Christmas is Not Pagan

Christmas is Not Pagan - Part IV By Dr. Richard P.Bucher The Arguments Put Forth By Those Who Oppose Christmas (3) The date of Christmas (December 25), and its many customs all come from pagan sources. Therefore Christmas is pagan. It is when the "Christmas is pagan" literature examines the origin of the dating of Christmas on Dec. 25, that the anti-Christmas advocates become convinced that Christmas is wholly pagan. This is their strongest argument. The argument goes like this: Since no one knows when Jesus was born, where did the Church get the idea of celebrating it on Dec. 25? From the pagans who had several festivals the time of the winter solstice which honored pagan gods. Where did the pagans at the time of the Roman empire get the idea? It came from the paganism of ancient Babylon, a paganism begun by Nimrod and his wife. One example of this argument is "Are Christianity and Christmas Compatible?" by Adam Wiemers: Why is Christmas celebrated on Dec. 25th? The answer is rather surprising. Just a little research reveals that Christmas was actually adapted from a Roman celebration called Saturnalia. The Encyclopedia Romana* explains that "at the time of the winter solstice (December 25 in the Julian calendar), Saturnus, the god of seed and sowing, was honored with a festival." The encyclopedia goes on to state that "the Saturnalia did continue to be celebrated as Brumalia (from "bruma," winter solstice) down to the Christian era, when, by the middle of the fourth century AD, its rituals had become absorbed in the celebration of Christmas." Isn't that alarming? The very ways that Christmas is celebrated are directly borrowed from a festival to a god of the Romans! This is only partially true. It is certainly well known that the Bible does not tell us the exact date of Christ's birth. As we saw in the previous section, Christians have been trying to pinpoint that date since the early centuries of the Church. Nevertheless, no one can say for certain which date is accurate. The Romans, like many other cultures at the time of the winter solstice, had various festivals. Saturnalia, was a festival that honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, from Dec. 17-24. It was the most popular festival of the year and did involve merrymaking, gift-giving, relaxed morality, and temporary freedom for slaves, who were allowed to do and speak whatever they wanted. But not unlike many of our Christmas feasts today, by the early Fourth Century, the religious aspect of Saturnalia had faded, and the secular merrymaking had come to the fore. It is not likely, however, that Christians chose Dec. 25 to celebrate Christ's birth on the basis of Saturnalia. The earliest extant record of Christ's birth being observed on December 25 is the Chronography in 354 A.D. This document was based upon a calendar that dated it to about 336 (Herman Wegman, Christian Worship in East and West, New York: Pueblo Publishing, 1985, 103).The Chronography was a document of the Church of Rome that listed the various martyrs' feasts for the year. By the time that Chrysostom was Bishop of Constantinople (398-404), Christ's birth was being observed on Dec. 25 throughout Christendom, though the Church in Armenia observed it on January 6. But how did it happen that the early Christians began observing Christmas on December 25? Why this date? There are two theories about why December 25 was chosen. (1) The first theory holds that after careful research, Julius (337-352), Bishop of Rome, determined that Christ had been born on December 25; or at least he determined that December 25 was the best authenticated date in the Tradition. John Chrystostom states this in one of his writings (John Chrysostom, Homil. Diem Natal., 2; PL, 49, 552ff.). Chrysostom claims that Julius, after he had been requested by Cyril of Jerusalem, had the official records of the Roman census examined and determined that December 25 was the correct date. As Weiser points out, however, there is no evidence to back this up; in fact, "it was expressly stated in Rome that the actual date of the Saviour's birth was unknown and that different traditions prevailed in different parts of the world" (F. Weiser, Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs New York: Harcourt, Brace, and Company, 1958, 61.). (2) The second theory states that the Church of Rome deliberately chose December 25 as the date of Christ's birth to turn people away from a pagan feast that was observed at the same time. Since the time of the Roman emperor Elagabulus (218-222), the god Sol Invictus (he Unconquered Sun god), had been one of the chief deities worshiped by the Romans. When emperor Aurelian (270-275) came to power, he sought to restore the worship of the Sun god to prominence and make him the chief deity. In the last years of his reign, Sol was hailed as "The Lord of the Roman Empire." Sol, along, with Jupiter, appeared on the coins Aurelian had minted. In 274, the emperor built a magnificent temple to Sun god, and established a new college of senators which he named "the priests of the Sun god." Finally, December 25 was observed as "the birthday of the Sun god" (natalis solis invicti). Because the Sun god was identifed with Mithra, a popular Persian god that also was viewed as the Sun god, pagan celebrations occurred throughout the empire on Dec. 25 (see Clement A. Miles, Christmas, New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1912, 23). The Church at Rome seems to have chosen this date to counteract this pagan feast of the sun god and turn people instead to the "Sun of Righteousness with healing in His wings" (Malachi 4:2; Luke 1:78). Or put another way, Julius chose December 25 so that the Son of God rather than the Sun god would be worshiped. Though there no direct evidence that proves that the Church of Rome deliberately chose December 25 so that Christ's birth would replace "the birthday of the sun," we do have sermons from fathers of the church who soon after this used this line of reasoning. For example, Augustine (354-430) in his sermon 202 and Leo the Great (440-461 -- PL 54 Sources chrtiennes 22) gives this line of reasoning. Therefore, the second theory seems to be the probable one. December 25 was chosen not because it had somehow been proven from extra-biblical sources that Christ was definitely born on December 25. Rather the date was chosen to counteract a very popular pagan holiday that already had been occurring on this date. Given what we learned about emperor Constantine in the previous section, it is likely that his embracing of Christianity and example influenced the Church of Rome in doing what they did. But there is no evidence of Constantine's direct involvement. Now does the fact that the Church of Rome chose the same date to celebrate Christ's birth as a popular pagan festival mean that "Christmas is based on a pagan festival" or that "Christmas is pagan"? I don't think so! What kind of reasoning is that? It simply means that they chose the same day - why, we don't exactly know. Perhaps they chose it to keep Christians from taking part in the pagan festivities, or perhaps to entice pagans to join the Christian faith. If a group of Christians chose to celebrate Christ's birth on Halloween or on some well known Satanic day, would it be fair or right to accuse them of basing Christ's birth on paganism, so that from then on Christmas would be forever pagan? Of course not! In this case the Christians might be doing this to give themselves something Christian to celebrate on the day. Is that wrong? Placing a Christian feast on a well known non-Christian day does not make the Christian feast nonChristian. They are merely sharing the day. We worship our God on Sunday, which in Roman times, was the day dedicated to the Sun-god. Does that make our worship on Sunday pagan? Perhaps we should worship on Saturday. But that day in Roman times was named in honor of the god Saturn. Would that make our festivals on Saturday pagan? Of course not. But this is the kind of faulty logic used by the "Christmas is pagan" crowd. It gets worse. The "Christmas is pagan" argument typically asks a further question: Where did the Romans get their pagan festivals at the time of the winter solstice? Answer: From the paganism of ancient Babylon, which was initiated by Nimrod and his wife, Semiramus. A classic example of this argument is found in a tract by the World Wide Church of God entitled, "The Plain Truth About Christmas," here quoted at some length. But if we got Christmas from the Roman Catholics, and they got it from paganism, where did the pagans get it? Where, when, and what as its real origin? It is a chief custom of the corrupt system denounced all through Bible prophecies and teachings under the name of Babylon. And it started and originated in the original Babylon of ancient Nimrod! Yes, it stems from roots whose beginning was shortly this side of the Flood! Nimrod, grandson of Ham, son of Noah, was the real founder of the Babylonish system that has gripped the world ever since . . . . Nimrod built the tower of Babel, the original Babylon, ancient Nineveh, and many other cities. He organized this world's first kingdom. The name Nimrod, in Hebrew, is derived from "Marad," meaning "he rebelled." . . . Nimrod was so evil, it is said he married his own mother, whose name was Semiramis. After Nimrod's untimely death, his so-called mother-wife, Semiramis, propagated the evil doctrine of the survival of Nimrod as a spirit being. She claimed a full-grown evergreen tree sprang overnight from a dead tree stump, which symbolized the springing forth unto new life the dead Nimrod. On each anniversary of his birth, she claimed, Nimrod would visit the evergreen tree and leave gifts upon it. December 25th was the birthday of Nimrod. This is the real origin of the Christmas tree. Through her scheming and designing, Semiramis became the Babylonian "Queen of Heaven," and Nimrod, under various names, became the "divine son of heaven." Through the generations, in this idolatrous worship, Nimrod also became the false Messiah, son of Baal the Sun-god. In this false Babylonish system, the "Mother and Child" (Semiramis and Nimrod reborn) became chief objects of worship. This worship of "Mother and Child" spread over the world. The names varied in different countries and languages. In Egypt it was Isis and Osiris. In Asia, Cybele and Deoius. . . . Thus, during the fourth and fifth centuries, when the pagans of the Roman world were "accepting" the new popular "Christianity" by the hundreds of thousands, carrying their old pagan customs and beliefs along with them, merely cloaking them with Christian-sounding names . . . . The real origin of Christmas goes back to ancient Babylon. It is bound up in the organized apostasy which has gripped a deceived world these many centuries! In Egypt, it was always believed that the son of Isis (Egyptian name for "Queen of Heaven") was born December 25th. Paganism celebrated this famous birthday over most of the known world for centuries before the birth of Christ. December 25th is not the birthday of Jesus the true Christ! So goes the argument, which is repeated by many different anti-Christmas authors. Where in the world did such an argument come from? This was the thesis of Alexander Hislop, who in the Nineteenth Century wrote a book entitled, "The Two Babylons: Or the Papal Worship Proved to be the Worship of Nimrod and His Wife." It was Hislop's thesis that the Roman Catholic Church was a direct descendent of the paganism of Nimrod and ancient Babylon. One of his arguments was that some of the chief holy days of the Roman Catholic Church, such as Christmas, prove this to be so. The stamp of Hislop's thesis is found all over most of the anti-Christmas literature that I've seen. But is his argument sound? Hardly. I have no doubt that Hislop consulted a vast amount of sources in writing his book. This is obvious in reading it. But some of its key arguments are flawed. He makes many philological leaps of faith to prove his points. For example, his entire argument rests on making the Babylonian "Ninus" the same person as the Biblical "Nimrod." (Nimrod is mentioned in only three places in the Scriptures, Gen. 10:8-12, 1 Chr. 1:10, and Micah 5:6). Only then can he claim that the wife of Nimrod was Semiramis, and that both were worshiped as divine mother and son, etc. Hislop himself recognizes how important this is, in this very interesting sentence: Now, assuming that Ninus is Nimrod, the way in which that assumption explains what is otherwise inexplicable in the statements of ancient history greatly confirms the truth of the assumption itself (The Two Babylons, 25). Got that? The point is that this turns out to be a big assumption. In other ancient literature, the father of Ninus was Bel, and it is said that he built the city of Nineveh. The Bible on the other hand says that Nimrod built Nineveh, and that Cush was his father. The way in which Hislop attempts to reconcile this contradiction is a truly remarkable example of literary gymnastics that is hardly convincing. He argues that Bel is the same as Hermes/Mercury, and the same as Janus/Chaos, which is the same as Cush. Right. (See for yourself by reading the "The Two Babylons," 25-29). It is possible that Nimrod, the grandson of Cush, led people into pagan worship. But the argument that all paganism, and especially that all pagan festivals at the time of the winter solstice, can be traced back to Nimrod, just doesn't hold. To say it is a scholarly stretch is an understatement. Yet most of the "Christmas is pagan" literature bases its arguments on Hislop's thesis. Isn't it more likely, that many primitive cultures and religions would choose to celebrate the birth of their gods at a time when the sun began to grow stronger, and thus be reborn? Isn't it much more likely that this is the reason that so many pagan religions have festivals at the time of the winter solstice? I'll let you decide which thesis is stronger. The last part of the third anti-Christmas argument to be considered is that the origin of the customs were pagan and therefore Christmas is pagan. It is well known that most of the customs of Christmas were also observed in pagan culture and religion. Lights and mistletoe, trees and gift-giving, merry-making and revelry, yule logs and holly, and yes, Santa Claus, all found use or expression in ancient pagan religion and culture (The reader is encouraged to read my articles on "The Origin of the Christmas Tree," "The Origin of Santa Claus and the Christan Response," and the "Christian Customs FAQ."). But is similarity the same as dependence or derivation? In other words, just because we use similar customs does it mean in every case that these are directly derived from pagan religions? Cultures all over the world have used lights and trees, gift-giving and revelry for their celebrations. Why is it assumed that because Christians use these things at Christmas that they have taken them directly from paganism? If it is discovered that pagans drank milk or hugged their families