by Garth A. Rattray:

Floccinaucinihilipilification is a rarely used word. It is the longest (non-technical) word in the English language. It means 'the estimation of something as worthless/valueless'. I understand that the word was constructed by a group of Eton University students in 1741. They found it amusing to, for effect, combine four Latin words (flocci, nauci, nihili, pilifi) that mean 'at a small price' or 'for nothing'.

Over the years, the value/meaning of the image of the Yuletide season has undergone diminution. Many people rightfully argue that Jesus was not born this time of the year; that Christmas was conveniently piggybacked on a pagan holiday; and that the modern-day image of Santa Claus - inspired by St Nicholas (St Nicklaus) and created by a company that manufactures carbonated beverages, Coca-Cola - has hijacked the festive season for about 75 years now.

They deduce that the Christmas season was conceived in falsehood and born out of the desperation to garner a captive audience already accustomed to the merriment of the period and the festivities associated with the approaching New Year.

Season exploited

For the most part, what was left of Christmas was the perfunctory, symbolic, religious, celebratory services practised by some Christian denominations and the expected sharing of gifts - albeit a quasi- representation of the giving of the greatest gift to us from God.

But even that aspect of Christmas has been extensively exploited by business people who made the season all about the buying and giving of gifts.

Admittedly, the overcommercialisation of Christmas has sucked almost all the heartfelt emotion out of the season. It has been marred by the pressure to buy and acquire and give, and to try to have 'fun' and make merry. Paradoxically, many persons experience varying degrees of depression at this time of the year for several reasons, including economic hardship, loneliness, the absence or permanent loss of loved ones, or the inability to join in the mirth and levity that we are all expected to experience. Therefore, already, in the eyes of many, Christmas has not only become a hassle, it has been made somewhat fraudulent.

Notwithstanding all of that, many adults, but especially children, voluntarily surrender to an interlude of fantasy - an indulging departure from the usual sad stresses and humdrum of everyday life and survival.

Many spend more than they should this time of year. Merchant businesses home in on the season because this is when most profits are realised. From information technology to entertainment industries, factories and sidewalk hustlers, all seek to make their mark during the Christmas season, which traditionally runs from late November to early January. However, the height of the festivities is concentrated between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Politics steal limelight

This year, politics is stealing the limelight and relegating Christmas to the sidelines. The seasonal celebrations are left peeping out from behind strangely jubilant throngs of green- or orange-clad people who habitually break out into rhythmic gyrations to loud and oftentimes cacophonous 'music'.

In the prime minister's haste to get his mandate ahead of the 'bitter medicine' awaiting the nation on the other side of this election (no matter which party triumphs), the Christmas season promises to be marred by the politicking of numerous advertising, rallies, speeches and press releases of incriminations and recriminations, finger-pointing, insults and genuine safety concerns because of anticipated political violence.

For most, the religious aspect of Christmas is secondary, but everyone appreciates the symbolism of the season. They look forward to and enjoy the festivity, merriment and wonderment of it all.

However, between the refocusing of icons, the overcommercialisation, the madness surrounding the holidays and, this year, the politicking, the floccinaucinihilipilification of Christmas is just about complete.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com.

December 19, 2011

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