December signifies the culmination of the Gregorian calendar year. It is the twelfth and final month. In the Northern Hemisphere, it bridges the gap between autumn and winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, it connects spring and summer. Beyond its chronological significance, December embodies a rich tapestry of history and traditions. It includes cultural celebrations and natural phenomena. These aspects have shaped human experience across millennia.
Historical Origins
Etymology and Ancient Roots
The name “December” comes from the Latin word “decem,” meaning ten. It was originally the tenth month in the early Roman calendar. This was before January and February were added. The Romans later reformed their calendar, but the name remained despite December becoming the twelfth month.
In the ancient Roman calendar, December was dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. The month hosted Saturnalia, a festival characterized by role reversals, gift-giving, and revelry—elements that would later influence modern Christmas celebrations.
Calendar Evolution
December has maintained its position as the year’s final month through various calendar reforms. This includes Julius Caesar’s implementation of the Julian calendar in 45 BCE. The subsequent Gregorian calendar reform in 1582 CE also contributed to this. It remains the most widely used calendar system today.
Astronomical Significance
December in the Northern Hemisphere marks the winter solstice. This occurs around December 21-22. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year. This astronomical event has profound cultural significance across numerous civilizations. It has inspired countless rituals and celebrations centered around light, rebirth, and the changing seasons.
In the Southern Hemisphere, December coincides with the summer solstice. This event brings the longest day of the year. It marks the beginning of summer.
Cultural Significance Across Societies
Western Traditions
In Western societies, December is dominated by Christmas preparations and celebrations. The month transforms cities and homes with distinctive decorations, lights, and Christmas trees. The tradition of gift-giving is influenced by the story of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus). It creates a unique economic phenomenon known as the “holiday shopping season.”
Advent, the four weeks preceding Christmas, represents a significant religious observance for Christians, marking a period of preparation and expectation.
Jewish Celebrations
Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, often falls in December. This celebration commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It also celebrates the miracle of oil that burned for eight days. The oil was only enough for one day.
Winter Solstice Celebrations
Various cultures celebrate the winter solstice in December:
- Yule in Germanic and Norse traditions
- Dongzhi Festival in East Asian cultures
- Shab-e Yalda in Iranian culture
- Soyal ceremony among Hopi Native Americans
New Year Preparations
As December concludes, cultures worldwide engage in various year-end rituals and prepare to welcome the new year with distinctive traditions, from the Spanish custom of eating twelve grapes at midnight to the Scottish tradition of “first-footing.”
Notable December Holidays and Observances
- December 1: World AIDS Day
- December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- December 6: St. Nicholas Day
- December 8: Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
- December 10: Human Rights Day
- December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- December 13: St. Lucia Day
- December 16-24: Las Posadas (Mexico)
- December 21/22: Winter Solstice/Yule
- December 24: Christmas Eve
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: Boxing Day/St. Stephen’s Day/Kwanzaa begins
- December 28: Holy Innocents Day
- December 31: New Year’s Eve
December in Literature and Media
Books with “December” in the Title
- “The Long December” by Richard Chizmar
- “December” by Eve Bunting
- “The 25th of December” by Thorsten Dörp
- “The Ninth of December” by Mark Beauregard
- “Cold Days in December” by Jane Walsh
Literature Featuring December
Many literary works use December as a significant backdrop:
- Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which explores themes of redemption against the backdrop of Victorian-era Christmas
- Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” which begins with a memorable Christmas scene
- Dylan Thomas’ poem “A Child’s Christmas in Wales”
- Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory”
December in Film
December serves as the setting for countless beloved films:
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
- “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)
- “Die Hard” (1988)
- “Home Alone” (1990)
- “The Holiday” (2006)
Historical Events and Controversies in December
Significant Historical Events
- December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat, catalyzing the Montgomery Bus Boycott
- December 7, 1941: Pearl Harbor attack, leading to U.S. entry into World War II
- December 10, 1901: First Nobel Prizes awarded
- December 14, 1911: Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole
- December 15, 1791: U.S. Bill of Rights ratified
- December 16, 1773: Boston Tea Party
- December 17, 1903: Wright brothers’ first powered flight
- December 25, 1776: Washington crossed the Delaware
- December 26, 2004: Indian Ocean tsunami
- December 28, 1895: First commercial movie screening (Lumière brothers)
Controversies
- The “December Dilemma”: Tensions regarding religious expression in public spaces during December holidays
- Commercialization of Christmas: Ongoing debates about consumerism overwhelming spiritual aspects
- Historical revisionism: Discussions about how Christmas traditions have evolved and been reinvented
- Environmental impact: Concerns about increased consumption, waste, and carbon footprints during December festivities
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Recognition of winter’s psychological impact on mental health
- Economic inequalities: How December celebrations highlight socioeconomic disparities
December Traditions and Celebrations Worldwide
North America
- United States and Canada: Christmas celebrations, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and elaborate holiday light displays
- Mexico: Las Posadas, Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), and the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Europe
- Germany: Christmas markets, Advent calendars, and St. Nicholas Day
- Sweden: St. Lucia Day celebrations with candle processions
- Spain and Latin countries: Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) celebrations
- Iceland: Thirteen Yule Lads who visit children on the thirteen nights leading to Christmas
Asia
- Japan: Ōmisoka (New Year’s Eve) traditions including temple bells
- Philippines: Longest Christmas season worldwide, starting in September with Simbang Gabi (night masses)
- South Korea: Seollal preparations (Lunar New Year)
Oceania
- Australia and New Zealand: Christmas celebrations during summer, often including beach gatherings and barbecues
Africa
- South Africa: Diverse December celebrations reflecting multicultural heritage
- Ethiopia: Christmas (Ganna) celebrated on January 7 according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar
December’s Natural World
Northern Hemisphere
Winter takes hold with deciduous trees bare, many animals in hibernation, and transformations in landscapes with snow and ice formations. December often brings the first substantial snowfalls in temperate regions.
Southern Hemisphere
The beginning of summer brings blooming plants, active wildlife, and the start of the growing season.
What’s Next?
December represents much more than merely the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. It embodies a complex interplay of astronomical events, historical developments, cultural traditions, and natural phenomena. December is a month of contrasts. It marks endings and beginnings, darkness and light, solemnity and celebration. December continues to occupy a special place in human consciousness across diverse cultures worldwide.
December remains a month of profound significance in our collective experience. It is associated with religious observance, seasonal change, historical events, or simply the passage of time. This time invites reflection on the year past and anticipation for the year ahead.
