The Strength of Tradition

myslpolska.info 6 months ago

What is the magic of Christmas? Is it simply a consequence of spiritual reflection and deep reflection on Christian truths of faith? Is the celebration accompanied by a mention to Bible content and canons derived from the catechism of the Catholic Church? This is not the case due to the fact that Polish Catholicism is more based on tradition and ceremoniality than religiousism in the strict sense of the word. It should besides be stressed that the Catholic Church was incapable to eradicate ancient pagan customs and traditions. Therefore, although Christmas is by definition a Christian feast, it has a broader and deeper meaning. The birth of Christ can besides be interpreted as a fresh beginning, a triumph of light over darkness, and a hope of doubt. This message has a universal and transreligious dimension. Hence, unbelievers, unbelievers, and those who identify with another religions, besides sit at the Christmas table with Christians. The best evidence of this was the times of People's Poland, erstwhile even advanced organization officials, theoretically spreading the materialistic worldview, celebrated Christmas.

But let us go back to the past. Our ancestors had already celebrated the winter solstice celebrated as the feast of the advanced Gods, the essence of which was to overcome the forces of darkness by the victorious Sun (light), and in a symbolic dimension the triumph of good over evil. This was due to the natural latitude of our seasons. It should be stressed that all Indo-European peoples had myths about the birth of the Sun embodying life, improvement and prosperity. In the Slavic pantheon, the chief solar deity was Swaróg and his boy Swarożyc, whose symbolically can be compared to the Christian “God of the Father” and “Son of God”. ‘The generous Gods are associated with solar worship. Since the winter solstice, the day has become longer. Slavic mythology speaks about the birth of the boy of the sun god Swarożyc. The fresh - born god was to supply abundant fruitage in the fresh year, and the celebration at that time is focused on the reconciliation of God. In order to supply the care of Swarożyc, a rich feast was held on Christmas Eve of the advanced Gods, or on December 21, which included 12 dishes, symbolizing 12 months a year. For the next 12 days, which were fortunes for the next 12 months, were celebrated. It was a time to meet family, close to the campfire, to celebrate together and sing carols for part of the Sun God“ *. The Slavic god of the afterlife, magic, and riches of Weles, embodies as the opposing symbol of darkness, besides played an crucial function in the rites of the Fine Gods.

Not everyone realizes that the Christmas customs and traditions celebrated to this day have their origin in Slavic beliefs.
The carol originally meant a thank-you song raised during the advanced Gods, and caroling – visiting loved ones, frequently in disguise, which was associated with the rituals of cursing fertility and prosperity. The pre-Christian pedigree besides have the habit of sharing a wafer (originally it was sharing bread) and putting hay under the tablecloth (originally it was spreading hay around the table), which was intended to supply wealth and yield. The gifting comes from the habit of sharing with relatives nuts, fruit, and cakes called generous ones. The conventional 12 dishes at the Christmas table are derived not from the 12 apostles, but from 12 months. Nor is the Christmas tree a Christian customized – its first is the sub-chamber, or inverted tree suspended by a ceiling beam, frequently adorned with apples and nuts, designed to guarantee prosperity and defend against charms and diseases.

Taking into account the pedigree and the diversity of traditions and customs associated with Christmas, these holidays should be considered universal and universal. Their essence is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In this sense, Christmas can be celebrated by both Christians and representatives of another religions and planet views, and the chief of his message should be peace and prosperity for all people of good will.

Michał Radzikowski

*behind the website /www.dladziści.org/ – "Stirious Gods – an ancient Slavic holiday".

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