at their pagan festivals, does that mean that if Christians do so, they are engaging in paganism? But this is the kind of logic used by the anti-Christmas crowd. Of course some Christmas customs are certainly taken from paganism. The use of the word yule and the various customs associated with it, for example, come from pagan culture. The word probably came the Anglo-Saxon geol, which meant "feast." It is thought that among the Anglo-Saxons, the time of the winter solstice was a time of a great feast. But so what? Is everything that was once used by paganism centuries ago, now off limits when Christians apply them to Christmas or other Christian festivals? Are we prepared to strictly apply that to everything we do? Why can't we use some of the same words, symbols or customs, which long ago ceased to be used in the worship of false gods? We need to remember that before pagans coopted them centuries ago, God had given many of the things used in custom, as good gifts to be enjoyed by his people. Why then can Christians not redeem these good gifts for their use as they celebrate Christmas? In my opinion, it is sufficient to point out to people the origin of these customs, and distinguish these "winter customs" from the true Christmas celebration, which has to do with the birth of God's Son, Jesus Christ. In my perfect world, people would call all of those customs "winter customs" or "holiday customs" rather than "Christmas customs." "Christmas" would only be used to refer to the Christian holy day that remembers Christ's birth. But I don't see that happening any time soon. We cannot and should not stop the peoples of the world from celebrating at the time of the winter solstice. There is obviously something in us that makes us want and need to celebrate at this time of the year. Therefore we should not be surprised that at this time of the year even non-Christians are celebrating "Christmas," that is, using many of the customs now called Christmas customs. I have not written this essay to condemn the "Christmas is pagan" crowd. And I certainly haven't written it to convince them that they must celebrate Christmas. Christians have never been commanded to celebrate Christ's birth annually. Therefore they are free to do so or not do so. I have written this essay, however, to those dear Christians who have been falsely taught that celebrating Christmas is celebrating paganism, and they are wracked with guilt because of it. My message to them is: you are doing nothing wrong to celebrate the birth of God's Son; in fact, praising and thanking God for the gift of His Son is beautiful worship in the sight of God. There is also nothing wrong with using some of the winter customs, provided you keep them in perspective and don't allow them to bury the celebration of Christ's birth. May all who read this, have a truly joyous Christmas celebration. Christmas From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search "Christmas Day" redirects here. For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation) and Christmas Day (disambiguation). Christmas Christmas decorations on display. Christ's Mass Nativity Also called Noel Feast of the Nativity Christians Observed by Many non-Christians[1] Type Christian, cultural Significance Traditional birthday of Jesus December 25 (alternatively January 6, Date 7 or 19)[2][3][4] (see below) Gift giving, church services, family Observances and other social gatherings, symbolic decorating Annunciation, Advent, Epiphany, Related to Baptism of the Lord Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday[5][6][7] generally observed on December 25 (with alternative days of January 6, 7 and 19[2]) to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the church celebrations. The date of Christmas may have initially been chosen to correspond with either the day exactly nine months after Christians believe Jesus to have been conceived. and Santa Claus.[16] Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians. known as Saint Nicholas.[11] or one of various ancient winter festivals. lights. among other names. In addition. an exchange of Christmas cards. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world. several figures. including Christmas trees. and historians place his year of birth some time between 7 BC and 2 BC.[13] Although nominally a Christian holiday. a special meal. music. nativity scenes. Christmas is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians worldwide. the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. Father Christmas. and the display of various decorations.[8][9] The exact birthday of Jesus is not known. and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide.[1][14][15] and many of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins.[10][12] Christmas is central to the Christmas and holiday season.[10] the date of the Roman winter solstice. and holly. Narratives of his birth are included in two of the Canonical gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. mistletoe. are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season. . Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving. which lasts twelve days.central figure of Christianity. garlands. 2.2 Christian feast  3.5 Food o 2.1.3 Reformation into the 19th century 4 Controversy and criticism 5 Economics 6 See also 7 References and notes o 7.[9] "Cristes" is from Greek Χριστός Christos and "mæsse" is from Latin missa (the holy mass).1 Further reading 8 External links • Etymology The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning "Christ's Mass".1. including many whose populations are mostly non-Christian.8 Gift giving  2.1 Date of celebration  2.1 Using the Julian calendar o 2.2.8.1 Feast established  3.1 Legendary gift-bringing figures 3 History o 3. periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.4 Music and carols o 2.2 Winter festivals o 3.2 Middle Ages o 3.6 Cards o 2. It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse. In some nonChristian countries.7 Stamps o 2.3 Decorations o 2.1 Pre-Christian background  3.1.Contents [hide] • • • • • • • 1 Etymology 2 Celebration o 2.1 Dies Natalis Solis Invicti  3.2 Commemorating Jesus’ birth o 2. Celebration Further information: Christmas worldwide Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world.g. a phrase first recorded in 1038. Hong . 386 which established the date of Christmas as December 25 on the Julian calendar since the conception of Jesus (Luke 1:26) had been announced during the sixth month of Elisabeth's pregnancy with John the Baptist (Luke 1:10-13) as dated from the duties . Epiphany. Saudi Arabia. Notable countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include People's Republic of China. Algeria. Gift giving takes place on Christmas Day in most countries. is the period of highest annual church attendance. Iran. Turkey and North Korea. In Catholic countries. have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas. Others practice gift giving on December 6. (excepting Hong Kong and Macao). Countries such as Japan and Korea. Nepal. Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday. where Christmas is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians. Christmas celebrations around the world can vary markedly in form. The Nativity by Charles-François Poerson. Christian writers accepted that Christmas was the actual date on which Jesus was born. Saint Nicholas Day.[17] John Chrysostom preached a sermon in Antioch c. Among countries with a strong Christian tradition. In other countries. Japan. a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and local cultures. the people hold religious processions or parades in the days preceding Christmas. reflecting differing cultural and national traditions. Christmas. such as gift-giving. For Christians. Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature of the season. along with Easter. 1667. and January 6. in others. Date of celebration For centuries. secular processions or parades featuring Santa Claus and other seasonal figures are often held. participating in a religious service plays an important part in the recognition of the season. Thailand. decorations and Christmas trees.Kong). [19] The December 25 date may have been selected by the church in Rome in the early 4th century. scholars began proposing alternative explanations. began using the Revised Julian calendar in the early 20th century. 1 Kings 8:2) which falls in September-October. Macedonia. While they were aware that pagans called this day the 'birthday' of Sol Invictus. other Orthodox Christians. this did not concern them and it did not play any role in their choice of date for Christmas. Oriental Orthodox churches also use their own calendars. Ukraine. which corresponds exactly to the Gregorian calendar.[21][22][23] rather. Antioch. celebrating the coming of God into the world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity is considered to be the primary meaning of Christmas. such as the churches of Greece. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the nativity in combination with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. Isaac Newton argued that the date of Christmas was selected to correspond with the winter solstice. whether or not the birth date of Jesus is on December 25 is not considered to be an important issue in mainstream Christian denominations. but some use the Julian calendar and thus celebrate Christmas Day on January 19.[4] Commemorating Jesus’ birth . supplemented by the equinoxes as their respective dates of conception. German Protestant Paul Ernst Jablonski argued Christmas was placed on December 25 to correspond with the Roman solar holiday Dies Natalis Solis Invicti and was therefore a "paganization" that debased the true church. Romania. Alexandria. However. Armenian churches customarily use the Gregorian calendar. including those of Russia. Serbia and the Greek Patriarchate of Jerusalem mark feasts using the older Julian calendar..[11] which the Romans called bruma and celebrated on December 25. Louis Duchesne suggested that the date of Christmas was calculated as nine months after Annunciation.[12] In 1889.[21][22][23] Using the Julian calendar Eastern Orthodox national churches. today..which inspired the Church leadership in Rome to elect the winter solstice. and Christmas Eve on January 18 (according to the Gregorian calendar). the traditional date of the conception of Jesus. Georgia.E. December 25. which are generally similar to the Julian calendar.[4] These Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on the same day as Western Christianity." according to modern scholar S. among others. a church calendar was created and other holidays were also placed on solar dates: "It is cosmic symbolism.Zacharias performed on the Day of Atonement during the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar Ethanim or Tishri (Lev. as the birthday of Christ. 16:29. and the summer solstice as that of John the Baptist. At this time.[9] In the early 18th century.[18] In 1743.[20] However. Albania. Finland and the Orthodox Church in America. December 25 on the Julian calendar currently corresponds to January 7 on the internationally-used Gregorian calendar. Hijmans. Montenegro. and the Gospel of Luke. or astrologers. the Eastern Orthodox Church practices . 1500–10). using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an angel. specifically Luke 1:26 and 2:40." Early iconographic representations of the nativity placed the animals and manger within a cave (located. children re-enact the events of the Nativity with animals to portray the event with more realism or sing carols that reference the event. in their homes. in the city of Bethlehem. the Feast of Epiphany celebrated on January 6. "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger. a manger is mentioned in Luke 2:7. frankincense.[24] The Bible contains two accounts which describe the events surrounding Jesus' birth. According to these accounts. Prior to Christmas Day. where it states. is the formal end of the Christmas season in some churches. these accounts either differ from each other or tell two versions of the same story [25] [26][27][28] These biblical accounts are found in the Gospel of Matthew. assisted by her husband Joseph. under the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem).Main articles: Annunciation. surrounded by farm animals. The visitors were said to be following a mysterious star. known as a Nativity scene or crèche. In addition to this day being one of the most important and popular for the attendance of church services. believing it to announce the birth of a king of the Jews. However. and myrrh to the infant Jesus. by Italian painter Giorgio da Castelfranco Christians celebrate Christmas in various ways. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity. according to tradition. Jesus was born to Mary. According to popular tradition. In some Christian denominations. who bring gifts of gold. there are other devotions and popular traditions. though neither the stable nor the animals are specifically mentioned in the Biblical accounts. and Child Jesus Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary as a fulfillment of the Old Testament's Messianic prophecy. Nativity of Jesus.[30] The commemoration of this visit. because there was no room for them in the inn. the birth took place in a stable. namely Matthew 1:18. and were the first to see the child. Anbetung der Hirten (Adoration of the Shepherds) (c. Depending on one's perspective. commonly known as the Star of Bethlehem.[29] The Gospel of Matthew also describes a visit by several Magi. and arrived after his birth.the 40-day Nativity Fast in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Christmas stocking. Decorating with greenery was also part of Jewish tradition : "Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees.[32] The heart-shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus. Joseph. it was recorded that in London it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be "decked with holm. and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green". A long artistic tradition has grown of producing painted depictions of the nativity in art. Nativity scenes are traditionally set in a barn or stable and include Mary. shepherds and the Three Wise Men: Balthazar.[33][34] . who are said to have followed a star. The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. angels. while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches. known as the Star of Bethlehem. ivy. its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed. palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook. From preChristian times. Christmas lights.5 million lights. and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.