Yuletide Memories


Most cultures observe the Winter Solstice. From the yule log and mistletoe to the old elf and his team of reindeer, most "Christmas" traditions are pagan rituals and observances that have no connection to Jesus. Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, Christmas, and Saturnalia, occurs in mid-December. It celebrates the birth of the new Solar year and the beginning of Winter. The Goddess manifests as the Great Mother and the God as the Sun Child. The God also appears as Santa Claus and Old Man Winter.
The Winter Solstice marks the time in the yearly cycle when the Sun is reborn and darkness dispelled, the beginning of the waxing phase of the year. It is the birth of the Sun Goddess, Lucina, who grants wishes to those who light fires in her name, and in her role as patroness of midwifery, assists in rituals of rebirth.

Persia celebrated Mithra, the sun god, Greece honored Kronos in the Kronia. The Romans incorporated both in the Saturnalia, for Saturn, the god of earth and agriculture. The feasts started December 17, continued through the winter solstice and ended December 25, with "dies natalis solis invictus". the birthday of the invincible sun. Saturnalia included feasting, drinking to excess, gift-giving, decorating the house with laurels and role exchages between master and slave.
In the 4th century A.D., Christian leaders in Rome proclaimed that Dec. 25 was Christ's birthday, thus incorprating local traditions giving them Christian validity.

Modern-day Pagans reach back to the winter holiday seasons which revere the cycle of nature. Many celebrate the Celtic winter holiday, Yule