By the Gods!

Wadjet

Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?

In case that wasn’t clear enough, we’re talking about Wadjet, and she was the Egyptian snake goddess of Lower Egypt. Besides being the protector and patron goddess of the entire Nile Delta, Wadjet was the guardian deity of women, childbirth, and kings; indeed, the symbol of Wadjet (known as the uraeus) was the rearing cobra on a bright disc, and was the symbol of the Pharaohs. Wadjet and power were synonymous in Ancient Egypt, which is why on every Egyptian crown and royal ornament back in the day, there was a big ol’ snake jumping out at you; that was Wadjet, telling you to step back, son.

She was the protector of Lower Egypt, (which was the northern region, to make it as confusing as possible for Ancient History students) but after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt around 3000 BCE, Wadjet’s duties would’ve doubled if she hadn’t partnered up with Nekhbet, the white vulture goddess who held the same role in Upper Egypt. Now double-teaming the task of protecting a united Egypt, Nekhbet and Wadjet settled down together and redefined the kingly symbol of the uraeus, adding a falcon to the snake-crown.

The Going Forth of Wadjet was the goddess’ big festival. It was a feast, and we don’t know too many specifics on it, aside from the fact that it was celebrated on the 25th of December. No, it’s not a coincidence. The 25th was one of those universally celebrated dates, thanks to the Solstice. All over Europe and the Mediterranean the Winter Solstice was seen as a time of celebration. The later adoption of the day as the culmination of the Christian calendar was a power move by the early Church to take some sway away from Mediterranean pagans. Early bishops had some issues with sharing.