[31] Decorations Main article: Christmas decoration See also: Christmas tree. Ohio is the site of this Christmas display with over 3. the child Jesus. Melchior. " (Leviticus 23:40) Christians incorporated such customs in their developing practices. and Caspar. The final preparations for Christmas are made on Christmas Eve. bays. In the 15th century. while much of Western Christianity celebrates four weeks of Advent. people in the Roman Empire brought branches from evergreen plants indoors in the winter. and Christmas ornament Clifton Mill in Clifton. and in particular the evergreen tree. quickly spreading across Europe. which included the use of evergreen boughs. New York City Nativity scenes are known from 10th-century Rome. which was shed in his crucifixion. and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria.[34][37] The Christmas tree is considered by some as Christianisation of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice. which does not lose its leaves in the winter.[37] White.[42] By the 1870s. silver and gold are also popular. They were popularised by Saint Francis of Asissi from 1223. The first commercially produced decorations appeared in Germany in the 1860s. the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom. people are encouraged to compete and create the most original or realistic ones.[43] Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments. and an adaptation of pagan tree worship.[36] In countries where a representation of the Nativity Scene is very popular.[35] Different types of decorations developed across the Christian world. inspired by paper chains made by children. people in the United States had adopted the custom of putting up a Christmas tree. Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus. while green symbolizes eternal life. Within some families. The traditional colors of Christmas are green and red. first via Queen Charlotte.A Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.[38] The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835[39] and represents an importation from the German language. dependent on local tradition and available resources. . [40][41] From Germany the custom was introduced to Britain. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century[38] though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. wife of George III. By 1841 the Christmas tree had become even more widespread throughout Britain. snowmen. Along with a Christmas tree. and other Christmas figures. along with garlands and evergreen foliage. candles. make up Christmas wreaths and are designed to prepare Christians for the Advent season. the poinsettia. In some countries. wreaths.[44] Both of these antiquated. Both the displaying of wreaths and candles in each window are a more traditional Christmas display. and Christmas cactus. more subdued. candy canes. Other traditional decorations include bells. and angels. music played from speakers.[45] It is common in many parts of the world for town squares and consumer shopping areas to sponsor and display decorations. a native plant from Mexico. Christmas lights and banners may be hung along streets. usually from an evergreen. has been associated with Christmas. Christmas displays are seen in the image to the right of Saint Anselm College. Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night. Rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. mistletoe. the evening of January 5.Saint Anselm College decorates with traditional candles in each window and a large Christmas wreath Since the 19th century. Candles in each window are meant to demonstrate the fact that Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the ultimate light of the world. Music and carols Main article: Christmas music . The concentric assortment of leaves. The display of Christmas villages has also become a tradition in many homes during this season. the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants. and Christmas trees placed in prominent places. stockings. red amaryllis. The outside of houses may be decorated with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs. Other popular holiday plants include holly. By the 13th century. In the 12th century the Parisian monk Adam of St. a Shropshire chaplain. . written by Ambrose. Adeste Fidelis (O Come all ye faithful) appears in its current form in the mid-18th century. probably sung by groups of wassailers. Traditionally. Archbishop of Milan. Some carols like "Personent hodie". Germany. although the words may have originated in the 13th century. in France.[46] In the 9th and 10th centuries. 413) is still sung in some churches today. developing under Bernard of Clairvaux into a sequence of rhymed stanzas. who lists twenty-five "caroles of Cristemas". introducing something closer to the traditional Christmas carol. a strong tradition of popular Christmas songs in the native language developed. Victor began to derive music from popular songs. "Good King Wenceslas".[47] Christmas carols in English first appear in a 1426 work of John Awdlay. who went from house to house. under the influence of Francis of Asissi. Corde natus ex Parentis (Of the Father's love begotten) by the Spanish poet Prudentius (d. and "The Holly and the Ivy" can be traced directly back to the Middle Ages. Italy. The first specifically Christmas hymns that we know of appear in 4th century Rome. It was only later that carols began to be sung in church. the Christmas "Sequence" or "Prose" was introduced in North European monasteries.Christmas carolers in New Jersey.[48] The songs we know specifically as carols were originally communal folk songs sung during celebrations such as "harvest tide" as well as Christmas. and it is this that gives them their uniquely characteristic musical sound. were austere statements of the theological doctrine of the Incarnation in opposition to Arianism. They are among the oldest musical compositions still regularly sung. carols have often been based on medieval chord patterns. Latin hymns such as Veni redemptor gentium. and particularly. [49] Felix Mendelssohn wrote a melody adapted to fit Wesley's words. including jazz and blues variations. Food Further information: Christmas dinner . based in their tradition of spirituals. Nicholas Church. African American spirituals and songs about Christmas. An increasing number of seasonal holidays songs were commercially produced in the 20th century. Oberndorf. Singing of carols initially suffered a decline in popularity after the Protestant Reformation in northern Europe. although some Reformers.[50] Completely secular Christmas seasonal songs emerged in the late 18th century. wrote carols and encouraged their use in worship. In addition. which were influential in the Great Awakening in the United States. 1841. like Martin Luther. he wrote texts for at least three Christmas carols. became more widely known. Sandys' Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1833) contained the first appearance in print of many now-classic English carols. In addition to setting many psalms to melodies. from groups singing folk music. William B. "Deck The Halls" dates from 1784.Child singers in Bucharest. there was a revival of interest in early music. to performers of early medieval and classical music. In Austria in 1818 Mohr and Gruber made a major addition to the genre when they composed "Silent Night" for the St. such as The Revels. The 18th century English reformer Charles Wesley understood the importance of music to worship. "Jingle Bells" was copyrighted in 1857. Carols largely survived in rural communities until the revival of interest in popular songs in the 19th century. In the 19th and 20th century. The best known was originally entitled "Hark! How All the Welkin Rings". later renamed "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing". and contributed to the mid-Victorian revival of the festival. and the American. Christmas cards are purchased in considerable quantities. Special desserts are also prepared. Cards Main article: Christmas card Christmas cards are illustrated messages of greeting exchanged between friends and family members during the weeks preceding Christmas Day. Slovaks prepare the traditional Christmas bread potica. or Christian . The content of the design might relate directly to the Christmas narrative with depictions of the Nativity of Jesus. when 12 kinds of fish are served. commercially designed and relevant to the season. such as Sicily. goose and pork are favored. panettone in Italy. fish often is used for the traditional main course. produced by Sir Henry Cole in London in 1843. after Midnight Mass and throughout the Christmas season. but richer meat such as lamb is increasingly served. and sweeter Christmas delicacies include the German stollen. In Germany. ham and chicken in various recipes are popular throughout the world.[54] The custom of sending them has become popular among a wide cross-section of people with the emergence of the modern trend towards exchanging E-cards. and elaborate tarts and cakes. and feature artwork. France and Austria. gravy. As one of the few fruits traditionally available to northern countries in winter. bûche de Noël in France.Christmas pudding A special Christmas family meal is traditionally an important part of the holiday's celebration. [51][52] In Poland and other parts of eastern Europe and Scandinavia. potatoes. have special meals for Christmas Eve. much like that of the first commercial Christmas card. mince pies and fruit cake. The traditional greeting reads "wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year". Beef. [53] a chocolate and chestnuts beverage. marzipan cake or candy. vegetables. meat. Some regions. a standard Christmas meal includes turkey or goose. oranges have been long associated with special Christmas foods. The eating of sweets and chocolates has become popular worldwide. In England and countries influenced by its traditions. The Maltese traditionally serve Imbuljuta tal-Qastan. and the food that is served varies greatly from country to country. and Jamaican rum fruit cake. such as Christmas pudding. sometimes bread and cider. an angel and child. objects directly associated with Christmas such as candles. Gift giving See also: Gift economy The exchanging of gifts is one of the core aspects of the modern Christmas celebration. and that gifts of gold. In 1939. mythical figures such as Santa Claus. Nicholas with Christmas. The stamp features a map of the globe and bears an inscription "XMAS 1898" at the bottom.[55] It was later rationalized by the Church on the basis that it associated St. Brazil issued four semi-postal stamps with designs featuring the three kings and a star of Bethlehem. the Southern Cross and a child. and are valid for postage year-round. such as Christmastime activities. frankincense and myrrh were given to the infant Jesus by the Biblical Magi. These stamps are regular postage stamps. and are printed in considerable quantities.symbols such as the Star of Bethlehem. Austria issued two "Christmas greeting stamps" featuring a rose and the signs of the zodiac. prayer or Biblical verse. Other Christmas cards are more secular and can depict Christmas traditions. an ancient festival which took place in late December and may have influenced Christmas customs. while others distance themselves from religion with an all-inclusive "Season's greetings". unlike Christmas seals. snow scenes and the wildlife of the northern winter. . Some prefer cards with a poem. Stamps Main article: Christmas stamp A number of nations have issued commemorative stamps at Christmastime. and they are popular with philatelists. They usually go on sale some time between early October and early December. making the Christmas season the most profitable time of year for retailers and businesses throughout the world. or a white dove which can represent both the Holy Spirit and Peace on Earth. In 1937. Postal customers will often use these stamps to mail Christmas cards. and a mother and child. holly and baubles. Both the US Postal Service and the Royal Mail regularly issue Christmas-themed stamps each year. Gift giving was common in the Roman celebration of Saturnalia.[55] Christmas gift giving was banned by the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages due to its suspected pagan origins. There are even humorous cards and genres depicting nostalgic scenes of the past such as crinolined shoppers in idealized 19th century streetscapes. or a variety of images associated with the season. In 1898 a Canadian stamp was issued to mark the inauguration of the Imperial Penny Postage rate. and the date of giving gifts changed from December the 6th to Christmas Eve. generosity. considered by many to be the original Santa Claus. Among these are Father Christmas.[56] . and the Weihnachtsmann. The most famous and pervasive of these figures in modern celebration worldwide is Santa Claus. Père Noël. corrupted in English to Kris Kringle. Babbo Natale. Saint Basil. accompanied by helpers. His feast on the 6th of December came to be celebrated in many countries with the giving of gifts. dressed in red. Joulupukki. Kris Kringle. Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas. The name Santa Claus can be traced back to the Dutch Sinterklaas. which means simply Saint Nicholas. a mythical gift bringer. the Christkind.[56] Saint Nicholas traditionally appeared in bishop's attire. during the 4th century. At the Reformation in 16th–17th century Europe. in modern day Turkey. By the 13th century. he was noted for the care of Children.Legendary gift-bringing figures Main articles: Santa Claus and Father Christmas See also: Saint Nicholas and Saint Basil Sinterklaas or Saint Nicholas. A number of figures of both Christian and mythical origin have been associated with Christmas and the seasonal giving of gifts. and the giving of gifts. Nicholas was Bishop of Myra. also known as Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas was well known in the Netherlands. inquiring about the behaviour of children during the past year before deciding whether they deserved a gift or not. whose origins have diverse sources. many Protestants changed the gift bringer to the Christ Child or Christkindl. and Father Frost. and the practice of gift-giving in his name spread to other parts of central and southern Europe. Among other saintly attributes. predates the Santa Claus character. a study of the "children's books. It is said that La Befana set out to bring the baby Jesus gifts. Following the American Revolutionary War. beginning in 1863. some of the inhabitants of New York City sought out symbols of the city's non-English past. well nourished. and in particular in New York. There has been some opposition to the narrative of the American evolution of Saint Nicholas into the modern Santa. eventually adopting the Santa image. elves make the toys. perhaps based on the English figure of Father Christmas. His wife is referred to as Mrs. but got lost along the way. or Black Peter. periodicals and journals" of New Amsterdam by Charles Jones revealed no references to Saint Nicholas or . It has been claimed that the Saint Nicholas Society was not founded until 1835. Nast's Santa had evolved into the robed. form we now recognize. Claus. bearded man who typified the spirit of good cheer at Christmas. his image was remade to match that of Santa.