The Reason for the Season: Light

Since the dawn of homo sapiens sapiens, human beings have celebrated in mid-winter for a simple reason: Light.

The day of the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, with the longest night. With the next dawn, the days begin to lengthen. Light returns.

Even after we figured out why the sun seemed to almost disappear in winter, only to reappear, and realized that it did so regardless of our festivals to entice it to return, mid-winter celebrations remained essential cultural touchstones.

Call it what you wish; create whatever myth comforts you; consecrate it with music that represents the best and worst of human composition, it remains what it has always been: A Celebration of Light.

If none of the religious myths appeal to you, try Human Light Day on December 23.

HumanLight illuminates Humanism's positive secular vision. In Western societies, late December is a season of good cheer and a time for gatherings of friends and families. During the winter holiday season, where the word "holiday" has taken on a more secular meaning, many events are observed. This tradition of celebrations, however, is grounded in supernatural religious beliefs that many people in modern society cannot accept. HumanLight presents an alternative reason to celebrate: a Humanist's vision of a good future. It is a future in which all people can identify with each other, behave with the highest moral standards, and work together toward a happy, just and peaceful world.

Tomorrow, may you have Light.