The period from the winter solstice to the summer solstice is a time of ever-increasing light " the days become longer and nights become shorter. The first Solstice celebration took place around 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and other similar celebrations were abundant throughout the world. Traditions during these festivals vary depending on the area. some present-day traditions of Christmas have been adapted from ancient Pagan traditions. The Romans would decorate their homes with small evergreen trees and wreaths of laurel to thank the sun for its gifts, while Scandinavians brought with them the Yule Log, mistletoe, and holly. In many traditions, candles, fires and lanterns were lit to symbolize the sun's increasing light. Winter solstice celebrations were a time of optimism; people were certain that the sun would return to full force and replenish life on earth. In non-Christianized Rome in 274 CE, the emperor declared December 25th to be the birthday of the "invincible sun-, and in 336 CE it was declared by Emperor Constantine to be the date that Christ's Birthday be celebrated. .
In addition to the two yearly solstices there are two annual equinoxes as well, occurring in spring and autumn. Equinoxes occur when the sun rises due east travels and sets due west, thus day and night are equal in length. Ancient farmers planted and harvested their crops according to the equinoxes, and modern farmers follow the same schedule. The vernal, or spring equinox takes place around March 21st and celebrates the returning fertility of the earth. In the northern hemisphere animals are being born, seeds are beginning to sprout, flowers are again blooming and the weather grows warmer. Ancient Scandinavians celebrated this time of rebirth by paying homage to Ostra, the goddess of fertility. Other derivations of this name have been found, all representing fertility. Some examples are the German "Ostern-, "Eostre- and "Eastre-.