[61] Moreover. Santa Claus was drawn in bishops' robes. Santa Claus developed more secular attire.[57] In 1809.[58] At his first American appearance in 1810. Father Christmas. The French Père Noël evolved along similar lines. the Dutch name for New York City. However as new artists took over.The modern popular image of Santa Claus.[60] Santa Claus is famous around the world for giving gifts to good children. she brings gifts to all children. The transformation was accomplished with the aid of notable contributors including Washington Irving and the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840–1902). He is first recorded in early 17th century England. By the 1880s. the New-York Historical Society convened and retroactively named Sancte Claus the patron saint of Nieuw Amsterdam. almost half a century after the end of the American War of Independence.[39] In Victorian Britain. but was associated with holiday merrymaking and drunkenness rather than the bringing of gifts. Now. a jolly.[59] Nast drew a new image of "Santa Claus" annually. was created in the United States. Babbo Natale acts as Santa Claus. fur clad. however. In some cultures Santa Claus is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht. while La Befana is the bringer of gifts and arrives on the eve of the Epiphany. New York had originally been established as the Dutch colonial town of New Amsterdam and the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition was reinvented as Saint Nicholas. In Italy. In other versions. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s. Liechtenstein. Southern Germany. In South Tyrol (Italy). some have come to reject this practice. Slovakia and Switzerland. he then gives them to the Baby Jesus. Austria.Sinterklaas.[62] However.[64] Current tradition in several Latin American countries (such as Venezuela and Colombia) holds that while Santa makes the toys.[63] Howard G. which he reiterated in a booklength study in 1978. Although many parents around the world routinely teach their children about Santa Claus and other gift bringers. nuts and fruits) on December 6 and is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht. the Christkind (Ježíšek in Czech. Nikolaus wears a bishop's dress and still brings small gifts (usually candies. Jézuska in Hungarian and Ježiško in Slovak) brings the presents. maintains that the tradition of celebrating Sinterklaas in New York was alive and well from the early settlement of the Hudson Valley on. Nikolaus is not identical with the Weihnachtsmann (who is the German version of Santa Claus/Father Christmas). Czech Republic. The German St. considering it deceptive.[65] History Mosaic of Jesus as Christo Sole (Christ the Sun) in Mausoleum M in the pre-fourthcentury necropolis under St Peter's Basilica in Rome.[66] Pre-Christian background Dies Natalis Solis Invicti Main article: Sol Invictus Dies Natalis Solis Invicti means "the birthday of the unconquered sun". who is the one who actually delivers them to the children's homes. a reconciliation between traditional religious beliefs and the iconography of Santa Claus imported from the United States. of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Modern scholars have argued that the festival was placed on the date of the solstice because this was on this day that the Sun reversed its southward retreat and proved itself . not all scholars agree with Jones's findings. Hungary. Hageman. St. [76] In 303. and Yule logs and various foods from Germanic feasts. However. and charity from the Roman New Year.[70] a usage first recorded in 900.[73][74] The equinox was March 25 on the Roman calendar.[72] Tertullian (d.[citation needed] Some early Christian writers connected the rebirth of the sun to the birth of Jesus.[9] "O. Clement of Alexandria wrote that a group in Egypt celebrated the nativity on 25 Pashons. Reasons included the fact that less agricultural work needs to be done during the winter..[citation needed] the only ancient source for it is a single mention in the Chronography of 354. its pagan traditions had a major influence on Christmas. how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born. Scandinavians still call Christmas Jul. so this implied a birth in December. . Christian feast The New Testament does not give a date for the birth of Jesus. there is no evidence that a religious celebration of Sol on that day antedated the celebration of Christmas.[9] John Chrysostom also commented on the connection: "They call it the 'Birthday of the Unconquered'. lights.[67] Modern Christmas customs include: gift-giving and merrymaking from Roman Saturnalia.?"[9] Although Dies Natalis Solis Invicti has been the subject of a great deal of scholarly speculation.[69] which was incorporated into the Christmas carol. this is not evidence against Christmas being a feast at this . since Christmas does not celebrate Christ's birth "as God" but "as man"."[20] Winter festivals Main article: List of winter festivals A winter festival was the most popular festival of the year in many cultures. popularizing the idea that Christ was born on December 25. in Chronographai. especially Koleda. [9] This corresponds to May 20. and modern Sol scholar Steven Hijmans argues that there is no evidence that the celebration precedes that of Christmas:[20] "[W]hile the winter solstice on or around the 25th of December was well established in the Roman imperial calendar.[citation needed] As Northern Europe was the last part to Christianize. .[75] In 245. greenery. 220) does not mention Christmas as a major feast day in the Church of Roman Africa. Cyprian wrote.. the theologian Origen of Alexandria stated that. and none that indicates that Aurelian had a hand in its institution. a reference work published in 221. Who indeed is so unconquered as Our Lord . In English.[68] Pagan Scandinavia celebrated a winter festival called Yule. Sextus Julius Africanus suggested that Jesus was conceived on the spring equinox. as well as an expectation of better weather as spring approached.to be "unconquered".[9] However.[9][71] Around AD 200.Christ should be born". the word Yule is synonymous with Christmas.. Christian writer Arnobius ridiculed the idea of celebrating the birthdays of gods. "only sinners (like Pharaoh and Herod)" celebrated their birthdays. held in the late December to early January period. former Saturnalian traditions were attached to Advent. these traditions transferred again to the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 25 – January 5).[77] In the East. Martin" (which began on November 11. Christmas Day was overshadowed by Epiphany. early Christians celebrated the birth of Christ as part of Epiphany (January 6). Martin of Tours).[79] Around the 12th century. although this festival emphasized celebration of the baptism of Jesus. now known as Advent. The forty days before Christmas became the "forty days of St. the fact that the innovation rejecting Donatist Church of North Africa celebrated Christmas suggests that the feast had been established before the living memory of those who began that Church in 311.[9] The Examination and Trial of Father Christmas. although it was reintroduced by John Chrysostom in about 400. the feast of St. a time that appears in the liturgical calendars as Christmastide or Twelve Holy Days.[78] Christmas was promoted in the Christian East as part of the revival of Catholicism following the death of the pro-Arian Emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378. which in the west focused on the visit of the magi. an illuminated manuscript compiled in Rome. published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England.[79] In Italy.[79] . The feast was introduced to Constantinople in 379.time. Feast established The earliest known reference to the date of the nativity as December 25 is found in the Chronography of 354. The feast disappeared after Gregory of Nazianzus resigned as bishop in 381. and to Antioch in about 380. Middle Ages In the Early Middle Ages.[9] Moreover. But the Medieval calendar was dominated by Christmas-related holidays. (1686). the holiday had become so prominent that chroniclers routinely noted where various magnates celebrated Christmas. Caroling also became popular. singing.[80] The annual indulgence in eating. holly. and the date of giving gifts changed from December 6 to Christmas Eve.[80] Christmas gift-giving during the Middle Ages was usually between people with legal relationships. sporting. and there was special Christmas ale. promiscuity.[79] The Yule boar was a common feature of medieval Christmas feasts.[81] It was during the Reformation in 16th–17th century Europe that many Protestants changed the gift bringer to the Christ Child or Christkindl. By the High Middle Ages. indicating that the unruly traditions of Saturnalia and Yule may have continued in this form. gambling—was also an important aspect of the festival. King Richard II of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep were eaten. King Edmund the Martyr was anointed on Christmas in 855 and King William I of England was crowned on Christmas Day 1066. In 1607.[56] Reformation into the 19th century .The prominence of Christmas Day increased gradually after Charlemagne was crowned Emperor on Christmas Day in 800. and was originally a group of dancers who sang. and by the 17th century the Christmas season featured lavish dinners. King James I insisted that a play be acted on Christmas night and that the court indulge in games. The group was composed of a lead singer and a ring of dancers that provided the chorus. gifts were exchanged on New Year's Day.[79] "Misrule"— drunkenness. dancing. [79] Christmas during the Middle Ages was a public festival that incorporated ivy. Various writers of the time condemned caroling as lewd. and card playing escalated in England. and other evergreens. In England. elaborate masques and pageants. such as tenant and landlord. dinner. but many clergymen still disapproved of Christmas celebration. began to worry that Christmas was dying out.[86] Christmas fell out of favor in the United States after the American Revolution. that helped revive the 'spirit' of Christmas and seasonal merriment. roast apples on the fire.[83] The Restoration of King Charles II in 1660 ended the ban. argued against the Puritans. King Charles I of England directed his noblemen and gentry to return to their landed estates in midwinter to keep up their old style Christmas generosity. Following the Protestant Reformation."[82] The Catholic Church responded by promoting the festival in a more religiously oriented form.[81] Following the Parliamentarian victory over Charles I during the English Civil War. when it was considered an English custom. 1652). Pennsylvania German Settlers. Christmas being much more popular in Germany than in America at this time. In 1843. Nazareth and Lititz in Pennsylvania and the Wachovia Settlements in North Carolina. and carol singing. From Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. James VI commanded its celebration in 1618.[85] At the same time. pre-eminently the Moravian settlers of Bethlehem. however it was not until the mid-19th century that celebrating Christmas became fashionable in the Boston region. considering it a Catholic invention and the "trappings of popery" or the "rags of the Beast. groups such as the Puritans strongly condemned the celebration of Christmas. In Scotland.[88][89] Its instant popularity played a major role in portraying Christmas as a holiday emphasizing family. and makes note of Old English Christmas traditions. including William Winstanly. The ban by the Pilgrims was revoked in 1681 by English governor Sir Edmund Andros. sectarian tension had eased in Britain and writers.Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present.[84] In Colonial America. the Puritans of New England shared radical Protestant disapproval of Christmas. however attendance at church was scant. These writers imagined Tudor Christmas as a time of heartfelt celebration.[82] Protests followed as pro-Christmas rioting broke out in several cities and for weeks Canterbury was controlled by the rioters. the Presbyterian Church of Scotland also discouraged observance of Christmas. England's Puritan rulers banned Christmas in 1647. card playing. goodwill. and compassion. By the 1820s. The Vindication of Christmas (London.[82] The book. dances with "plow-boys" and "maidservants". Charles Dickens wrote the novel A Christmas Carol. Celebration was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. The Moravians in Bethlehem had the first Christmas trees in America as well as the first Nativity Scenes.[87] George Washington attacked Hessian (German) mercenaries on Christmas during the Battle of Trenton in 1777. were enthusiastic celebrators of Christmas. 1843. who decorated doorways with holly and shouted royalist slogans. and efforts were made to revive the holiday. [90] . Christian residents of Virginia and New York observed the holiday freely. in contrast to the community-based and church-centered observations. 'I Saw Three Ships'. Gentlemen'.The Queen's Christmas tree at Windsor Castle published in the Illustrated London News. by 1841 the custom became more widespread throughout Britain.[94] In 1843. putting up a Christmas tree had become common in America. games. by Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. created a sensation when it was published in the Illustrated London News in 1848.[91] Superimposing his secular vision of the holiday. the observance of which had dwindled during the late 18th century and early 19th century. and presents placed round it. 1848. Sandys Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1833).[95] The revival of the Christmas Carol began with William B. was popularized following the appearance of the story.[92] A prominent phrase from the tale. Dickens influenced many aspects of Christmas that are celebrated today in Western culture. Dickens sought to construct Christmas as a family-centered festival of generosity. seasonal food and drink. December 1850. hung with lights. In Britain. with the first appearance in print of 'The First Noel'. A modified version of this image was published in the United States in 1850. popularized in Dickens' A Christmas Carol. 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' and 'God Rest Ye Merry. and republished in Godey's Lady's Book. Queen to King George III. In 1832 a young Queen Victoria wrote about her delight at having a Christmas tree.[93] The term Scrooge became a synonym for miser. the Christmas tree was introduced in the early 19th century following the personal union with the Kingdom of Hanover.[42] An image of the British royal family with their Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. ornaments. the first commercial Christmas card was produced by Sir Henry Cole. 'Merry Christmas'.[43] . and a festive generosity of spirit.[43][97] By the 1870s. Philadelphia. dancing. such as family gatherings. with 'Bah! Humbug!' dismissive of the festive spirit.[96] After her marriage to her German cousin Prince Albert. A Norwegian Christmas.