The Timeless Dance of Light and Darkness: How Christmas Symbolisms Unwrap Joy, Paradox, Meaning and Sustainability
Oluwakemi C. Amusan
(Exploring the intricate symbolism and paradoxes of Christmas, and how they reveal deeper truths about the human experience.)
The paradox of Christmas is rooted in the spiritual meaning of Christmas – universal narrative that transcends cultures and time, echoing the timeless struggle between light and darkness. This eternal struggle resonates deeply within the collective human experience, echoing the scientific discoveries that have profoundly shaped the course of human history.
From Archimedes’ groundbreaking insights into fluid dynamics, which revolutionized engineering and naval architecture, to Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press, which heralded the spread of knowledge and ideas, human progress has been fuelled by innovation and discovery. The subsequent kindling of cultural and intellectual awakening, culminating in Isaac Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation, unveiled the underlying order of the universe, transforming physics and astronomy. These milestones have played their part in reshaping our world, illuminating the path to a brighter, more compassionate future.
It is therefore understandable why we celebrate light, knowledge, understanding, and awareness; and are frightful of darkness, and its capacity to keep us at lower vibrations exemplified by separation, death, and decay.
So frightful, indeed, that the ancients transformed the winter solstice, a season once marked by coldness, fear, and scarcity into one of joy, generosity, and togetherness in their determination to hold onto life and defy darkness – From the ancient fire ceremonies of Stonehenge and Druidic Rituals, welcoming the sun’s return, to the candle figure gifts of the Romans during Saturnalia, the midwinter festivals of the Norse and Germans, marked by burning Yule logs symbolizing the sun’s return and warmth; and the candles and lantern-adorned homes of Dongzhi, the Chinese Festival of Light.
Like clockwork, these civilizations, despite their differences in language and culture, shared a common understanding of light and darkness so much so that though some of its elements, often labeled as pagan, speaks directly to our unconscious and soul. It taps into universal human experiences, emotions, and aspirations and connects us with the deepest aspects of our psyche, transcending historical context to symbolize the importance of community, gathering, and shared experience in comforting us during the darkest and coldest of times.
The Symbolism of Christmas: Unwrapping the True Meaning of Christmas
The attribution of a winter solstice birthday to Jesus Christ, the embodiment of divine light, is therefore a profound reflection of the spiritual significance of Christmas and its symbolism. This eternal promise of light, love, and generosity shines brightest in the peak of darkness – a humble manger birth in the tumultuous Roman Empire.
Today, the story of Jesus’ birth might even prompt social justice advocates to scrutinize the actions of the divine and the Holy Spirit. The teenage Mary’s fearful acquiescence to the angel’s announcement, “Be it unto me according to thy word,” would raise important complex questions about agency, autonomy, consent, power dynamics, and the intersection of the divine and human. Heck, we might even have to trend #justiceformary. You know, to stop the divine from “imposing” on us. And by the way, anyone would say yes to an alien determined to impregnate you blah blah blah. Just leave me the heck alone. Oh, and there was the matter of the engagement being under threat as well. And the whispers around town?… oh the whispers, “did you hear? saintly sister Mary, Pregnant and unmarried. Claims an angel did it! Give me a break. Her holiness has just been a joy giver around town – hmm…Joseph, good man! A simp, though.” Little wonder Jesus grew up a feminist.
Despite these complexities, or rather as a result of them, the story of Christ’s birth transcends its Christian origins, speaking to a broader, universal narrative that resonates across cultures and time in its teachings of love, compassion, and unity: inspiring holiday playlists, cultural heritages and stories. It assures us that our struggles and triumphs are shared by others, and are inextricably linked to the well-being of those around us. But that is the soulful and spiritual understanding of Christmas. In this day and age, that is not all Christmas is about. There is the Sagittarian excessiveness of the weeks preceding it too. You know, the part that comes around thanksgiving when the credit cards come out, and all bets go off. When wallets open wide, cards swipe, and cash registers ring, as Jupiter’s expansive spirit fuels our desire for indulgence in a season of unbridled excess, and quest to cast a spell of enchantment on the weeks preceding the Christmas holidays.
If we have a dearth of actual inner light, we cloak it so heavily under the magical celebration of life, love and hope. Ensuring that our house and offices and hallways and streets and malls and parks and cities are electrified from top to bottom with the magical atmosphere and unbridled enthusiasm, accompanied to boot with its proliferation of commercialized parties, vibrant celebration of music, laughter, and merriment.
in this spirit of unbridled indulgence, Champagne flows like rivers, and tables groan under the weight of sumptuous feasts – succulent turkeys, glazed Chicken, jollof rice, and sugary treats that tempt the taste buds and tickle our capitalistic orientations. Our closets burst with glittering attire, sequins shining like stars in the night sky. Gifts pile high, wrapped in vibrant paper and ribbons, as we get set to dress oh so jolly in our white beards and red suit deceptively playing judge with a clumsy romp down the chimney to our kids asking, “have you been naughty or have you been nice?”
