True meaning is what each chooses it to be

Our ancient ancestors recognized that this is a special time of year when the sun begins its triumphal resurgence. This season of the Winter Solstice has been celebrated throughout history as a period of renewal and hope for the future.

Christmas, the predominant form of this celebration in the United States, has its origins in many of the pagan practices of the past. Most theologians agree that Jesus’ birth did not occur on Dec. 25. The date on which Christmas is observed was chosen to coincide with the Winter Solstice festival, Saturnalia, to encourage Roman pagans to convert to Christianity. Saturnalia was a time of joyous revelry, feasting, imbibing in intoxicating beverages (eggnog, anyone), singing from house to house (caroling), and eating human-shaped biscuits (gingerbread men).

Christmas trees were borrowed from the pagan Asheira cult, mistletoe derives its significance from Norse mythology, and gift giving originated from the requirement to present gifts to the Roman Emperor during Saturnalia. The current image of Santa Claus (an amalgamation of both St. Nicholas and the pagan god Woden) was created by the Coca Cola company in 1931.

This is a time of year for personal reflection, generosity, and conviviality with family and friends. There are many different ways for celebrating this inspirational time of year (Christmas, Eid al-Adha, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Shabe-Yalda, etc.). The “true meaning” of this season is what each person chooses it to be, regardless their religious affiliation or personal belief.

JACK DeBAUN

Sandpoint