[102] By 1860. Pennsylvania.S.[102] The First Congregational Church of Rockford. interest in Christmas had been revived in the 1820s by several short stories by Washington Irving which appear in his The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon and "Old Christmas". was 'preparing for a grand Christmas jubilee'. "The old puritan feeling prevents it from being a cheerful.[81] In 1822. 1846 painting by Adolph Tidemand. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow detected "a transition state about Christmas here in New England" in 1856. and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance. Irving's stories depicted harmonious warm-hearted English Christmas festivities he experienced while staying in Aston Hall. that had largely been abandoned. Harriet Beecher Stowe includes a character who complains that the true meaning of Christmas was lost in a shopping spree. fourteen states including several from New England had adopted Christmas as a legal holiday. Nicholas (popularly known by its first line: Twas the Night Before Christmas).[102] In Reading. Grant. "Even our presbyterian friends who have hitherto steadfastly ignored Christmas — threw open their church doors and assembled in force to celebrate the anniversary of the Savior's birth". England. Christmas was formally declared a United States Federal holiday. 'although of genuine Puritan stock'. . In her 1850 book "The First Christmas in New England". though every year makes it more so".[99] The poem helped popularize the tradition of exchanging gifts.[103] Subsequently. that he had transcribed into his journal as a format for his stories. Birmingham.[98] and he used the tract Vindication of Christmas (1652) of Old English Christmas traditions.[101] While the celebration of Christmas was not yet customary in some regions in the U. Illinois.[100] This also started the cultural conflict of the holiday's spiritualism and its commercialism that some see as corrupting the holiday. a newspaper remarked in 1861.. Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem A Visit From St. signed into law by President Ulysses S. hearty holiday. a news correspondent reported in 1864. In America.[103] In 1870. Supreme Court ruled in Lynch vs. or discouraged by a number of advertisers and retailers. During this brief period. the English Parliament banned the celebration of Christmas entirely. where some Christian and nonChristians have claimed that an affront to Christmas (dubbed a "war on Christmas" by some) is ongoing. the American Family Association and other groups have organized boycotts of individual retailers. Christmas tree cultivation. Christmas tree production.in 1875.[115] Economics See also: Christmas by medium.S. the U. The first documented Christmas controversy was Christian-led. Rhode Island did not violate the First Amendment. it has been alleged that any specific mention of the term "Christmas" or its religious aspects was being increasingly censored.[114] In the United Kingdom there have been some minor controversies. He has been called the "father of the American Christmas card".[104] Controversy and criticism Main article: Christmas controversy Throughout the holiday's history. and a time of wasteful and immoral behavior. one of the most famous being the temporary promotion of the Christmas period as Winterval by Birmingham City Council in 1998. initially with no specific Christmas references. which prohibits the establishment by Congress of a national religion.[110] Such groups argue that government-funded displays of Christmas imagery and traditions violate the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. and Christmas Price Index .[107][108] In the United States there has been a tendency to replace the greeting Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays. Christmas has been the subject of both controversy and criticism from a wide variety of different sources.[113] In the private sphere also. Louis Prang introduced the Christmas card to Americans. considering it "a popish festival with no biblical justification". There were also protests in November 2009 when the city of Dundee promoted its celebrations as the Winter Night Light festival. Donnelly that a Christmas display (which included a Nativity scene) owned and displayed by the city of Pawtucket. including schools. the Federal appeals court in Philadelphia endorsed a school district's ban on the singing of Christmas carols.[105] Puritans (including those who fled to America) sought to remove the remaining pagan elements of Christmas.[109] Groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union have initiated court cases to bar the display of images and other material referring to Christmas from public property.[106] Controversy and criticism continues in the present-day. when England was ruled by a Puritan Parliament.[112] In November 2009. avoided. and began during the English Interregnum.[111] In 1984. In response. [116][117] In Canada. there being a November – December buying surge of 100 percent in bookstores and 170 percent in jewelry stores. the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 prevents all large shops from trading on Christmas Day. Census Bureau reveal that expenditure in department stores nationwide rose from $20.S. this analysis is sometimes used to discuss possible flaws in current microeconomic theory. and step up their marketing following Remembrance Day on November 11. whether laws require such or not. In the U. Scotland is currently planning similar legislation. In England and Wales.S.. and supplies. it has been calculated that a quarter of all personal spending takes place during the Christmas/holiday shopping season. and almost all industries cease activity (more than any other day of the year).S.8 billion in November 2004 to $31.[123][124] Because of complicating factors.Christmas market in Metz. Christmas is typically the largest annual economic stimulus for many nations around the world. fantasy movies or high-tone dramas with high production values.9 billion in December 2004. Christmas is a deadweight loss under orthodox microeconomic theory. the "Christmas shopping season" starts as early as October.[122] In the UK in 2010. Film studios release many high-budget movies during the holiday season. In the UK and Ireland.8 million were cut in the USA in 2002.[120] Figures from the U. Sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas and shops introduce new products as people purchase gifts. merchants begin advertising campaigns just before Halloween (October 31). alone. France. of which 1. the pre-Christmas increase in spending was even greater. In the same year employment in American retail stores rose from 1. an increase of 54 percent.[121] Industries completely dependent on Christmas include Christmas cards. commercial and institutional businesses are closed. Other deadweight losses include the effects of Christmas on the . Christmas resulted in a $4 billion deadweight loss in the U. It is estimated that in 2001.[118][119] In the United States. decorations. of which 20. One economist's analysis calculates that. almost all retail. because of the effect of giftgiving.6 million to 1. including Christmas films. This loss is calculated as the difference between what the gift giver spent on the item and what the gift receiver would have paid for the item. Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce. approximately a quarter of total retail festive sales.[119] In most Western nations. In other sectors. and live Christmas Trees.8 million in the two months leading up to Christmas.9 billion are sent in the United States each year. up to £8 billion was expected to be spent online at Christmas. around the time when high street Christmas lights are turned on. the Christmas shopping season starts from mid November. despite increased overall spending. Retrieved September 30. 8.net/topics/coptic_calendar/nativitydate. imposing cost for upkeep and storage and contributing to clutter. 9 months before Christmas) References and notes 1. ^ Ramzy. 9. 2009. 2011. thus celebrating Christmas Day on January 19 on the Gregorian calendar. 5. 2008. 7. Retrieved November 27. Retrieved November 27. 4. 2. . ^ a b Several traditions of Eastern Christianity that use the Julian calendar also celebrate on December 25 according to that calendar. John. ^ Canadian Heritage – Public holidays — Government of Canada. still celebrating Christmas Day on January 6. 1913.[125] See also Christmas portal Holidays portal • • • • • • • • • Christmas Eve Christmas Sunday Christmas worldwide Little Christmas Midwinter Christmas Midwinter Twelve days of Christmas Yuletide Waffle_day (March 25th. Some Armenian churches use the Julian calendar. which is now January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. ^ Christmas. with January 18 being Christmas Eve. ^ Bank holidays and British Summer time — HM Government. Retrieved November 27. ^ 2009 Federal Holidays — U. "The Glorious Feast of Nativity: 7 January? 29 Kiahk? 25 December?".html. ^ a b Christmas as a Multi-faith Festival—BBC News. 2008.com/israel/bethlehem-christmas. http://www.sacreddestinations. Archived 2009-10-31. Retrieved January 17. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Most Armenian Christians use the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved October 6. 3. 6.environment and the fact that material gifts are often perceived as white elephants. ^ a b c "Christmas in Bethlehem".copticchurch. 2009. Merriam-Webster. http://www. 2009. Armenian Churches observed the nativity on January 6 even before the Gregorian calendar originated. Office of Personnel Management. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Christmas".S. Coptic Orthodox Church Network. 587–588. Retrieved December 20. Andrew. 2008. 20. Louis. 2009.crivoice. ^ "Bruma". 88–90.E. 1995). The message is clear: Christmas is not about marking the actual birth date of Jesus.. 14. http://books. The calendrical verification of the feast itself is not really that important. John (1733). ^ a b McGowan. Retrieved November 18. William J. 2009. Christmas is a pinnacle feast. 2010. ^ Roll.. http://www.com/? id=inhMGc5732kC&pg=PT40&dq=date+of+christmas+important#v=onepage&q =date%20of%20christmas%20important&f=false. of the birth of Jesus. Retrieved 2008-12-25.. 11. 13. ^ For example. "Calculating Christmas". http://www. It is about the celebration of a birth. ^ a b Newton. 2009. 2:8).asp.. It is a memorial.org/cyxmas. Retrieved 2009-12-13". 17. 129. yes. Retrieved 2011-02-24. Institute. http://www. Natural History.html. Tighe. ^ Non-Christians focus on secular side of Christmas — Sioux City Journal.cresourcei. Archived 2009-10-31. Les Origines du Culte Chrétien. ^ Why I celebrate Christmas. Duchesne.) 18. "How December 25 Became Christmas. (Roll. Paris. not really a celebration of the day itself. p. CRI / Voice.org/cyxmas. CRI / Voice. ^ a b "The Christmas Season". a remembrance. Institute. 1995). 4:15) and who humbled Himself "to the point of death-even death on a cross" (Phil. Sol. Pope Benedict XIV argued in 1761 that the church fathers would have known the correct date of birth from Roman census records. Biblical Archaeology Review. the sun in the art and religions of Rome. Associated Press.130. Encarta Roll. (Peeters Publishers. (Peeters Publishers.org. Toward the Origins of Christmas. A sun connection is possible because Christians consider Jesus to be the "sun of righteousness" prophesied in Malachi 4:2. and the Apocalypse of St. Susan K. pp. 2006. 21. Retrieved 2009-04-02. Seasonal Festivals of the Greeks and Romans Pliny the Elder. 16. ^ "Poll: In a changing nation. Toward the Origins of Christmas. 18:59 19. Bib-arch." 22. December 22. 12. ^ a b c S. "Christmas is not really about the celebration of a birth date at all. Santa endures". ISBN 9780849901195.bibarch. Retrieved 2009-04-02.html.10.google. but it is not the beginning of the liturgical year. 2009-11-03. Thomas Nelson. the Resurrection of the Christ of faith could happen.org/e-features/christmas. XI. 15. p. 262 ff. Susan K. December 23. Isaac. 1902. ^ a b The Liturgical Year. ^ a b "Christmas". Ch. We remember that because the Jesus of history was born. Hijmans. by the world's most famous atheist – DailyMail. It is about the Incarnation of the One who became like us in all things but sin (Heb.What is important to the understanding of a life-changing moment is that it happened. pp.. not necessarily where of when it happened. ^ "The Christmas Season". The fact of the date and the fact of the birth are two different things. . Retrieved November 18. Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel. ^ Geza Vermes.. Retrieved 2011-02-24.org/af/birthnarr.&version=9. Biblegateway. ^ a b Ace Collins (2010-04-01).&version=9. p. http://books. TEKTON. Many Christians kept their Christmas in April.23. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas. http://www. There was a time when the churches were not united regarding the date of the joyous event. even though the author uses different techniques in presenting them. 19-60 26. "Yet. Zondervan. others in May. Bart D. ^ JPH. Retrieved 2010-12-02. "Reconciling the Nativity Stories of Matthew and Luke". http://books. Christmas: Its Carols. 1894. for neither the exact date not the period of the year at which the birth of Christ occurred is known.html. ISBN 0-7692-4399-1. For purposes of commemoration. P. The Nativity: History and Legend. 1993.com/? . Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN 0-486-23354-5. Retrieved 2010-12-02. Penguin. Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity.com. Hurtado (2005-12-15). which opens (1:2-3) with a citation of "Isaiah the prophet" to introduce and frame the ensuing story of Jesus.biblegateway. ^ Richard Bruce. http://richleebruce.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-16..85. Volume 49. Alfred Publishing (1985). 28. http://www. "The Nativity Stories Harmonized". ^ a b The School Journal. Harvard University. p. 272. ISBN 9780310873884. ^ "Matthew 2:1–11". and still others at the close of September. 2009. ISBN 9780802831675. Sanders. Retrieved 2011-02-24. Retrieved 2009-0402. http://www. 31.google. ^ Heller.biblegateway. in this emphasis Matthew essentially has extended and elaborated an affirmation that is already made in Mark. 1976.tektonics. Customs & Legends.. Interrupted: Revealing The Hidden Contradictions In The Bible (And Why We Don't Know About Them). wholly arbitrary.html. Ehrman.com/? id=k32wZRMxltUC&pg=PA327&dq=nativity+accounts#v=onepage&q=nativity %20accounts&f=false. The choice of that day was.google. 33." 27. ^ Jesus. 34. Retrieved 2010-12-02. till finally December 25 was agreed upon as the most appropriate date. 12. P. Ruth. of course. ^ Larry W. ^ Matthew 2:2. Harper Collins. "Throughout the Christian world the 25th of December is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ. Clement A." 24. The Historical Figure of Jesus. ^ Miles.com/miracle/nativity. 