December 17, 2007

As nearly as our calendar can match that of the ancient Romans, Saturnalia begins today.

"It's a good practice to turn things upside down every so often, to let a hunchback be a king, and set masters to wait upon their slaves. What better time for a bit of whimsy than midwinter..."
-- Steven Saylor, The House of the Vestals

In the Middle Ages, today was known as O Sapienta, which means "O Wisdom." Churchgoers began a Christmas countdown by singing a series of hymns, or antiphons, one for each day. Each hymn began with "O" --O Emmanuel", "O Rod of Jesse", etc. December 17 was the first day of this countdown. Seems better to me than counting shopping days!

Tips for the day

More about Saturnalia
How Nova Romans celebrate Saturnalia
A Saturnalia ritual

Inner Advent & Inner Christmas

Christmas is a season, most traditionally the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany on January 6. So many people these days seem in a hurry to celebrate the season before Christmas, but I cherish the idea of maintaining a seasonal festival of 12 days. Counselor and writer Lynn Jericho encourages the process of Inner Christmas — a process of meaningful and enriching self-reflection from December 25 and January 6, the Twelve Holy Nights. It's designed for people of all faiths and traditions. You can view a movie and sign up for daily emails that she will send during the traditional 12-day period, each with a theme to encourage personal reflection. She also provides ideas for observing Inner Advent.

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