The Romans celebrated 25th December as the birthday of Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun. In the Northern hemisphere the 25th is the first day when the naked eye can discern that the Sun begins rising higher in its apparent orbit across the sky, meaning that the days start becoming longer and warmer. A great cause for celebration! But here in NZ's Southern hemisphere is just the opposite with days now get shorter.
Following his victories out East (including bringing the rebel Queen Zenobia of Palmyra to heel), the Emperor Aurelian reformed the Roman cult of Sol in AD 274 as a soldiers' religion with a new temple dedicated on the 25th, and four-yearly games in honor of the sun god. The Roman festival was celebrated by lighting lamps and candles representing the Sun's light and warmth.
Following his victories out East (including bringing the rebel Queen Zenobia of Palmyra to heel), the Emperor Aurelian reformed the Roman cult of Sol in AD 274 as a soldiers' religion with a new temple dedicated on the 25th, and four-yearly games in honor of the sun god. The Roman festival was celebrated by lighting lamps and candles representing the Sun's light and warmth.
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