25. http://books.com. E. it is unimportant whether the celebration shall fall or not a the precise anniversary of the joyous event. Christmas customs and traditions. p22. however. p. Courier Dover Publications. Biblegateway. ^ "Luke 2:1–6". 32. as in a number of other matters. The Lukan nativity account shows a similar concern and emphasis. Wm B.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202:1-11. 29..com/? id=x_kBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA469&dq=date+of+christmas+unimportant#v=onep age&q=date%20of%20christmas%20unimportant&f=false. London.google. 2006. 30. 38. ISBN 0-520-25104-0. St.christmasarchives. Christmas Magic: The History and Traditions of the Holiday.com/Christmas/christmas_customs_tree_history. ^ a b Lejeune. 53. ISBN 0-281-04300-0. 2001. Retrieved 2007-12-18. "Saint Nicholas. Swartz Jr. Marie Claire. ^ Imbuljuta 54.149-150. Paul: Llewellyn Publications. http://www.id=mo8vgZoROl8C&pg=PT71&dq=christmas+colors#v=onepage&q=christmas %20colors&f=false. QuestMagazine. 1977 53. Christ. 46. 41.org. 37. Greenwood Publishing Group.com. Douglas. Andrea (2007) Food and cooking in Victorian England: a history pp. Timothy (1987). Edition 40. Retrieved 2011-02-24. Christmas customs and traditions. ^ "Christmas Tradition – The Christmas Tree Custom". . ^ Miles.com/trees. Ace.html#New. Christmas: a candid history. ^ a b The Origin of the American Christmas Myth and Customs – Ball State University. ^ Collins. The Christmas Archives. Archived version retrieved October 19. Fashion Era. ^ Jona Lendering (2008-11-20). ^ "The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree". 68–79. p. ^ a b Harper. 52. Santa Claus". 1995. 2007 52. ISBN 0-486-23354-5.58. 44.32 47. Taplinger Pub. Co. Compendium of symbolic and ritual plants in Europe. ^ http://www. ^ Miles. 2007." History Matters. 35. ^ Christmas card sold for record price BBC News. pp. pp. Courier Dover Publications. ^ Muir. A Christmas carol p. Retrieved 28 October 2011 55. 47–48 49. 2003 ISBN 1-55111-476-3 51. Spring 2006. p. 2011. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas..htm. 36. Sinterklaas. A Flame of Love. Online Etymology Dictionary. pp. Clement.catholicculture.livius.org/nenn/nicholas/nicholas_of_myra3.10. ^ Miles.cfm?id=1173 45. 42. ^ Dudley-Smith. London: Triangle/SPCK. ^ Collins p. ^ Richard Michael Kelly. http://www. ISBN 0-81170328-2.html. 50. Brian. "Christmas lights and community building in America. Alfred Lewis. (1959) Christmas in Pennsylvania: a folk-cultural study.fashion-era. 2004-12-02. Retrieved 2007-12-18. When Santa was a shaman.47. Tony. 40. 56. Bruce David. Stackpole Books 1999.. University of California Press. Zondervan. 57. ^ Murray. ^ a b c Forbes. ISBN 0-310-24880-9 p.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view. Frank (1977) Christmas customs & traditions p. 83. 31–37 48. ^ a b Hal Siemer. 1976. Broadview Press. BK.550. (2003). http://www. pp. ^ a b c Shoemaker. Livius. ISBN 1-56718-765-X 39. ^ Broomfield. University of Michigan ISBN 90-77135-04-9 43. Retrieved 2010-12-02. ^ a b van Renterghem. ^ "Christmas. 1911. http://theologytoday. Bruce David.ptsem. ^ Jones.com. Citybeat. pp. Mariane. "VIII kal. 79–80. "Levit. Retrieved December 3. "Santa: The First Great Lie". Why December 25? Christian History & Biography. Issue 304 66.58. Encyclopædia Britannica Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica. "History of Epiphany" . 80–81. 1978).. ^ Mikkelson. Christmas: a candid history. ^ Charles W. 62. 80. Snopes. 73. 69. Bari. 2000. 67. ^ ""Christmas – An Ancient Holiday". p. 2007.. Migne P. http://www. citing calculations by Roger Beckworth. Retrieved 2008-12-05. Liturgical Press. Astronomy Methods. Only fragments of Chronographai survive. [3] 78. The Origins of Christmas. 74. p. Barbara and David P. (1979). ian. Elesha. The Catholic Encyclopedia. ^ Origen.[1] It is in a section copied from an earlier manuscript produced in 336. 2006. ^ This document was prepared privately for a Roman aristocrat. Saint Nicholas of Myra. Encyclopædia Britannica Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica. ^ Roll.htm. The reference in question states. 2006.. Fourth Edition.[2] This document also contains the earliest known reference to the feast of Sol Invictus. ^ Encyclopedia of Ukraine 70. natus Christus in Betleem Iudeæ". 77. pp. In one fragment. The History Channel. Roll.org/history. 64. 59. XII. ^ John Steele Gordon. 76. p. The Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York.saintnicholassociety. 67-69. then cites Roland Bainton to say that Clement may have used two separate calendars and the discrepancies between them eventually "yields 6 January. Christianity Today. "Knickerbocker Santa Claus". Joseph F." See "Narrative Narrative of Events Happening in Persia on the Birth of Christ Narrative". Roll p. ^ Matera. Hieromonk Nicholas. ^ "History of the Society".htm.G. Jones.. 87. Charles W. Howard G. (2004). 75. Bari. "Natal Day". ^ Roll. ^ Kelly.edu/oct1979/v36-3bookreview15. 71. and Manhattan: Biography of a Legend (Chicago: U of Chicago P. 2006. ^ Pokhilko. 68. "The Claus That Refreshes".. ^ "Christmas. VIII". 69. 79. The New-York Historical Society Quarterly XXXVIII (4) 63. 60. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. ^ Coffman. Retrieved 2008-12-05 65. "Review of Saint Nicholas of Myra. The Great Game: The Emergence of Wall Street as a World Power: 1653–2000 (Scribner) 1999. in 2 CE". 72. Hale. 61. ^ Hageman. ^ Yule. Theology Today (Princeton: Princeton Theological Seminary) 36 (3). ^ Bradt. 2006. Africanus referred to "Pege in Bethlehem" and "Lady Pege. Hom. ^ Forbes. and Manhattan: Biography of a Legend". Springbearer. p. 78. 495. 2004. ) (2003). "The History of Christmas Cards"." (JSTOR). 2007 ISBN 0-8078-3181-6 87.htm. Longmans. Green & co.. ^ Andrews.vicnet. USA Today. 1996. Chris. "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642–60". Retrieved 2010-08-08. ^ Minzesheimer. 1912. meanings. 88. ^ Robertson Cochrane. 2008-12-21. ISBN 0-8280-1622-4 95. Domestic Annals of Scotland. Peter (1975). 17 – 24 91. Patrick. ^ a b McGreevy. 81.126 University of Toronto Press. p. ^ Les Standiford. 80. ^ The girlhood of Queen Victoria: a selection from Her Majesty's diaries.9.apuritansmind. and usage of the English language. 20. ^ a b c Restad. ^ Ronald Hutton Stations of the Sun: The Ritual Year in England.com/life/books/news/2008-12-17-dickens-main_N. December 1985. New York: Broadview Press ISBN 1-55111-476-3 93. 84. 36 (12). ^ Earnshaw. http://www. Mercuriuspoliticus. A Christmas Carol.79. http://www. USA: World Book Encyclopedia. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Apuritansmind. 211. 2007. 85.com. ^ Richard Michael Kelly (ed. 80. Retrieved September 10. (1995).usatoday. http://mercuriuspoliticus. Christmas in my heart.com. ^ Rowell. Vol. History Today. pp. p. Christmas in America: a History. Inverloch Historical Society Inc. Robert (1885). Inc. ^ a b c d e f Murray. 7 – 14. Penne L. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Wordplay: origins.97. ^ "When Christmas Was Banned – The early colonies and Christmas". Retrieved 2008-07-25.htm. pp. ISBN 7-166-2001-4. p.com/Christmas/DankoChristmasBanned. Geographical Review. Wheeler. December 1986. Retrieved 2011-02-24. 86. Geoffrey.htm. University of Wisconsin . ISBN 0-19-285448-8. ^ Chambers. pp.wordpress. ISBN 0-19-510980-5 82. Alexander. "Medieval Christmas". p. 1. No. 2010. p. Bob (December 22. History Today.61. 32–42. 2001. 1996 ISBN 0-8020-7752-8 94. pp.net. 96. 2008). 35 (12) pp. ^ Joe L. ^ "A Christmassy post | Mercurius Politicus". History Today. 83. 31 – 39. 92. Dickens and the Construction of Christmas. Review and Herald Pub Assoc. Retrieved April 30. Crown. http://home. "Place in the American Christmas. December 1993. Volume 10. ^ Nancy Smith Thomas. 90.au/~invhs/2004. Christmas in Colonial and Early America. Volume: 43 Issue: 12. ^ a b c Durston.. 2008. Iris (November 2003).12 Broadview Literary Texts. ISBN 978-0-307-40578-4 89.wordpress.com/2008/12/21/a-christmassy-post/. Moravian Christmas in the South.. The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits. January 1990. "Dickens' classic 'Christmas Carol' still sings to us". com/philly/news/breaking/20091125_Appeals_Court__School_ district_can_ban_Christmas_carols. Philip B.aspx/1502592?UserKey=. Retrieved 2009-11-29. 108. ^ Moore's poem transferred the genuine old Dutch traditions celebrated at New Year in New York. http://action.net/Detail.com/articles/christmas/ban. Retrieved 2011-02-24. . ^ usinfo. to remake the engraving into an American scene. ^ Don Feder on Christmas – Jewish World review 110.The history of Christmas: Christmas history in America. and one more thing” December 11. pp. http://www. 98. Timetravel-britain.uk/Article." Buffalo Law Journal 12/1/2005. A History of Graphic Design. ^ "Jews for Christmas"—NewsMax article 109. ^ a b c Restad. ^ Christmas controversy article – Muslim Canadian Congress. http://www. . ISBN 0-19-510980-5 103. 2006. The Cromwell Association. ^ Godey's Lady's Book.olivercromwell. 106. (1995).philly. "Differences set aside for Winter Night Light festival in Dundee".com. Broadview Literary Texts. Inc. http://www.shtml. 2009-11-25. Action. ^ Kelly.aspx?id=2147489466. ^ Gibson. 107.gov “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26. ^ "Marta Patiño.[dead link] 114. Christianchurchofgod.christianchurchofgod. 112.20. 2006 101. ISBN 1-55111-476-3 99.” from whence comes the modern “Santa Claus”) to Christmas.htm. http://www.timetravel-britain. and tales of “sinterklass” (a derivation in Dutch from “Saint Nicholas. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Lawsuit This Season. Oxford: Oxford University Press.co. ^ First Presbyterian Church of Watertown “Oh . 2005 102. Donnelly (1984) 113.afa. Retrieved 201102-24. ^ "Boycott Gap. and Prince Albert's mustache. Old Navy.net.96. p. p. Christmas in America: a History. Retrieved 201102-24. New York: Broadview Press.com/httpwww. 104.com.afa. Richard Michael (ed. Vol. ^ "Appeals Court: School district can ban Christmas carols". ^ Meggs. ^ a b "Christian church of God – history of Christmas". Godey's copied it exactly. http://www. Sentinel Trade.christianchurchofgod.97. 77 Issue 96. 1850. 1–6 111. Penne L. ^ "Why did Cromwell abolish Christmas?". p.pressandjournal.html. Retrieved 2009-11-28. including the exchange of gifts.com.htm. The Press and Journal. ^ Ostling. and Banana Republic this Christmas". The War on Christmas.) (2003). Oliver Cromwell. ^ Lynch vs. Philly. p 148 ISBN 0-471-29198-6 105. ^ April Mitchinson (2009-11-29). ©1998 John Wiley & Sons. except he removed the Queen's crown. family feasting. 115. Philadelphia Inquirer. A Christmas Carol. . Retrieved 2006-12-28. Richard. 2006 100. 2001.state.comhistofc hristmas. John.org/faqs4. 1-4. The Puritan Ban on Christmas". 116. special liturgies. 2005.What is Christmas Creep". brightly wrapped gifts. Christians around the world will gather to celebrate Jesus’ birth. ^ US Census 2005 123. 83 (5) 124. Melody.about. Report Says" December 16. The Holiday Season" December 19. ^ "The Deadweight Loss of Christmas". But just how did the Christmas festival originate? How did December 25 come to be associated with Jesus’ birthday? . "Black Friday. About:Retail Industry. http://womeninbusiness. ^ Reuters. (accessed Nov 30 2009) 122.co.uk 119. ^ US Census Bureau. ^ "Definition Christmas Creep .com/od/womeninbusinessanswers/a/Wib-AnswersWhat-Is-The-Definition-Of-Christmas-Creep. at least in the northern hemisphere. "Facts. http://voanews. Retrieved 2011-02-24. December 1993.about. ^ Varga.". Voice Of America.com. 2005. festive foods—these all characterize the feast today. How December 25 Became Christmas by Andrew McGowan Talkback Add Your Comment Click to view a slide show of larger images and captions. Joyful carols.htm. On December 25. Womeninbusiness. "ECONOMICS REPORT – Holiday Shopping Season in the U.S. ^ South Molton and Brook Street Christmas Lights (Tuesday 16th November 2010) View London. 2001 125.com/specialenglish/archive/2004-12/a-2004-12-03-2-1. 2010-11-02. 117. 118. "Christmas is Damaging the Environment.cfm. ^ Gwen Outen (2004-12-03). American Economic Review. ^ a b Julia Kollewe Monday (29 November 2010) West End spree worth £250m marks start of Christmas shopping season The Guardian 120. ^ "Is Santa a deadweight loss?" The Economist December 20. 121. dismissing them as “pagan” practices— a strong indication that Jesus’ birth was not marked with similar festivities at that place and time. In the second century C. the 15th. days begin at sundown).E. that is. when the apocryphal text known as the Epistle to the Apostles has Jesus instruct his disciples to “make commemoration of [his] death. has been sacrificed. In Matthew. Origen of Alexandria (c. sheep might well have been corralled.”). Mark and Luke. Jesus is crucified the next morning—still. it was certainly a distinctively Christian feast by the mid-second century C. Its observance could even be implied in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 5:7–8: “Our paschal lamb. The extrabiblical evidence from the first and second century is equally spare: There is no mention of birth celebrations in the writings of early Christian writers such as Irenaeus (c.E. Each of the Four Gospels provides detailed information about the time of Jesus’ death. the date is not given.a Easter. But over time. was simply the gradual Christian reinterpretation of Passover in terms of Jesus’ Passion. Jesus’ origins would become of increasing concern. Jesus is crucified just as the Passover lambs are being sacrificed.. Therefore let us celebrate the festival.E. however. the Last Supper is held after sundown. According to John.The Bible offers few clues: Celebrations of Jesus’ Nativity are not mentioned in the Gospels or Acts. The earliest writings—Paul and Mark—make no mention of Jesus’ birth. . not even the time of year.1 As far as we can tell. This would have occurred on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Yet most scholars would urge caution about extracting such a precise but incidental detail from a narrative whose focus is theological rather than calendrical. further details of Jesus’ birth and childhood are related in apocryphal writings such as the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Proto-Gospel of James. This stands in sharp contrast to the very early traditions surrounding Jesus’ last days.. on the beginning of the 15th. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide well-known but quite different accounts of the event—although neither specifies a date. a much earlier development than Christmas. Passion and Resurrection were often of most interest to firstand early-second-century C.. just before the Jewish holiday began at sundown (considered the beginning of the 15th day because in the Hebrew calendar. Christ. We can begin to see this shift already in the New Testament. Learn more about the history of Christmas and the date of Jesus’ birth in the free e-book The First Christmas: The Story of Jesus’ Birth in History and Tradition.. Christian writers. 130–200) or Tertullian (c. in the cold month of December. 160–225). miracles. 