By Amanda Jewel DeJong
Why is it that each December millions of people from around the world find themselves decorating trees, kissing under mistletoe, and exchanging gifts with loved ones?
Some will tell you these actions are in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ, but what do mistletoe, trees, and the colors red and green have to do with the birth of a savior? The answer to this question quite simply is—nothing. In truth, scholars are still debating about when Jesus was believed to be born, although evidence seems to support late September and most likely between the years 6 and 4 BC.
If this is the case, then what is the cause for this celebration held on December 25th, and why is it that the general public is so accepting of this obviously pagan ritual they most likely know nothing about, yet choose year after year to partake in? To understand this, you must go back several thousands of years when festivities marked the seasons, people believed in multiple deities, and they told lavish stories depicting why these changes occur, as well as the greater mysteries of life.
The winter solstice takes place around December 21st each year when the night becomes longest and the day shortest. By the 25th of this month, ancient astronomers were able to detect that the daytime had become noticeably longer therefore making this a time to celebrate the “rebirth” of the sun. This was a promise that warmth would soon return to the earth for many cultures around the world. The Norse peoples viewed it as a time for feasting, merrymaking, and sacrifice. Traditional customs such as the Yule log and decorating trees can all be traced back to these origins.
Evergreens were as symbol of life and rebirth while amongst the harsh whiteness of winter.
Holly was chosen to decorate windows, fireplaces, and doors because of its prickliness in hopes to ward off evil spirits.
Mistletoe was a plant held sacred by both the Celtic Druids and the Norseman and used for protection, fertility, and health.
The folklore, as well as the magical powers of this plant, blossomed over the centuries and eventually it became a symbol of love with the promise to bestow a kiss upon anyone who passes under it. These plants are both red and green, which are now the traditional colors used to symbolize this holiday.
The use of candles in the festivities was thought to have originated with the ancient Romans, who gave them to each other as gifts during Saturnalia, a celebration held in December in honor of their god Saturn.
Fire was able to melt the chill of winter and thought to encourage the Sun to shine. It also symbolized the quest for knowledge and truth.
Which brings us to the tree. The Germans originally decorated trees around their property with fruit, candy, cookies, and flowers.
These “ornaments” were an offering as well as a symbol of abundance to come when the Sun shed his warmth again. The Yule Log is usually made of oak, ash, or beech. It was ritually cut and ceremonially carried into the house where it was then lit by the head of the family, and toasts were often drunk with wine, cider, or brandy. The Yule Log was said to have many magical properties and remnants of it, or its ashes, were kept in the house throughout the year to bring luck and protection. The Celts reinvented the custom and gave gifts of the log (a symbol of their Oak King) adorned with pieces of evergreens (a representation of the Holy King), which signifies the death of darkness and the warmth of the Sun during the newly born solar year.
According to this tradition, the log should burn continuously during the 12 days of the solstice celebration, and a bit of wood should be saved to start the next year‘s fire, explaining why we think of the “12 days of Christmas.”
Yes, even Santa Claus has roots in paganism and had much to do with the myths surrounding the Norse God, Odin, who was the Lord of the Winds. It is said that he was a nocturnal god capable of flying through the stormiest clouds on his gray eight-legged horse and able to vanish and materialize at will with the ability to harness magic. He is depicted as an old man with a white beard, adorned with a cloak, and beloved among followers and friends to which he would reward greatly.
This may explain why the Santa of current day is a jolly man able to fly undetected through the sky at night and deliver gifts all around the world to deserving patrons.
So where did the idea of mingling the birth of Jesus and the celebration of the winter solstice come from? This idea was actually suggested and set into motion in the fourth century CE by church fathers wanting to conceal the traditions of a rival pagan religion which, at the time, threatened the existence of Christianity. Pagan Romans still celebrated “Natalis Solis Invincti” meaning “birthday of the invincible sun god” and the birthday of Mithras, the Iranian “Sun of Righteousness,” whose worship was popular among soldiers. Since it was well known that nobles and peasants alike enjoyed the festivities in honor of these agricultural deities and had celebrated for many years prior around the 25th of December, the church officially declared it the birthday of Christ in order to intermingle both ways of life.
So the next time you find yourself kissing a loved one under a mistletoe or placing ornaments upon an evergreen, take a moment to pay homage to a people of long past who have made this holiday possible.
Understand the reasons for your actions and perhaps educate someone who will no doubt inquire why absolutely no decorations or activities surrounding December 25th, seem to correspond with the birth of Christ, but is in fact a pagan holiday that is still celebrated by Christians the world over even to this day.
Amanda Jewel DeJong is a licensed massage therapist, transpersonal life coach, hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner and teacher. She holds a degree in Holistic Healthcare with emphasis in Mind/Body Psychology with majors in Clinical Hypnotherapy as well as Spiritual Studies. Amanda is the owner/operator of Transformational Therapies based out of Layton, UT, where she helps clients to achieve personal goals, create optimal health. and promotes holistic wellness. Visit the company at www.transformationaltherapies.org or email Amanda at transformationaltherapies@gmail.com.