Today at 17:11 (Universal Coordinated Time) the astronomical phenomenon of "winter solstice" will occur. This is the origin--the source--of all winter holidays/festivals, including Christmas. We in the northern hemisphere will experience the "shortest day, longest night" of the entire year. (naturally, in the southern hemisphere, the opposite is taking place) Because our ancestors realized their reliance and dependency on the sun, they chose to honor and pay homage to it; as we do today in the guise of Christmas. (Christ Mass) This is undisputed. Simply research the origins of Christmas and you will find that all symbols associated with Christmas are "pagan." (as is the case with Easter) Do I care that gift-giving, the Christmas tree, mistletoe, the yule log, Santa Claus etc. etc. all began with heathens? Not in the least. What I mind is the Christian attitude that there is a "war" on Christmas and that atheist's wish to "secularize" their beloved holiday.
Talk to a devout Christian about "wiccans" and see how they feel about "pagans." Yet, they will celebrate pagan festivals and claim them as their own. Worse, they become self-righteous and indignant if you don't adopt their views. It isn't the sun we worship, it is the Son. Shakespeare wrote; "that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." I agree. Enjoy the season's celebrations. All I ask is that you don't paint a lemon red and try to convince me it's an apple.
This was beautifully written P. I enjoyed every word and read it twice. gj
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