Radiant traditions: How festivals of light inspire society

Catherine, a member of Newcastle u3a and Interest Groups Online, explores how the enduring traditions of festivals of light continue to inspire hope and joy.

Light has long been a symbol of hope, joy and unity across cultures in festivals of light, rooted in rich and distinct traditions, serving to inspire and uplift society.

We began by acknowledging universal themes shared by these celebrations: joy, hope, celebration and shared experience. Examples include Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Light, which commemorates perseverance and good over evil, Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light, also symbolising the triumph of good over evil and Eid al Fitr, a Muslim festival marking renewal and gratitude at the end of Ramadan. A secular Christmas also embodies these themes, inspiring love, giving and hope.

Turning to Christmas, highlighted was Botticelli’s ‘Mystical Nativity’, which reflects the spiritual and societal hopes of its time and was an inspiring reminder of faith, renewal, hope and joy that still resonates today. Following this, was Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem, ’T’was the Night Before Christmas’, which revolutionised our image of Santa Claus, transforming him into a jolly, gift-bringing figure who visits children’s homes, fostering family-centred traditions rooted in love and humour.

This vision was further developed by illustrator Thomas Nast, whose depictions from 1863 established the modern image of Santa, home, mission and all. Nast’s Santa became embedded in American culture, inspiring countless images, stories and even the iconic Coca-Cola advertisements. It came to inspire and shape societies, in many countries, to celebrates Christmas as it is today.

In addition, Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol'' (1843) called for social responsibility, emphasising charity and moral renewal. The story’s ghosts highlighted the dangers of greed and the importance of compassion, inspiring charitable giving and meaningful societal change especially towards needy children. Dickens’ influence extended into legislation, social reform and language and culture with characters like Scrooge becoming symbols of miserly attitudes. Dickens’ Christmas message continues to inspire society eg. Children in Need.

The first Christmas card in 1843, bears a similar message to that of Dickens’ and modern images reminds us of the importance of kindness and charity, especially during the holiday season.

Norman Rockwell’s ‘Chicago Union Station, 1944’ appeared on 23 December and its Christmas message of remembering the true meaning of Christmas inspired countless films and plays and continues to reinforce Christmas’s messages of hope, charity and community.

Finally, the timeless message of Christmas, whether religious or secular, reminds society to celebrate, give, cherish loved ones and to look to the future with hope and renewal. As Longfellow’s Christmas poem set to music exemplifies, the spirit of Christmas continues to inspire hope and joy across generations.

Throughout these traditions in festivals of light, we see how shared symbols and stories foster societal unity and moral renewal, inspiring us to carry the message of hope, compassion and joy forward into the future.