It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could participate in the holiday's festivities.Īlso around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. For a month, enslaved people were given temporary freedom and treated as equals.
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Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia-a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture-was celebrated. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter.
The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world.
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