Cultural references

The prospect of light has significant importance in many cultures and traditions. Light as we know it has many different roles in our lives primarily deriving from the sun. It gives us warmth, grows crops for food, provides safety, the power of sight, the ability to produce power and releases natural endorphins in our bodies which makes us feel happier. Through many different cultures, folklore and traditions, the concept of the sun and light is celebrated to give thanks for providing the earth and it's inhabitants. (Franklin, 2002)
  When we consider light and darkness, we refer it to reflect the good and bad in the world. In many traditional stories, evil and fear harness their power through darkness, striking terror into the world. Whereas light banishes darkness, masking shadows and bringing forth safety. In most religions and cultures there is are different types of gods that represent light and darkness, or more specifically the Sun and Night. (Franklin, 2002) Even in old traditions, the concept of light and the sun is frequently positive whereas any associating with darkness is negative. Some mythologies and folklore such as Egyptian, Norse, Greek and Roman have gods or deities that represent the good and bad associated with light and shadow. In Greek mythology the sun god 'Helios' was known to sail across the sky bringing light, warmth and protection to the world. His occurrences in ancient times has been portrayed and celebrated in Greek architecture, pottery and art. (Cotterell, 2012) In Norse mythology, Sól is the goddess of the sun who rides on a chariot pulled by horses. The locks of her hair represent the flames of the sun, illuminating her path as she rides throughout the earth. Old Norwegian folk tales believe that the light from her banished evil hidden in the darkness. One example is that of the traditionally renown Troll, whom turned to stone in the light of day, eliminating his ambition to commit evil deeds. (Cotterell, 2012) Amaterasu, the Japanese goddess of the sun isn't only praised for the bringing of sunshine, but she also represents the light of heaven. She to is known to bring light to the world, tranquility and safety from the heavens. The first Emperor of Japan known as Jimmu was supposedly the direct descendant of Amaterasu. It is believed that Jimmu's inherited power was used to strengthen his armies at war. In Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra or Re was worshiped for ridding the world of shadows and evil from the caverns of the underworld. He represented dawn as a 'birth', and in ancient eygptian art shows Ra emerging from a lotus, born again, bringing life warmth and light. The god of darkness and night know as Nut or Nu, is often a deity that brought evil and despair. So the concept of Ra emerging, rising in the morning is to represent a rebirth or a 'cleansing' of that evil. (Tyldesley, 2010)

Today, many religions celebrate the sun and the light in a variety of exciting ways. The Midsummer solstice is a common time for celebration across many cultures as this is the time where there is warmth, summer and growth, distant from the cold darkness of winter. It is also a celebration of light and the length of time the sun blesses the summer period. (Franklin, 2002) Diwali is a Hindu celebration of light that derives from a tale that represents good overcoming evil. The festival uses fireworks, bright clothing, lights and coloured decorations to represent the overthrow of evil and the rise of good. Diwali is celebrated near the winter months as it brings warmth and light to a dark season. "Light can make us feel cheerful, warm and safe. Lights are a sign of welcome" (Mead, 2008) This statement from the book highlights how Hindus relate to the spiritual feelings associated with light. Darkness is associated with evil. Shadows, night and darkness conceal the unknown, disable vision, bring coldness and vulnerability, thus generating the feeling of 'fear'. Light illuminates the world we can see, we feel warmth and feel protected or comforted. "Light overcoming darkness is often used a a symbol of good overcoming evil, or knowledge overcoming ignorance" (Mead, 2008) This highlights how traditional cultures or religions emotionally react to the concept of light and darkness. How over thousands of years, light is perceived as good and darkness is known to be bad. Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration where 8 candles are lit over 8 nights to represent a freed Jewish temple condemned by their enemies. The temple lamp burned for 8 days although out of oil, this also connotes how light prevailed over darkness.(Mead, 2008) At Easter, Christians remember the death of Jesus and his resurrection. Some churches take part in vigil which is an event where Christians gather at a church, as first in complete darkness to symbolise the sadness of Jesus's death. Then one candle is lit and passed around the church until has reached every person. The church is then illuminated bright and clear to symbolise the joy in the belief of Jesus's rebirth. This is another example of how light represents good and darkness harbors sadness. (Mead, 2008)

It is interesting to see how over thousands of years the concept of light and darkness are conveyed similarly. Through different cultures and religions, the feelings associated with light and shadow are almost identical. From historical and cultural study, there is firm evidence that light and darkness harbor the same feelings in human psychology. That we perceive light to represent good and darkness to represent evil. It is apparent how this ancient concept is conveyed in popular media such as Film and Video Games. (King, 2002)




Bibliography:

Cotterell, A. and Storm, R. (2012) The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology. Anness Publishing LTD.

Tyldesley, J. (2010) Myths & Legends of Ancient Egypt. Penguin Books LTD.


Franklin, A. (2002). Midsummer: magical celebrations of the summer solstice. St. Paul, Minn, Llewellyn Publications.

Mead, J. (2008) Step Up Religion, How and why do Hindus and Sikhs celebrate Divali?. Evans Brothers Limited.

King, G. and Kryzywinska, T. (2002) Screenplay Cinema/Video Games/ Interfaces. Wallflower press.