And just as Capricorn starts grounding late December, Saturn Claus appears not through the chimney but through the mail and debit alerts and looming school fees ready to pass his judgement asking have you been frugal or have you been prudent? …. dishing out karma and buyers remorse as we welcome the new year with semi dry pockets and hope January’s days aren’t as long as time itself. More often than not, the latter days of January compel us to confront the darkness, emptiness, and feelings of uselessness we tried to hide under the light and decoration laden Christmas tree.
It therefore begs to ask, what is sparking our merriment? Why do we go to such great lengths to paint the season in heavy ornaments and dazzling lights, rather than embrace the sense of community and shared meaning that darkness or moments of lesser light can bring?
This is not to undermine the spirit of thanksgiving that pervades the season, and the genuine desire to create magic, have a great time, and spread love. But we can’t deny that there can also exist the need to distract ourselves from not only the harsh realities of winter but also a sense of unfulfilled expectations in the ending year, lingering regrets, and unresolved conflicts which can be overwhelming, leaving us searching for a sense of comfort, hope, and renewal or dogged fixation on joy and light over the darkness by creating a festive atmosphere. Needless to say, beneath the surface of our holiday celebrations could lie the shame-based pressure to present a perfect facade with a strong serving of dazzle and spectacle – a coping mechanism, and emotional armor to avoid the discomfort and vulnerability that lie within and around us.
Furthermore, the winter season can also take a profound physiological toll. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many, as our inner clocks respond to the reduced sunlight. This disruption impacts melatonin regulation, leading to serotonin fluctuations that can significantly influence our mood and energy levels. It’s little wonder, then, that the twinkling glow of Christmas lights can be especially alluring, offering a counterbalancing warmth and comfort to the darkness and cold of winter.
The Paradox of Christmas: A Reflection of the Dance between Light and Darkness
But all of this is just simplifying things. The paradox of Christmas is a microcosm of the human experience, reflecting the eternal struggle between light and darkness, and the importance of unwrapping the true meaning of Christmas even when tempted to escape our ignorance of its depths and complexities by spraying superficial lights and glow on it. This challenges us to satisfy our thirst for more light without burning the earth that gives us life.
This introspection prompts fundamental questions: How can we satiate our desire for illumination without compromising the well-being of our planet? How can we cope with the frustration that arises from increasing ambiguity and volatility, without resorting to unsustainable solutions? What sustainable practices can we adopt to cultivate resilience in the face of uncertainty?
I don’t have the answers. but a poignant theme comes to mind – the burning of Yule logs, the soft glow of candles, and the warmth of fireplaces. These timeless traditions emphasize life’s impermanence. The logs gradually dwindle, candles flicker out. We’re reminded to restock and restart the cycle anew because every ending marks a new beginning. There’s almost no pause, no suspension in time. Even when it seems like time stands still, change is inevitable, death is certain, and, paradoxically, life is certain. This takes on new meaning when Christmas is tinged with grief, a reminder that the festive season, like life can be bittersweet. It’s a reality that sappy, romantic Hallmark Christmas movies often gloss over, instead offering a sanitized, idyllic portrayal of the holiday season.
It’s hardly surprising, then, that the stories shared around winter fireplaces or, in the Nigerian context, under the soft glow of moonlight, acknowledges the timeless nature of human experience, recognizing that our struggles, triumphs, and emotions are shared across cultures and centuries – a profound commonality that transcends time and geography.
This seemingly stands in stark contrast to our increasingly modern and secular world, which often seeks to distance itself from traditional practices and the shackles of cultural and historical heritage. Yet, we’re constantly drawn to customs that reinforce the essence of ancient traditions, perhaps in the soul’s quest for symbols of connection, meaning, and transcendence. These symbols remain potent, regardless of whether they’re inscribed on ancient papyrus or illuminated on a modern iPad.
Christmas, in this sense, is about acceptance of the darkness and equally, the celebration of the light that could arise from it. It’s a reminder that we’re part of a timeless, universal narrative of human progress – the echo of the eternal triumph of light over darkness. In our pursuit of innovation, we’re reminded to equally ignite an inner understanding: that our natural rhythms are designed to foster sustainable coexistence among people, profit, and the planet.
Christmas is about acceptance that there are moments that call for greater illumination, just as there are those that require subtler light. Darkness, too, has its own significance. It is a form of light that we can’t yet decipher. And it’s precisely this paradox that can yield profound, transcendental, and sustainable gains. The birth of Christ, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous Roman Empire, a king’s paranoia-fueled thirst for the blood of two-year-old boys, and the tender vulnerability of a manger, exemplifies this paradox.
May this festive season draw us to harness light, and its associates, in a universal and sustainable manner – not to conceal our inner darkness and ignorance, but to cultivate a more harmonious and collaborative humanity. May we acknowledge that life can still triumph, despite the complexities, imperfections, vulnerabilities, and uncertainties that surround us. In embracing the paradox of Christmas, and its spiritual meaning, may we find the balance that nourishes both our souls and the world around us, in the timeless dance of light and darkness. 
In this season of lights, our hearts sing free.
We’ll inscribe wishes on lanterns, and let them be,
Imagining dreams soaring, untamed and cheery.
Burning our aches, regrets, and deepest fears,
We welcome the first light with joy that brings us tears.
A symbolic feast awaits, a sacred space to share,
A table of wine, warmth, and growth, where love and laughter flows with the deepest care.