The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas (Hardcover)

by John Matthews (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
This beautiful illustrated book by Celtic and Arthurian folklorist John Matthews (Classic Celtic Fairy Tales, LJ 1/98) presents the history of modern Christmas rituals. Trying to combat the commercialization of Christmas, Matthews explains how the solstice is celebrated around the world and how the dates of Christmas are different in different cultures. He discusses the traditions of Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, and others, including mention of a short story featuring Santa Claus's evil twin, Bob. Also included is information on the Twelve Days of Christmas, solstice animals, and celebrations. Each engagingly written chapter contains a celebration for readers to try themselves. Highly recommended for public libraries and undergraduate collections emphasizing folklore, sociology, and religion.AGail Wood, SUNY Coll. of Technology Lib., Freeville, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Many people long for an alternative to the commercial industry Christmas has become. This illustrated, full-color book, brimming with folklore, stories, recipes, games, activities, decorating ideas, and songs, will help families who are "burned out" on Christmas create celebrations more in keeping with the heartful spirit of the original Winter Solstice festivals.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Quest Books (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0835607690
• ISBN-13: 978-0835607698
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #755,339 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars extensively rich and historical review of winter customs, February 7, 1999

By A Customer

This is a wonderful text full of history and thought, and beautiful illustrations. The author extensively explores the origins of numerous Christmas traditions,e.g., lights, evergreens, yule logs, etc. by tracing these customs to the occurance and celebration of the winter solstice, and in later history, to many Roman celebrations. The text adds greater richness, understanding, and appreciation to many Christmas traditions. The author also offers suggestions for celebrating the winter solstice as the important celestial event that it is.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, January 19, 2003

By	merrymousies (Waterford, VA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Very complete with history and lore as well as activites. Two thumbs up on this one. Great pictures too. Information is presented in a very straight-forward way. I love this book - made for a much more meaningful christmas for me this year. The table of contents has:

1) The Solstice Dream (this chapter talks to Solstice celebrations and lore across the world and across the ages - from egypt to china to Rome. Poetry and prose from other sources are included.) All chapters end with celebration activites

2) Child of Wonder (this chapter talks to the birth of different gods across the ages - such as apollo, mabon, jesus)

3) The Green Bough (this chapter talks to the symbolism of the tree, the use of evergreens versus cherry tree etc. Green man is also discussed)

4) Old Sir Christmas (this chapter talks to the jolly old elf as well as the Shaman in the Tree and others across the cultures)

5) The Solstice Animals (this is about the slaughter of animals - 'nough said there - go vegetarian!)

6) The 12 days of Christmas

At the end of the book is a few pages on additional resources/references which is pretty good.

Great book! Most complete I've found and I like how it looks across cultures.

45 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent text on the history of winter, February 4, 2000

By	Howard Clark Jr. (Clovis, CA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of the better books I have seen when it comes bringing religion and folklore together - from the origin of the Christmas tree to the meaning behind the Twelve Days of Christmas. A must buy to the pagan as well as the Christian.