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Why Are so Many Celebrations in November and December?
If you’ve ever noticed, across the globe and in various cultures, November and December are full of winter celebrations. Thanksgiving and Christmas, Yalda, Hanukkah, Diwali, and more, these months seem to invite festivity. But why is that? Different nations and cultures can be so vastly different, geographical borders, traditions, and customs often vary significantly. So what’s the common thread?
The roots of this are deeply intertwined with agriculture, astronomy, culture, and religion. Let’s explore these roots to see how they’ve influenced the emergence of winter celebrations around the world during this time of year:
Agricultural Cycles
Late autumn marks the end of the harvest season. After months of hard work throughout the year, farmers finally reap the rewards of their second seasonal crops. With the abundance of produce and the satisfaction of seeing their efforts come to fruition, it’s the perfect time for celebrations!
In many places, winter festivals originated as harvest festivals. This period also signals the end of outdoor labor, as people begin to settle indoors, enjoying the fruits of their summer labor.
The Origin of the Name “Abangan”
As winter approaches, days become noticeably shorter and nights stretch out longer. In many cultures, the longest night of the year is a time to gather and celebrate the return of the sun, marking the triumph of light over darkness.
This is a concept we see repeated across the world. Many ancient traditions involve staying awake during these long nights, awaiting the dawn as a symbol of hope and renewal.
With the shorter days and limited resources, people once feared that the long nights might never end, and that darkness could take over. The significance of light became symbolic of life itself, and winter festivals began to emerge, celebrating this transition through symbolic rituals, food, and gatherings.
Religious Celebrations
In many countries, the 25th of December marks the birth of Christ, celebrated as Christmas. While today it’s often viewed as a time for gift-giving, gatherings, and festivities, it has strong religious origins. Similarly, Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by the Jewish community around the same time. Thanksgiving is observed in November, followed by New Year’s Eve on December 31 and New Year’s Day on January 1. Meanwhile, Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival of lights, celebrated based on the lunar calendar.
Although the coincidence of religious holidays aligning with winter celebrations might have been circumstantial, it has added even more vibrancy to this time of year, filling the winter months with lights and joy.
Endings and Beginnings
For many cultures, the end of the year brings reflection and the promise of a new beginning. People mark the end of the year by celebrating and looking ahead to new hopes and dreams. The New Year is a time of renewal, and in many places, the beginning of a new year is accompanied by festivities and joy.
Social and Psychological Needs
In the northern hemisphere, where the days are cold and short, gatherings during this season help strengthen social bonds and fill the emotional void left by the lack of sunlight. People come together, sharing warmth and food to make these long nights more enjoyable. This has led to traditions of winter get-togethers and celebrations that emphasize companionship and togetherness.
Cultural Blending
Throughout history, people have influenced each other’s customs and celebrations, leading to a blending of traditions. For instance, historians believe that the timing of Christmas on December 25 may have been influenced by ancient Roman celebrations of Saturn, the god of wealth and time. As cultures interact, traditions merge, and new customs arise.
So while winter traditions vary greatly from place to place, they often share common themes of light, renewal, and togetherness. Wherever we are, we can participate in these winter celebrations and connect with traditions both old and new.
Author: Zahra Barani
