zachary pfriem

With the winter season comes much discussion of the true reason behind the celebrations we hold so dear. I would like to think that I live in a well educated nation, one in which education for all is held as a high value, however, certain instances always question this concept. One contributor to this questioning is the lack of knowledge of human history, in this case, the lack of knowledge of Post Apostolic Christian history and the Church of the Holy Roman Empire.

This year the Winter Solstice will fall on the day of December 22nd, at the time of 6:08 am. This time of year, in past cultures of Northern Europe, and current, was celebrated with the burning of the Yule log, or fire. Traditionally, this fire was made to be an extra long fire to burn through the night as the solstice represents the longest night of the year, “…when the Sun’s position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equatorial plane as the observer.” [source]

During the rein of Constantine I, Christianity was announced as the universal religion of conquered Europe. In order to smoothly transition cultural beliefs, rituals were slowly converted into Christian themes. This included Yule (Winter Solstice) into Christmas, and the celebration of Easter, correlating at the time of Spring Equinox (New Year’s like celebration for the returning of the crop season).

I have no qualms with whatever way individuals celebrate this joyous time, as all beliefs share that it is a time of celebration to be had with family, friends, and all other loved ones. It is a time to cherish what we have, and to help others acquire what they need. What does need to be realized as an issue in our culture and changed is the concept of mass gift giving. Instead of spending money on people, maybe spend time with them, arrange a time to get together to go out  for a meal, or dine in together at one another’s homes.  Maybe give them a photo of you and your family, or a simple note about what they mean to you.  I am yet to have a story recited to me from a friend or family member that contains what they received for gifts on a particular holiday, the stories I hear time and time again are those that contain memories of spending quality time with loved ones.

Consider the origins of certain traditions, question what you believe in, and when you have excess, help others gain a level of security, and fulfilled need. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Seasons Greetings, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, Happy Yule, etc. etc. etc.