A Journey Through Unique Beliefs and Global Celebrations
Growing up in the rich tapestry of Alawite heritage has been a journey steeped in resilience and unique religious practices. Originating from the Canaanite people in modern-day Iraq, my ancestors sought refuge from religious persecution in the 10th century, ultimately finding a home in Syria’s Latakia province. Today, as a member of the Alawite community, I carry with me the echoes of a distinct branch of Islam that has shaped my identity and beliefs.
The Alawite people, estimated at 2.6 million globally as of 2008, are concentrated in Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, the Golan Heights, and even Australia. In Syria, we constitute the largest ethno-religious minority, comprising approximately 10 to 12 percent of the population. Our journey has been one marked by historical shifts, from the challenges faced under the Ottoman Empire to the transformative events following World War I, where the secret Sykes-Picot Agreement shaped our destiny under French control.
The French mandate in 1920 played a pivotal role in shaping our Alawite identity, establishing our territory as an independent state in 1922. Despite losing independence in 1936, the special privileges granted by the French continued, solidifying our community’s resilience and support.
As an Alawite, our beliefs stand out, drawing from Canaanite roots and evolving into a unique Shia sect in the seventh century. Influences from both Christianity and Islam have shaped our theology, with a distinct rejection of Sharia law and the incorporation of unique Alawite doctrines. Our beliefs, often deemed secretive and esoteric, weave together elements of Phoenician mythology, Gnosticism, Neo-Platonism, and Christian Trinitarianism.
The Alawite Trinity, envisioning God as composed of Mana, Ism, and Bab, symbolizes the source of all things in our mythology. Our belief in reincarnation, where adherents are considered divine lights cast out of heaven, adds another layer to our spiritual tapestry.
With Christmas approaching, I wanted to introduce the Alawite heritage as it brings me to another fascinating aspect of our shared human traditions: the origins of the Christmas tree tradition.
On Christmas Day, a pine tree adorned with toys, stars, lights, and symbolic dolls is ceremoniously erected, a tradition originating in Old Syria. Dr. George Tuma beautifully explains how the presence of evergreen branches symbolizes the regrowth of all green vegetation as the sun god returns strong and prevails in summer.
This ancient ritual, coinciding with the winter solstice, has roots deeply embedded in the belief systems of ancient civilizations. It signified the recovery of the “sun god” and the triumph over winter’s weakening and sickness. The use of evergreen branches, believed to ward off witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and diseases, connects us to the shared practices of many Middle Eastern civilizations.
In Syria, the winter solstice held sacred significance, with literature containing remembrances and religious prayers related to sun god worship. The Council of Nicaea in 325 adopted December 25 as Christmas, aligning it with the astronomical significance of the longest night and the shortest day.
From Syria, this tradition travelled to Egypt, where the winter solstice was associated with the recovery of the god Ra. Egyptians decorated their homes with green palm trees, symbolizing the triumph of life over death.
The journey continued with the expansion of the Roman Empire, carrying the ceremonial ritual to Europe, especially the North. Ancient priests adorned their temples with evergreen branches as a symbol of eternal life. As Christianity spread, this rite became associated with the birth of Christ, leading to the addition of lit candles and decorations.
Germany played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Christmas tree in the sixteenth century, with Martin Luther credited for adding lit candles. In Britain and America, Christmas trees gained popularity in the eighteenth century, thanks to British royalty and German-born Queen Victoria.
Dr. George Tuma’s emphasis on ancient Syria as the birthplace of this pre-Christianity tradition resonates deeply with me. Our Alawite heritage, intertwined with unique beliefs, mirrors the rich diversity of global celebrations, transcending time and connecting civilizations.
Allow me to share a glimpse of my background, a narrative most people in my life are not interested in knowing. Born in Latakia, Syria, I was raised in a world shaped by the union of a Syrian Alawite father and a Palestinian Sunni mother. The interplay of these distinct religious and cultural threads painted the canvas of my upbringing with a tapestry woven in the intricate patterns of war and tradition.
In the early chapters of my life, my family settled in Damascus, specifically in the city of Hama, a vibrant hub with a predominantly Sunni Muslim population. Here, I found myself navigating the delicate balance between two religions, each with its own set of traditions. Despite being immersed in a Sunni school, the shadows of my Alawite heritage lingered, a silent presence in a narrative often unsaid.
The tides of history took a tumultuous turn during the Syrian civil war, a period marked by the persecution of Alawites. The unsettling news arrived – our house in Hama was destined to become the next target. Faced with an imminent threat, we made the difficult decision to flee, finding solace in the refuge of Beirut in 2013/2014.
My connection to both the Sunni and Alawite facets of my heritage runs deep, intricately woven into the fabric of my identity. It is this profound link that guides my embrace of a culturally rich lifestyle, a tapestry interwoven with the traditions of my ancestors. In navigating the complexities of my heritage, I find strength, resilience, and a unique perspective that shapes the narrative of my journey.
My upbringing in the Alawite community has been a journey of cultural richness and spiritual depth. From the Canaanite roots to the distinctive believes that set us apart, I carry with me a legacy that shapes not only my identity but also contributes to the global tapestry of shared traditions. The connection between Alawite heritage and ancient Christmas traditions serves as a reminder of the enduring threads that bind us across time and cultures.
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