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Æliougænna (Æliougenna, Heliogenna, Heliougenna, Iliougenna) [Gr. Ηλιουγεννα,  ΗΛΙΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ]

The Solstice was important throughout the ancient world. It is called the Æliougænna because it is perceived as the birth (genna) of Ælios (Helios), i.e., the birth of the Sun. It is the shortest day of the year, hence the days of sunlight now grow longer, hence the "birth." The Solstice has also been called the birthday of Apollo, because of his association with Ælios, but this designation is not quite correct.   

Æliougænna is celebrated December 21st and 22nd, after which follows the Twelve Days of Dionysos. The first day of Æliougænna begins at dusk on the 21st [1] and ends just before sunset on the 22nd. The second day then begins at dusk on the 22nd and ends just before sunset on the 23rd. As in the Twelve Days of Dionysos, Æliougænna is a celebration which honors all the Olympian Gods in addition to paying homage to the Sun.

HOMERIC HYMN TO ÆLIOS

 (trans. H. G. Evelyn-White, 1914 Loeb)

And now, O Muse Calliope, daughter of Zeus, begin to sing of glowing Ælios whom mild-eyed Euryphaessa, the far-shining one, bare to the Son of Earth and starry Heaven.  For Æperion wedded glorious Euryphaessa, his own sister, who bare him lovely children, rosy-armed Eos and rich-tressed Selene and tireless Ælios who is like the deathless Gods.  As he rides in his chariot, he shines upon men and deathless Gods, and piercingly he gazes with his eyes from his golden helmet.  Bright rays beam dazzlingly from him, and his bright locks streaming from the temples of his head gracefully enclose his far-seen face: a rich, fine-spun garment glows upon his body and flutters in the wind: and stallions carry him.  Then, when he has stayed his golden-yoked chariot and horses, he rests there upon the highest point of heaven, until he marvelously drives them down again through heaven to Ocean.  Hail to you, lord!  Freely bestow on me substance that cheers the heart.  

A BRUMAL SEASON OF FESTIVITY: 

The Twelve Days of Dionysos

The Twelve Days of Dionysos is a festival in honor of Dionysos and all the Twelve Olympian Gods.  It begins at sunset on December 24th of each year, what is known as the birthday of Dionysos, in the tradition taught to the author.  To learn more about the holiday, visit this page: Twelve Days of Dionysos 

The Birthday of the Unconquered Sun:

The Romans celebrated the Dies Solis Invicti Nati, "the birthday of the Unconquered Sun" on December 25th for the same reason as the Æliougænna.  It is on or around the 25th that one can perceive the first lengthening of the daylight hours, hence the "birthday."

Brumalia:

The Romans celebrated a feast of Dionysos, instituted by Romulus, called variously the Brumae, the Brumalia, or the Hiemalia.  It was also practiced in Greece as a foreign festival during the period of the (Roman) empire. There is confusion regarding the dates of Brumalia, some saying that it was celebrated twice a year, vix. on the 12th of the calends of March, and on the calends of September.  Others say that the Brumalia was celebrated on the winter solstice or the 25th of December. (BNP p.141)

More Roman Winter Festivities:  

During this same season, the Romans celebrated the birthday of Mithras and also the feast of Saturnalia, in honor of Saturn.  The Saturnalia was a very popular holiday with much feasting, gift-giving, and merriment. There was a custom of holding a banquet whereby the slaves were served by their masters, a custom which has been preserved in the military of some countries with the officers serving their troops at Christmas.

The Sabine tutelary Goddess Strenia (Salus) was honored in ancient Rome on January 1.  The people exchanged various gifts (strenae) of figs, dates honey, branches of laurel and palm, and other things, in hope of a year of joy and happiness.  (Ovid, Fasti, i.185-190)  The fruits were gilded (Martial, viii.33,11).