FOXSYLVANIA

–The Winter Solstice has arrived, an event traditionally marked by holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals, or other events; many of these observances such as druidic rituals predated Christianity, and the early Christian church simply assimilated certain of these traditions, recognizing that people were unable or unwilling to give up their cultural heritage.

A number of these secular observances had a rather bawdy, carnival atmosphere, some involving role reversals between the powerless and the powerful.   Feasting, drinking, dancing, and music-making were part of the attraction, which had therapeutic value in combating the cold, inactivity, fatigue, and malaise associated with winter.