For most of us in Western Civilization, when we think of the 25th of December, we think of Christmas Day – the day that the Savior was born. But what other kind of spiritual significance does this day hold?
Since the year 45 BCE, the Romans established the 25th as the winter solstice. Today, depending on the shifting calendar, in the northern hemisphere the solstice actually happens between the 21st and 22nd of December, so Caesar was pretty close.
Ever since neolithic times, archaeology has proven that the winter solstice has been celebrated by mankind. This has been attested to by digs around Stonehenge in Britain and the Bronze Age, Newgrange in Ireland. The astronomical event known as winter solstice, in these ancient European cultures controlled the mating of animals, sowing of crops and metering of between harvest food reserves. The wine and beer which was made during the year was usually fermented at this time and was ready for drinking. Most of the celebrating was not done on the day commencing at midnight or dawn, but the eve of the previous day.
In Rome, Saturnalia was the feast in which the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn was commemorated. Originally it happened on the 17th of December, but over the years it expanded a whole week to December 23rd. The celebration was marked by tomfoolery and reversal of social roles in which slaves switched places with their masters. During the festival everyone would wear a ‘pileus’ or freedman’s hat. And the proper greeting was “Io Saturnalia!” Children were given gifts by their parents and fun was had by all.
Another Roman mystery religion, a sub-religion known mostly to soldiers, was called Mithras. Mithras was a powerful god who did not make it into the Roman pantheon, it is said that he was born on December 25th.
And last but not least, whether it is somehow connected or not, the holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated by Jews on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. This date, as we all know, usually falls around the month of December, on the Roman calendar.
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