Yalda and Jesus: The Connection

Many moons ago, I was told that Jesus was not born on December 25th, but today, I found research which proves a connection between the selection of Jesus' date of birth and the ancient Persian celebration of Yalda also celebrated by the ancient Romans. It is most fascinating that the two are connected to down play Yalda and up play Jesus' date of birth. Why couldn't the Church have allowed us both?

Joey Green in "Contrary to Popular Belief" researched the following:
----
Nobody knows when Jesus was born. The New Testament does not specify the date. In the third century C.E., church father Clement of Alexandria suggested May 20, since the New Testament states that the shepherds who were told by an angel of Jesus' birth were watching their flocks during the night (Luke 2:9), which was done only in the spring at lambing time.

In 336 C.E., the Western Church decided to celebrate December 25 as Jesus' birthday (officially adopted by Bishop Liberius of Rome in 354 C.E.), to usurp the popular Roman pagan feast of Natalis Solis Invicti ("birthday of the unconquerable sun"), honoring the Persian sun god Mithras. For centuries, pagans had celebrated the death and resurrection of the sun on the winter solstice in late December, and around 274 C.E., Roman emperor Aurelian had proclaimed Mithraism the official state religion.

The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church still follow the Julian calendar, established by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C.E., celebrating Jesus' birthday on January 6.

In the sixth century C.E., a monk, Dionysius Exiguus, began counting the years from the year of Jesus' birth, which he miscalculated to be four to eight years later than the actual date. Since Jesus was born during the lifetime of Herod the Great, his birth had to take place before Herod's death in 4 B.C.E.

The New Testament states that Caesar Augustus ordered a census, compelling Joseph to bring his pregnant wife, Mary to Bethlehem. Ancient documents seem to indicate that a census took place between 6 and 8 B.C.E. So, while most Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, Jesus was more likely born in the spring - sometime between 4 and 8 B.C.E.
----

Ironically, despite the Church moving to change Jesus' date of birth to usurp the Roman pagan feast or Shab-e Yalda (Night of Yalda), as it is known as to the Persians, it is still celebrated today by Persians/Iranians all over the world. Held on the longest night of the year - December 21st, it is the tradition of welcoming the birthday of the Goddess of Love, Mitra.

One can only see positive effects resulting from the act of celebrating love; a positive emotion which releases positive energy. I think the Church should have picked a different day to declare Jesus' date of birth and let Yalda and Christmas both be celebrated several weeks or months apart. After all, the more joyous and happy occasions we human beings are given, the kinder, nicer, happier, generous, and more tolerant we tend to become.

So, my vote is for more holiday time and celebrations to be added to our annual calendar, which ideally should result in less time for negative energy and destructive thoughts. We will be more focused on the well-being of our fellow human beings and our one and only planet; Earth.

Teri Deewani - a Sufi Song

One of my favorite songs... love the sufi words...

Singer: Kailash Kher / Album: Kailasa

Preet ki lath mohe aaisi laagi
Ho gayi main matwaali
Bal bal jaaun apane piya ko
He main jaaun vaari vaari
Mohe sudh budh naa rahi tan mann ki
Yeh toh jaane duniya saari
Bebas aur laachar phiru main
Haari main dil haari - 2

Tere naam se jee loon - 2
Tere naam se marr jaaun - 2
Teri jaan ke sadke mein kuchh aaisa kar jaaun
Tune kya kar dala marr gayi main mitt gayi main
Ho ri ha ri ho gayi main
Teri deewani deewani- 2
Tune kya kar dala marr gayi main mitt gayi main
Ho ri ha ri ho gayi main
Teri deewani deewani - 2

Ishq junoon jab hadh se badh jaaye - 2
Haste haste aashiq suli chadh jaaye
Ishq ka jaadu sara chadha kara bole - 2
Khoob laga lo pehre raste rab khole
Yahi ishq di marzi hain
Yahi rab di marzi hain
Yahi ishq di marzi hain
Yahi rab di marzi hain
Tere bin jeena kaisa
Haan Khudgarzi hi
Tune kya kar dala marr gayi main mitt gayi main
Ho ri ha ri ho gayi main
Teri deewani deewani - 4

Oh ho oh hoohhhh...

He main rang rangeeli deewani - 2
Ke main albeli main mastani
Gaaun bajaaun sabko rijhaaun
He main dila zaram se begaani
Ke main deewani main deewani
Tere naam se jee loon tere naam se marr jaaun
Tere jaan ke sadle mein kuchh aaisa kar jaaun
Tune kya kar dala marr gayi main mitt gayi main
Ho ri ha ri ho gayi main
Teri deewani deewani
Teri deewani deewani
Teri deewani deewani
Teri deewani deewani...

Teri Deewani - on YouTube

Saaze bringing ‘Millenial’-targeted content to clubs and cafes

Saaze bringing ‘Millenial’-targeted content to clubs and cafes

From the News Wire...

Genr8 bringing ‘Millenial’-targeted content to clubs and cafes

SYDNEY — Genr8 Digital Media has signed a contract with Saaze Corporation earlier this year for a supply of 30-second interstitials targeted at the Millenials age group.

The selected Genr8 clips are available for viewing in selected venues and cafes around San Francisco and are predominantly viewed by high school and college students. The displayed clips have generated such a high level of attention and positive feedback from the venue owners and viewers that Saaze Corporation is now planning to extend the number and style of venues in which the selected Genr8 clips are played to bars and nightclubs.

“Saaze’s company tag states: ‘Inform, Entertain, Engage your target audience’ – and we have been able to do just that by partnering with Genr8,” said Saaze Corporation’s Mariam Ispahani. Their clips, which are played between paid advertisements, have captured and engaged the viewers of our digital signage screens. The ongoing feedback from our locations is extremely positive, and the demand for continually refreshed clips has increased. The proactive and rapidly responsive Genr8 team is a pleasure to work with.”

Saaze News Item