Residents: The True Meaning of Brumalia

The 12 Days of Brumalia was an internet event put on by The Residents in 2004 to celebrate the original Christmas that the Roman Church adopted. Thousands of years before Christ, pagans (or heathens, or whatever) worshipped the sun. The shortest day of the year was December 21st. When they noticed the sun returning for longer periods of time, they celebrated - on December 25th. They exchanged gifts in decorated boxes, sang songs, played games and feasted. They also believed mistletoe, holly berries and wreaths (round like the sun) were sacred and used them to decorate their houses. 

From Residents.com -- "The Roman Catholic Church absorbed the Brumalian rituals around 350 A. D. In the fifth century the church ordered Christmas to be celebrated forever on the Brumalia, December 25, inasmuch as no certain knowledge of Christ’s birthday existed. The birthday of the sun, became the birthday of the son. 

What you celebrate is not important. The important thing is to notice the circle, the cycle of life and acknowledge it with a bit of celebration. Each human is allowed a limited number of year cycles. Make this year count and do something cool."

Ralph records did release a limited number of cd's (less than 500) later the following year. It's not really a holiday album and contains elements of both newer and older styles of The Residents. This a must have and one I really wish they'd re-release. 

The Residents: 12 Days of Brumalia 2004

1st Day - Partridge Pairing

2nd Day - Turtle Dove

3rd Day - Chicken of the Oui

4th Day - Calling Bird

5th Day - Golden Rings

6th Day - Lying Goose

7th Day - Swami Swam

8th Day - Maid Being Milked

9th Day - Wiggling Wahines

10th Day - Leaping and Lords

11th Day - Pieta's Piper

12th Day - Big Hand

 The Feast of the Epiphany

 The True Meaning of Brumalia (Bonus)