Christmas Eve: An echo from a distant time: Christmas: That's why the festival means more than presents stress and good food

The days around Christmas are the darkest of the year.

Christmas Eve: An echo from a distant time: Christmas: That's why the festival means more than presents stress and good food

The days around Christmas are the darkest of the year. The nights are long before it gradually gets lighter again after the winter solstice. After the darkness comes the light again. But the sun is still going down in the afternoon. And it's cold outside. We withdraw into the warmth of the apartments and houses. Candles are burning. Christmas is inextricably linked to celebrating the light in the dark. The fir tree with its candles - the tamed fire draped on the tree, the fertility symbol of ancient cultures - marks the culmination of this bow to brightness. turning point. The light is also rebirth. Life returns to nature.

Access to all STERN PLUS content and articles from the print magazine

ad-free

Already registered?

NEXT NEWS