Have you ever heard about Blue Christmas? This post gives brief information on this less known celebration. While Christmas is celebrated by Christians living anywhere in the world; it is not so with Blue Christmas. This is a tradition in the western world where the celebration is mostly related to the winter solstice. It is also called the longest night of the year. 

Blue Christmas is a day that is celebrated during advent i.e. time before Christmas. Church services and prayers are offered in remembrance of the loved ones. However, only few parishes are following the tradition of Blue Christmas. This day is celebrated on the day of winter solstice or the first day of winter. It mostly falls on 21st December. Tis day officially marks the beginning of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.

This day is also connected with the grief and struggle before coming of Jesus Christ. The chilled and dull winter days turn into joy with the advent season and Christmas and New Year festivals. Schools and colleges also have their winter break during this time. 21st December is rather popular as the beginning of cold season and as the shortest day or the longest night. On this day, a pole of the earth receives minimum amount of sunlight. A full moon that appears around Blue Christmas is known as the moon of long nights.

Feast of Saint Thomas

The feast of Saint Thomas is also observed on 21st December.  One of the 12 apostles; is said to visit India and was living in Chennai till he died. Hence 21st December is also a feast day in Syrian as well as Roman Catholic churches. Most of the astronomical events are linked with agricultural activities. They are also important in religious terms as well.