle the hardships of winter.
Yes, the lights, sounds, and smells do ease the strain of winter for some. For me, I love winter anyway, so all the celebration is just icing on the cake!
New Year’s Day used to be in April, which makes a lot more sense than trying to make things “new” in the middle of winter. April is much more enthusiastic than January could ever hope to be.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus this time of year, but if one chooses to celebrate ancient pagan rituals, it’s one’s own business. Just don’t try and marginalize the Christian aspect of it for those of us that believe.
The longest night may be in December, but unless you live somewhere that is warm year round, you haven’t “gotten through the worst of it” when you’re talking about winter. Up here in Michigan, we could use a Christmas-like celebration in February or March. For some, Valentines Day leaves the un-mated feeling depressed and unloved, and St. Patrick’s Day Parades don’t seem all that festive in the middle of a snow storm.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace almost 8 years ago
not too cold yet
belgarathmth almost 8 years ago
It’s no mere coincidence that people have wanted to celebrate a happy festival of lights at winter solstice ever since ancient times. It takes away the dread of the coming time of darkness and cold, and raises the people’s morale to handle the hardships of winter.
DRkm Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Thanks to our pagan ancestors!
StratmanRon almost 8 years ago
Yes, the lights, sounds, and smells do ease the strain of winter for some. For me, I love winter anyway, so all the celebration is just icing on the cake!
Dani Rice almost 8 years ago
New Year’s Day used to be in April, which makes a lot more sense than trying to make things “new” in the middle of winter. April is much more enthusiastic than January could ever hope to be.
Jhony-Yermo almost 8 years ago
The time of darkness is OVER. Welcome to the sun.
Tyge almost 8 years ago
The anticipation of Christmas makes the longest night special.
toppop52 almost 8 years ago
We celebrate the birth of Jesus this time of year, but if one chooses to celebrate ancient pagan rituals, it’s one’s own business. Just don’t try and marginalize the Christian aspect of it for those of us that believe.
Ina Tizzy almost 8 years ago
The longest night may be in December, but unless you live somewhere that is warm year round, you haven’t “gotten through the worst of it” when you’re talking about winter. Up here in Michigan, we could use a Christmas-like celebration in February or March. For some, Valentines Day leaves the un-mated feeling depressed and unloved, and St. Patrick’s Day Parades don’t seem all that festive in the middle of a snow storm.
edge2edge almost 8 years ago
Nice touch on the red and green sweaters Jimmy.
Jonni almost 8 years ago
Arlo is just sayin’ February 14th is not a favorite night.
Joliet Jake almost 8 years ago
It’s really cloudy here today, so the longest night is going to seem even a little bit longer.
Scott S almost 8 years ago
By February most of us have long since had our fill of winter.
hippogriff almost 8 years ago
gir63
No blizzards in Dallas in late April, so I got to come in a thunderstorm instead.
Tyge almost 8 years ago
Tree looks pretty dark!?!?