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The men of Kent may well have been mainly Jutish, and the other major peoples certainly thought themselves either 'Angles' or 'Saxons'. But archaeology does not suggest a very firm distinction, and by the late sixth century, when the kingdoms emerge into the light of day, there is much blurring at the edges.
What does "the light of day" mean? Is it similar to at that point or in the moment?
To emerge into the light of day is a variant of the idiomatic phrase to see the light of day:
If something sees the light of day at a particular time, it comes into existence or is made known to the public at that time.
- This extraordinary document first saw the light of day in 1966. (Collins)
Note that to emerge into the light of day is slightly redundant, which could be voluntary (for the purpose of emphasis), because to emerge already has the meaning of
to begin to exist or have power or influence (Cambridge)
or
show signs of life (WordHippo)
Here is an example where this expression is used with the meaning to be made known to the public at that time:
The damage emerged into the light of day to Theresa May’s political discomfort in the 2017 election. (the Guardian)
Note that this phrase can be used literally, meaning "to show oneself in the light of the day/ to appear":
Finally, Rukmini emerged into the light of day, holding Durga in her arms. (source)
