Editor,
It amazes me every year how many people begin to rant about the true meaning of Christmas and then spout off their Christian values.
I am Catholic, and I celebrate just as Desiree Vallez suggests in her letter in Thursday's Daily Lobo - I attend Mass, I decorated first with my nativity scene, I pray and am thankful throughout the season.
But this is not the original meaning or reason for Christmas, and even the priests at my church will agree to that. According to the History Channel, the real history of Christmas starts centuries before Christ came along as an ancient holiday.
The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many people 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. In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from the winter solstice through January.
In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.
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The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was fermented and ready for drinking.
I'm not saying that accusations of too much shopping and materialism aren't accurate. We ought to spend more time celebrating with family and friends, by giving and not purchasing, and by loving above all else.
But let's not confuse ourselves into thinking this holiday was always about Jesus Christ. Happy holidays.
Marshall Martinez
Daily Lobo reader
