The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM

THE TIME WHEN CHRISTMAS IS HELD (DECEMBER 25) IS ACTUALLY TAKEN
FROM OLDER NATURE RELIGIONS WHICH VENERATED THE WINTER SOLSTICE
(DECEMBER 22). THE UNDERLYING THEORY OF THESE FESTIVALS WAS THAT
AFTER THE 22ND OF DECEMBER THE POWER OF THE SUN AND GOOD FORCES
ASSOCIATED WITH IT BEGAN TO INCREASE--HENCE THE NIGHTS GOT NO LONGER,
BUT RATHER BEGAN TO GET SHORTER. THUS THE TIME WAS MOST APPROPRIATE
FOR CELEBRATING THE "BIRTH" OF A GREAT "WHITE" POWER.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: WALES ; ABERYSTWYTH

Keyword(s): Celebration ; CUSTOM ; FESTIVAL ; holiday ; Solstice

Date learned: 04-00-1972

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