I just want to stir the pot with a sprinkle of observations and a heartfelt wish.
Did you know that the Christmas season is in no way unique?
From the beginning of November to the middle of January, the most prominent, and quite a few not-so-major, religions have significant celebrations concerning the end of darkness and the return of light.
In Judaism, for instance, Hanukah commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple.
Muslims celebrate the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Mawlid al-Nabi, and the Day of Ashura, a day of fasting and reflection.
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from the 26th of December to the 1st of January.
Hindus have ten celebrations, from ZKalabhairav Jayanti on the 5th of December to Sankashti Chaturthi on the 28th.
Buddhists celebrate the ‘secular’ Bodhi Day, the day of awakening, the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha, on the 8th of December.
The Farsis of Iran celebrate Yaldā Night, the Winter Solstice, on the longest night of the year.
Worship on the Winter Solstice goes back to ancient European pagan times and is still maintained today by neo-pagans like the Druids and Wiccans.
And so it goes.
So, in an all-encompassing spirit, I wish you all a Merry Everything and a Happy Always!
PS, sorry about the delay. I didn't have much time at my computer because I was at family's homes over the whole period. Today, I'm at home.
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