165–264) goes so far as to mock Roman celebrations of birth anniversaries. on the other hand.b These texts provide everything from the names of Jesus’ grandparents to the details of his education—but not the date of his birth. the Passover. The biblical reference to shepherds tending their flocks at night when they hear the news of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:8) might suggest the spring lambing season.” Jesus’ ministry. Christmas was not celebrated at all at this point. in about 200 C. for most Christians. some say that it took place in the 16th year of Tiberius. and others on the 25th of Pharmuthi [April 21] and others say that on the 19th of Pharmuthi [April 15] the Savior suffered.E. December 25 would prevail. a Christian teacher in Egypt makes reference to the date Jesus was born.And treating of His Passion. commemorating the arrival of the magi in Bethlehem.E. Surprising as it may seem. who apparently kept Christmas festivals on December 25. and in the 25th day of [the Egyptian month] Pachon [May 20 in our calendar]. and then remained stubbornly attached to the practices of that moment in time. others say that He was born on the 24th or 25th of Pharmuthi [April 20 or 21].. the Donatists. By the fourth century..”3 In about 400 C. Further. however. but also the day. December 25. but also a considerable amount of interest. According to Clement of Alexandria. several different days had been proposed by various Christian groups. however. but with the Christmas story as a whole. with very great accuracy. while January 6 eventually came to be known as the Feast of the Epiphany. on the 25th of Phamenoth [March 21]. we find references to two dates that were widely recognized—and now also celebrated—as Jesus’ birthday: December 25 in the western Roman Empire and January 6 in the East (especially in Egypt and Asia Minor). The modern Armenian church continues to celebrate Christmas on January 6. .”2 Clearly there was great uncertainty. Clement doesn’t mention December 25 at all. and they say that it took place in the 28th year of Augustus. regarding it as an innovation. The earliest mention of December 25 as Jesus’ birthday comes from a mid-fourth-century Roman almanac that lists the death dates of various Christian bishops and martyrs. Click to view a slide show of larger images and captions. Since the Donatist group only emerged during the persecution under Diocletian in 312 C. is marked: natus Christus in Betleem Judeae: “Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea.E. Clement writes: “There are those who have determined not only the year of our Lord’s birth.. Augustine of Hippo mentions a local dissident Christian group. January 6 was at first not associated with the magi alone. In the East. The first date listed. in dating Jesus’ birth in the late second century. they seem to represent an older North African Christian tradition. but refused to celebrate the Epiphany on January 6..Finally. The period between became the holiday season later known as the 12 days of Christmas. this theory of Christmas’s origins has its problems. they simply assimilated the pagan solstice festival for their own purposes. they clearly don’t think the date was chosen by the church. as many scholars recognize. early Christians deliberately chose these dates to encourage the spread of Christmas and Christianity throughout the Roman world: If Christmas looked like a pagan holiday. too. It’s not until the 12th century that we find the first suggestion that Jesus’ birth celebration was deliberately set at the time of pagan feasts. 339–397). claiming it as the time of the Messiah’s birth and celebrating it accordingly. however. as Christianity expanded into northern and western Europe. The Christmas tree. 200) and the earliest celebrations that we know about (c. Despite its popularity today.. more pagans would be open to both the holiday and the God whose birth it celebrated.E. The Romans had their mid-winter Saturnalia festival in late December. the other less often heard outside scholarly circles (though far more ancient).So. But early Christian writers never hint at any recent calendrical engineering. for example. More recent studies have shown that many of the holiday’s modern trappings do reflect pagan customs borrowed much later. Rather they see the coincidence as a providential sign. almost 300 years after Jesus was born.5 In the 18th and 19th centuries. This has only encouraged modern audiences to assume that the date. Christmas. But how had they settled on the dates December 25 and January 6? There are two theories today: one extremely popular. the first mention of a date for Christmas (c. 250–300) come in a period when Christians were not borrowing heavily from pagan traditions of such an obvious character.4 The most loudly touted theory about the origins of the Christmas date(s) is that it was borrowed from pagan celebrations. According to this theory. Most significantly. has been linked with late medieval druidic practices. Christian authors of the time do note a connection between the solstice and Jesus’ birth: The church father Ambrose (c. for one thing. who outshone the fallen gods of the old order. must be pagan. on December 25. barbarian peoples of northern and western Europe kept holidays at similar times. for example. Bible scholars spurred on by the new study of comparative religions latched on to this idea. To top it off. . A marginal note on a manuscript of the writings of the Syriac biblical commentator Dionysius bar-Salibi states that in ancient times the Christmas holiday was actually shifted from January 6 to December 25 so that it fell on the same date as the pagan Sol Invictus holiday. as natural proof that God had selected Jesus over the false pagan gods. we finally find people observing his birth in midwinter. in 274 C. the Roman emperor Aurelian established a feast of the birth of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun).6 They claimed that because the early Christians didn’t know when Jesus was born. described Christ as the true sun. is really a spin-off from these pagan solar festivals. the argument goes. There are problems with this popular theory. It is not found in any ancient Christian writings. it seems unlikely that the date was simply selected to correspond with pagan solar festivals. the key to dating Jesus’ birth may lie in the dating of Jesus’ death at Passover. Christmas may well have acquired some pagan trappings.E.10 Thus. meals honoring martyrs and much early Christian funerary art—would have been quite comprehensible to pagan observers. such as sacrifices. This would change only after Constantine converted to Christianity. As we have seen. The treatise states: “Therefore our Lord was conceived on the eighth of the kalends of April in the month of March [March 25]. public pagan religious observances. the Donatist Christians in North Africa seem to have know it from before that time.. The December 25 feast seems to have existed before 312—before Constantine and his conversion. Many early elements of Christian worship—including eucharistic meals. it was later recognized as the Feast of the Annunciation— the commemoration of Jesus’ conception.8 But they were certainly not the first to note a connection between the traditional date of Jesus’ death and his birth. we do find Christians deliberately adapting and Christianizing pagan festivals. A famous proponent of this practice was Pope Gregory the Great. At this late point. which appears to come from fourth-century North Africa. Yet. From the mid-fourth century on. Thus. the treatise dates Jesus’ birth to the winter solstice. on December 25. to a Christian missionary in Britain. Christian belief and practice were not formed in isolation. at which point dates for Christmas were established. Exactly nine months later. church leaders in the eastern Empire concerned themselves not with introducing a celebration of Jesus’ birthday. For on that day he was conceived on the same he suffered. But we don’t have evidence of Christians adopting pagan festivals in the third century.7 There is another way to account for the origins of Christmas on December 25: Strange as it may seem. but with the addition of the December date to their traditional celebration on January 6. This was still true as late as the violent persecutions of the Christians conducted by the Roman emperor Diocletian between 303 and 312 C. This view was first suggested to the modern world by French scholar Louis Duchesne in the early 20th century and fully developed by American Thomas Talley in more recent years. recommended that local pagan temples not be destroyed but be converted into churches. nine months before December 25. Around 200 C.to late fourth century. in a letter written in 601 C. in the first few centuries C.9 March 25 is.”11 Based on this. Jesus was born. and that pagan festivals be celebrated as feasts of Christian martyrs.d This idea appears in an anonymous Christian treatise titled On Solstices and Equinoxes.Granted.E. . the persecuted Christian minority was greatly concerned with distancing itself from the larger. which is the day of the passion of the Lord and of his conception.E. at least. in the mid. Jesus was believed to have been conceived and crucified on the same day of the year.E. Furthermore. who. games and holidays. Tertullian of Carthage reported the calculation that the 14th of Nisan (the day of the crucifixion according to the Gospel of John) in the year Jesus diedc was equivalent to March 25 in the Roman (solar) calendar. of course. One of the most poignant expressions of this belief is found in Christian art.15 In the end we are left with a question: How did December 25 become Christmas? We cannot be entirely sure.”12 In the East.)14 Thus. too. we may perhaps also be touching upon something that the pagan Romans . upon which day also he suffered. neither before him nor since. we have Christians in two parts of the world calculating Jesus’ birth on the basis that his death and conception took place on the same day (March 25 or April 6) and coming up with two close but different results (December 25 and January 6). Then again. he who took away and takes away in perpetual sacrifice the sins of the world. Tishri. dates these same events to the following month. the dates of Jesus’ conception and death were linked. in which he was conceived. was familiar with this association. Connecting Jesus’ conception and death in this way will certainly seem odd to modern readers..E. April 6 is. Joshua. the easterners used the 14th of the first spring month (Artemisios) in their local Greek calendar—April 6 to us. In On the Trinity (c. and from the rabbinic notion that great things might be expected. But he was born. in Nisan the Patriarchs were born. so the womb of the Virgin. and born nine months later. But instead of working from the 14th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar. at the same time of the year —than from paganism. too. recorded in the Talmud. where no one of mortals was begotten.” (The other rabbi. Bishop Epiphanius of Salamis writes that on April 6. rabbis who share this view. in this notion of cycles and the return of God’s redemption. the Armenian Church celebrates the Annunciation in early April (on the 7th. a visual reminder that the conception brings the promise of salvation through Jesus’ death. the dates of Christmas and Epiphany may well have resulted from Christian theological reflection on such chronologies: Jesus would have been conceived on the same date he died.and in Nisan they [our ancestors] will be redeemed in time to come. upon December the 25th. Yet the actual date might really derive more from Judaism—from Jesus’ death at Passover. but it reflects ancient and medieval understandings of the whole of salvation being bound up together. according to tradition. exactly nine months before January 6—the eastern date for Christmas.Augustine. but disagree on the date: Rabbi Eliezer states: “In Nisan the world was created. 399–419) he writes: “For he [Jesus] is believed to have been conceived on the 25th of March. In the East too. Elements of the festival that developed from the fourth century until modern times may well derive from pagan traditions. In numerous paintings of the angel’s Annunciation to Mary—the moment of Jesus’ conception—the baby Jesus is shown gliding down from heaven on or with a small cross (see photo of detail from Master Bertram’s Annunciation scene). The Babylonian Talmud preserves a dispute between two early-second-century C.e Thus. wherein was never man laid.. we have evidence that April was associated with Jesus’ conception and crucifixion. corresponds to the new grave in which he was buried. “The lamb was shut up in the spotless womb of the holy virgin. again and again. not the 6th) and Christmas on January 6. The notion that creation and redemption should occur at the same time of year is also reflected in ancient Jewish tradition.”13 Even today. of course. on Passover Isaac was born. 13. Talley. 8. Scholars of liturgical history in the English-speaking world are particularly skeptical of the “solstice” connection. 86. 15. AO 03:01. “Was Jesus’ Last Supper a Seder?” BR 17:05. d. 16.21. see Talley. Origins. Roll. 2nd ed. 5.” Journal of Biblical Literature 42 (1923). John Chrysostom. pregnancies and miscarriages. Origins. “The Origins of Christmas: The State of the Question. Talley. There are other relevant texts for this element of argument. including Hippolytus and the (pseudo-Cyprianic) De pascha computus. 273–290. Ronald F.” BR 17:03. d. “The Favored One. See Jonathan Klawans. Louis Duchesne. 6. and hence as an alternate “incarnation” story—on the same date (Stromateis 1. 118–120. 5th ed. b.&rd. MN: Liturgical Press. Adversus Iudaeos 8. Sermon 202. Gregory of Nazianzen.who celebrated Sol Invictus. Bainton. Hock. pp. 81–134. 1991). on the history of scholarship see especially Roll. Clement. see Susan K. and many other peoples since. “The Appearance of the Light at the Baptism of Jesus and the Origins of the Feast of the Epiphany. Origins. 1171. De solstitia et aequinoctia conceptionis et nativitatis domini nostri iesu christi et iohannis baptistae. Prominent among these was Paul Ernst Jablonski. drawing on Roland H. 1925). 12. . Augustine. “The 34 Gospels. Hedrick. Origen. see Leonara Neville. and now especially Gabriele Winkler. MN: Liturgical Press. would have understood and claimed for their own too.145. ed. Cartlidge. 10. 14. pp. 3. 101– 102. and Charles W. “Fixing the Millennium. c. 2. Homily on Leviticus 8.” in Between Memory and Hope: Readings on the Liturgical Year (Collegeville. Oratio 38. pp. See further on this point Thomas J. 289–290. “The Origins of Christmas.” in Maxwell Johnson. 275–279. 277–283. In Diem Natalem. See the following BR articles: David R. 2000). b.21. 81–82. For more on dating the year of Jesus’ birth. Rosh Hashanah 10b–11a. In addition. Origins. see Roll. see Talley. p. “The Christian Apocrypha: Preserved in Art. On the two theories as false alternatives.” BR 13:03. Tertullian.16 Notes 1.146). The ancients were familiar with the 9-month gestation period based on the observance of women’s menstrual cycles. and Talley. 