Thought the week

Thought the week

There is an historical, if not prehistoric, precedent for the merriment of the holiday season and ringing in the New Year. In pagan times the holidays were celebrated around the time of the winter solstice (Dec. 21) with the widespread slaughter of livestock and the consumption of fermented beverages. It had as much to do with the practical need to reduce the livestock herds, which couldnt be sustained with feed over the winter, and the fact that it would take until the start of winter for the harvested grapes and grains to ferment into beer and wine.

Hence the basis for the warmth and glow of the season with all the flesh pots fired up, to say nothing of the merry-making with everyone stuffing themselves with the surplus food while throwing back the ample supply of home brew and hot wine.