One of the concepts we utilize in interpretation is the idea that there are certain events, processes, ideas that are common to the experience of virtually every human. These are universal experiences—or simply “universals” as we call them. Whenever we incorporate those universals into our interpretive communication, we increase the appeal and relevance of our messages. I would submit that celebration may be one of those universals. That idea is easily observed this time of year.
Going back in time, many ancient cultures in the northern hemisphere observed some type of ritual or celebration around the winter solstice, perhaps celebrating the fact that the days would start growing longer again and we could look forward to Spring. Depending on which calendar is used by a particular culture, there are a number of New Year’s celebrations during the winter months. And nearly every major religion observes special celebrations during the winter.
I think the universal nature of celebration is linked to another universal—the power of the human spirit. At a time of the year when the world around us is the darkest and coldest, it seems to trigger a desire to create our own warmth and light. Gathering together; sharing a meal; incorporating lights, candles and fires; singing—these seem to be common properties of our winter celebrations.
Every year in Monterey, California, there is an even called Christmas in the Adobes. A number of the old adobe buildings are decorated for the holidays and opened to the public to experience what the holidays might be like in the 1830s. Most of the buildings also feature musicians and food in additions to traditional decorations. For many years a group of us have staged a fandango (essentially a dance party) in one of the old buildings.
Interpreting a party, such as our fandango, is one of the most effective ways I’ve found to help an audience understand what life was like in another time and culture. Everyone gets it because everyone can relate to the universal of celebration, and it ties into some great emotional connections with the audience. We get the audience up dancing with us, and everyone has a great time. This even seems to fall on stormy nights many years, and the worst weather seems to generate the best turnout. I think we need to exercise our human ability to celebrate from time to time, and winter seems to really bring out this part of the human spirit.
I hope you’re able to gather in the company of friends and family, and find warmth and light, sustenance for the spirit and the soul, during this season of celebration. It’s an essential part of our human nature.
- Jim Covel
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