Welcome to the Return of the Light, a winter solstice celebration.
You are invited to pause during this hectic holiday season and reflect on the symbolism of the winter solstice. The shadows lengthen, darkness threatens to prevail, yet there is hope — hope not only that the sun will return, but that a holy presence, a true light will be kindled within all humanity, our souls warmed with a rebirthing of wonder, joy and love — and peace will prevail throughout the world.
The original program, held on December 14-15 in the UCC's Amistad Chapel in Cleveland, Ohio, has been edited for the purposes of this webcasting. Program notes for the original performance are available in pdf format.
The Tradition of the Winter Solstice
The word solstice literally means "standing-still sun." The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, when the sun is at its lowest point at noon in the southern sky. The solstice occurs about December 21. In northern countries near the Arctic Circle, the winter solstice is a time of near perpetual darkness.
Winter solstice observances predate the Christian era by thousands of years and are common to cultures around the world. Solstice rites were held by virtually every culture — by the ancient Celts, in Persia, Scandinavia, India, China, Africa, and South America.
In ancient days, when people were more dependent on the sun for warmth, light and a bountiful harvest, the yearly retreat of the sun meant dwindling stores of food and perpetual cold. Once the winter solstice passed, there were many more days of darkness and cold ahead; but also the promise of spring and rebirth in the lengthening days.
The word Yule means "wheel." Yuletide celebrated the continuity of the cycles of nature. The burning of the Yule log was thought to add light and strength to the waning sun. Greenery and candles have long been associated with midwinter celebrations. Evergreens symbolize the fact that life continues even in the midst of darkness. Holiday traditions that include the lighting of candles to mark the passage of time abound in many cultures. Candles are lit during Advent, and a Kinara, with seven candles, is a part of Kwanza celebrations. The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah—the Festival of Lights—has a unique link to the winter solstice and is a story of religious freedom.
In ancient Rome, the winter solstice festival of Saturnalia lasted seven days, a time when slaves were temporarily freed, houses were bedecked in greenery, warfare ceased and gifts were exchanged. A mock king was chosen to oversee the revelry that overtook the streets. This tradition of rejigging the social order persisted into medieval times, with the Lord of Misrule, who was appointed to be master of ceremonies presiding over the festivities of Twelfth Night.
The winter solstice was celebrated on December 25 in the calendar Julius Caesar established in Rome. The date became so traditional that it was retained through calendar reforms and in 350 A.D., Pope Julius adopted this date to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Many of our Christmas traditions come from these earlier rites — decorating with evergreens, hanging ornaments on a tree, partaking of sweet confections, processions, gift giving, singing carols, and the burning of a Yule log.
