A child is born!

Years ago, there was a Star Trek TOS episode depicting a modern Roman empire, and at the end of that episode, there was some discussion between Kirk and Uhura as to whether that planet’s particular variety of sun worship was spelled s-u-n or s-o-n. What a very insightful story!

Yule takes place at the Winter solstice, which is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The world sleeps, and all means of survival are buried beneath a foot or more of snow. Remember that early man did not have science to tell him that the sun would return! When the sun halted its journey away from us, appeared to hesitate for three days, and then began its return to us, this was a genuine and very major cause for celebration.

Most male gods – including the Christian god, although they rarely like to hear this – are metaphors for sun worship. That is why, although most Christian scholars believe Jesus of Nazareth was probably born sometime around May 20th (if he even existed at all), his birth is celebrated at the Winter Solstice.

For us, our God is born into our world at the Winter Solstice also, born to the Mother Goddess. The Nativity Crèche, the decorated tree, the Yule log, and even many of the food and drink items known for the season originated with Pagan worship.

Another tradition says that the aging Holly King perishes (after giving many gifts), either in battle with the Oak King or of old age, but either way, gives way to the young Oak King at Yule. Since the Holly King was giving gifts to Pagan children long before the life and death of St. Nicholas – and since most depictions of the Holly King bear a remarkable resemblance to the secular Santa Claus – it is the height of silliness for Pagans to feel uncomfortable celebrating the holiday with our Christian friends and acquaintances. It is our holiday, too.

Indeed, it was our holiday first. And the joyful shout “A child is born!” has never been exclusive to Christianity.

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