Why winter

[bawoozel]

I recently had a thought as to why most religions
or beliefes have hoidays, holy days, days of thanks and remembrence in the fall and winter.
I don't mean why like because they celebrated harvest, or northern pagans celebrated the comming of the sun. But why in the universe. Why in the grand scheme of things is this the time of year many people set aside to reflect.
I would explain further but I am interested in reading peoples perception of my meaning so far.
What do you think.
By the way I am new to this sight today. I look forward to meeting you all.

Heather

[Myst]

There are holidays during the entire year. Those during the fall naturally turn to thanksgiving and harvest, due to the activities at that time of the year. Same goes for thoughts of reflection and consideration when the year is ending and the new year is beginning. I don't know what answer you are looking for but there are logical answers for it.

[Danustouch]

I think the fall/winter holidays often have more emphasis placed on them, because winter is a natural time for introspection. In the Summer time, in ancient times, there were crops to be sewed and harvested. In spring, the planting. So much to do..so little time. These days, our lives become busy in the spring and summer, family vacations, picnics, parties, we're all caught up in "having fun". There are still holidays, yes..but usually, they are not as introspective, and there isn't such a strong emphasis on family togetherness. I understand your point. I think that in the late fall, and winter, people need those holidays, to cheer them out of the winter blah's..first of all. And secondly, we aren't as busy driving here or there, doing this or that...the weather tends to keep us in a bit more. So..the emphasis on family togetherness, and introspection is natural. Personally, I'd like it if all holidays had that emphasis. Instead, we have holidays like labor day, and Fourth of July, which are far more an excuse for people to party and get drunk. And we have spring holidays like Ostara, and Easter, which, although sacred, usually don't have everyone looking foward to them all year, planning, etc. The winter, gives us time to slow down. Time to think about what the year has given us, time to think about the "Crops" we can plant in the coming spring, etc. Far more introspective.

[flar7]

the death, also prepare us for the birth or rebirth. Most myths work in those cycles. Death and rebirth are very important and perhaps the most important, feared or expected, and as such
maybe that is what you mean????