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Christmas! Such a wondrous holiday!

Christmas! Such a wondrous holiday!

We Germans celebrate the Christmas season in a rather contemplative and serious manner, not as merrily as our neighbouring countries.

The so-called ‘German Christmas’ has overtones of melancholy that are deeply rooted in the soul; one could almost call it the feeling of a dark unredeemed state that simply cannot believe that cheerfulness, light, and a loving embrace should be possible and even natural.

Winter
Hand-signed art print with small original drawing
Unique Piece 42.0 x 59.4 cm

But the closer we come to the winter solstice or, for the Christian, the birth of Christ, one can sense a slight change in the atmosphere. Hardened structures are bathed in a nearly forgotten softness. The hope creeps in that everything, everything can – yes, must – turn out all right.

That, in my view, is the true spirit of Christmas. And truly a reason to celebrate!

In our latitude, though, we have ‘always’ celebrated at this time of year; nature’s turnaround from darkness to light is too apparent.

At one time, the most popular holiday throughout the whole of the Roman Empire was the Saturnalia, in honour of the god Saturn, ruler over a peaceful Golden Age whose return the people longed for.

The Saturnalia initially took place from the 17th to the 23rd of December but was extended until the 30th of December because of its popularity, and it was a mix of Christmas and Carnival.

Family celebrations; presents; eating and drinking together; biscuits shaped like the sun, the moon and farm animals; toys for the children; wax candles; decorating the home with green branches all remind us of our Christmas traditions.

The elimination of class distinctions; the reversal of roles between adults and children, masters and slaves; the right to free speech; and an all-round cheer coupled with the consumption of alcohol are forerunners of the later Rhineland Carnival.

During the Saturnalia, all public institutions, administrative buildings, and schools remained shut. Nothing was allowed to spoil the festive mood.
It was the merriest time of year, and they knew how to celebrate!

I find it amazing how many traditions from that time have survived to this modern day and age.
Which customs of today are likely to still be known 2000 years from now?

A Merry Christmas to all of you from


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