4. “Basilidian Chronology and New Testament Interpretation. Between Memory and Hope: Readings on the Liturgical Year (Collegeville.. Christians in Clement’s native Egypt seem to have known a commemoration of Jesus’ baptism—sometimes understood as the moment of his divine choice. 11. (Collegeville. 7. pp.” a. MN: Liturgical Press. Origines du culte Chrétien. 90–91. 2000). pp. 9. pp. Origins of the Liturgical Year. pp.” BR 18:03. Epiphanius is quoted in Talley. Stromateis 1. A gloss on a manuscript of Dionysius Bar Salibi. pp. Origins. The Philocalian Calendar.” pp. (Paris: Thorin et Fontemoing. especially pp. 98. For example. 291–347. “Origins of Christmas. They used to celebrate it in the Spring. Christmas does not have pagan origins. Let's celebrate it at the same time the pagans are celebrating their pagan festival. But the church said. it seems to me that if God can do such a thing--take a practice that had heathen content to it. offensive religious content--and they redeem that for Christianity. In the West (and eventually everywhere). or “Fourteenthers. gave it to Abraham. They redefine what people have been doing. If you read Don Richardson's books Eternity in Their Hearts or Peace Child. which was actually a temptation for Christians to participate in that had pagan content to it. save the practice. There was. It has Biblical content. the Easter celebration was later shifted from the actual day to the following Sunday. this . Plus it will protect Christians from being wooed away by this other celebration to participate in what was a pagan celebration". We've done that many times. Jesus Christ. "We can celebrate it any time we want. for example.” Is Christmas Pagan? Gregory Koukl Greg sets the record straight on some old rumors about the origin of Christmas and separates the concepts of the meaningof Christmas from the spirit of Christmas. They capture the cultural form and they reinvest it with spiritual meaning. By golly. The question of whether Christmas is pagan enters into the idea of cultural practices. It was a cultural practice which had some religious significance.e. reinvest new information to it--then it certainly is okay for the church to do it. So the church changed the day that they celebrated the birth of Christ. They take the momentum of a cultural practice--a cultural practice that may even have religious content to it. We make things wrong that the Bible doesn't make wrong. The insistence of the eastern Christians in keeping Easter on the actual 14th day caused a major debate within the church. We think of circumcision as this really holy thing in the Old Testament associated with the covenant. We've done that in other cultures and it served to offer a springboard for us into cultures using cultural forms and reinvesting them with new meaning. Circumcision was practiced by the Egyptians before it was practiced by the Jews. reinvested it with new meaning and it became a religious rite for Abraham to worship his creator. but there are winter celebrations that are pagan. By the way. with the easterners sometimes referred to as the Quartodecimans. But it wasn't that way originally. which it was. Some have made the assertion that Christmas has pagan origins. It was really a wise thing that they did and the kind of thing that many missionaries do even nowadays. It'll act as a contrast to that pagan festival because our celebration is the birth of the God-man. a saturnal celebration around the time of Christmas that pagans celebrated. there is an example of this in the Bible. God captured the practice. They reinvest it with new meaning. In other words. My point is. and we make them equal with God's laws. or whatever the content was. Oh Christmas Tree. That may have had a pagan meaning for others who practiced the other holiday. it doesn't say you shouldn't go to movies. We have done that with Christmas. And we've done the same thing with Christmas. They captured cultural forms that had one meaning and reinvested it with a new meaning. I think it can be legalistic to say one should not celebrate Christmas. Now there is nothing at all wrong with that. The Christmas tree for a Christian no longer betokens worshipping nature. We're not celebrating a pagan holiday because the pagan holiday was the saturnal and we're not worshipping the god of Saturn. It betokens worshipping Jesus. I don't think there is anything wrong with that at all. If you listen to the words of the song "Oh Christmas Tree. it doesn't say you shouldn't drink.is what he talks about. this is a tree that we are using as a cultural expression that can be invested with religious meaning for the Christian. Tokens are only things that represent something else… It doesn't have meaning or value in itself. and this became a springboard to reach into these cultures with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. but are in fact man's laws. It makes something a rule to apply to men when God didn't give them that rule. One way it's used is to mean that we take laws that aren't God's laws. My point is that we have liberty in reinvesting cultural forms with spiritual meaning. So this is not a Christmas tree that we're putting in our house as an idol to some tree god. this view is legalistic in that it makes things that aren't Scripturally wrong and it makes them wrong. It appears that is what is going on with Christmas. The same thing with the giving of gifts. There are different ways the term legalism can be used. No. That's a type of legalism. we take a man's law that says we shouldn't smoke. we make things wrong that the Bible doesn't make wrong. I think the practice of Christmas is fully legitimate even though there may have some pagan elements that were originally associated with a celebration at this time. That doesn't make our celebration of Christmas the same as that old celebration." the original was written with the Christmas tree being a type of Jesus Christ. We are not doing that. You look at the words and the gospel is in the words of the Christmas tree. For example. But for us giving of gifts is appropriate because it reflects the gift that God gave us in the person of Jesus. or something like that. If you celebrate the birth of Christ. then you're doing something wrong. We take our rules that we apply in our church or denomination and apply it to all Christians. Now the Bible doesn't say we shouldn't smoke. In fact. I think it's good and healthy for us to do so. it's quite . there are probably all kinds of things I could find in their daily life--their little habits and things that they do--that if you went back to their beginnings their foundation has all kinds of questionable ideology. Some say no. Theirs is a festival that is commonplace now but which doesn't have its source in a direct command in Scripture. There is nothing in the Scripture that says that we ought to. and for anyone to say that 500 years ago it meant this is inconsequential. we aren't obliged to do so. Now. here is a difference between the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of Christmas. Words don't work that way. those 400 years between Malachi and Jesus. the Festival of Lights. When we say the word Christmas. and holding that if you say this word you are affirming that meaning instead of the meaning that you hold the word to have at the present moment. you are doing something pagan. If you look back in the Old Testament. There is not a bit of paganism in that. It is appropriate. Actually. it doesn't mean that now. That is what it means. How does that make any sense? Should someone have a Christmas tree or stockings? That's a separate question. It doesn't mean that anymore. I don't agree with the assessment of the stockings or Christmas tree either. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus. we are not blaspheming. Even Hanukkah. It just doesn't mean that. I don't understand how anyone can look at the Christmas carols that we sing during this time and say that this is pagan.different. Frankly. the language thing is a real important parallel because our words change . This is a fallacy--going back to the original etymology of the word. one of the things that God did is He arranged for the Jews to celebrate festivals that He established to remind themselves of the significance of that event by participating in these annual festivals year to year. The true meaning of Christmas has to do with Jesus Christ. It just seems to be much ado about nothing. What we do on Christmas is focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. a special deliverance. Should a Christian celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ? That's really what we are talking about. that God gave them during what we call the inter-testamental period. but not obligatory. but it strikes me that it is entirely appropriate. It's something that they do to recollect a deliverance. but they don't have that significance for people now. It reminds people year to year of God's faithfulness and His goodness. The spirit of Christmas…has to do with the feeling you have. Why? Because when you celebrate the birth of the Messiah. What the word Christmas means is the day that Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. but it does function like many of those other things that are in Scripture. But should someone celebrate the birth of Christ? How could anybody object to that. Even if the word Christmas came from the Catholic Christ Mass. wasn't given by God in the Scriptures. A Christmas tree doesn't mean anything to me. it isn't about peace on earth. then that becomes a theological meaning for you. There is a difference between the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of Christmas. That's the critical issue. Now it may have been that a Christmas tree was a token in the past of a pagan type. and if you were taught early on that the Christmas tree is representative of theological truth. has to do with the feeling you have. it isn't about giving. but it isn't about those things. and that kind of thing. But for me a tree and ornaments are just my cultural expression that has to do with the emotional impact with Christmas. for example. It betokened worshipping nature. A bus token represents a ticket to ride on the bus. The feeling is a result of your past experiences with Christmas. But this is why I can say. That doesn't make sense. It isn't about love. I have a Christmas tree not because the Christmas tree reminds me of Jesus. the second one is emotional. at a later point that word means something different so you can't say that when you use the term later on you're referring to the earlier meaning. it's simply a token of something else. are tokens also. One of them is theological. For me. At one point in history a word meant a particular thing. Christmas trees and gifts and stockings. Christmas is not a pagan holiday . it is about Jesus Christ. By the same token. The true meaning of Christmas has to do with Jesus Christ.meaning as time goes on. Technically. like a bus token. the spirit of Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus. They are entirely different things. in my view. It means Christmas trees are part of Christmas. They are tokens for a particular meaning. It betokens worshipping Jesus. Now tokens are only things that represent something else. though I could imagine for some people it does. The other things may be related. It doesn't have meaning or value in itself. The significant point here is that my tree has no pagan content. and I think that's fine. this other thing is called a type. The Christmas tree for a Christian no longer betokens worshipping nature. The spirit of Christmas. But early Christian writers never hint at any recent calendrical engineering. The most loudly touted theory about the origins of the Christmas date(s) is that it was borrowed from pagan celebrations. they clearly don’t think the date was chosen by the church. the Roman emperor Aurelian established a feast of the birth of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun). is really a spin-off from these pagan solar festivals. as natural proof that God had selected Jesus over the false pagan gods.Biblical Archaeology Review has an interesting article on why Christmas is celebrated on December 25. this theory of Christmas’s origins has its problems.E. for one thing. Christian authors of the time do note a connection between the solstice and Jesus’ birth: The church father Ambrose (c. The article also dispells the widely held urban myth that Christmas was a pagan holiday. more pagans would be open to both the holiday and the God whose birth it celebrated. who outshone the fallen gods of the old order. in 274 C. Rather they see the coincidence as a providential sign. To top it off. It is not found in any ancient Christian writings. 339–397). According to this theory. It’s not until the 12th century that we find the first suggestion that Jesus’ birth celebration was deliberately set at the time of pagan feasts.. early Christians deliberately chose these dates to encourage the spread of Christmas and Christianity throughout the Roman world: If Christmas looked like a pagan holiday. The Romans had their mid-winter Saturnalia festival in late December. for example. Christmas. A marginal note on a manuscript of the . on December 25. described Christ as the true sun. barbarian peoples of northern and western Europe kept holidays at similar times. Despite its popularity today. the argument goes. Around 200 C. . which is the day of the passion of the Lord and of his conception.”11 Based on this. the key to dating Jesus’ birth may lie in the dating of Jesus’ death at Passover. This was still true as late as the violent persecutions of the Christians conducted by the Roman emperor Diocletian between 303 and 312 C. 200) and the earliest celebrations that we know about (c. nine months before December 25.6 They claimed that because the early Christians didn’t know when Jesus was born. . Bible scholars spurred on by the new study of comparative religions latched on to this idea. the treatise dates Jesus’ birth to the winter solstice. There are problems with this popular theory. In order to understand this subject.9 March 25 is. . Most significantly.d This idea appears in an anonymous Christian treatise titled On Solstices and Equinoxes. which appears to come from fourth-century North Africa.E. . others object to its origins. of course.E. games and holidays. it was later recognized as the Feast of the Annunciation— the commemoration of Jesus’ conception. Some object to the commercialism of the holiday.writings of the Syriac biblical commentator Dionysius bar-Salibi states that in ancient times the Christmas holiday was actually shifted from January 6 to December 25 so that it fell on the same date as the pagan Sol Invictus holiday.8 But they were certainly not the first to note a connection between the traditional date of Jesus’ death and his birth. it is helpful to trace some of the history of Christmas avoidance. .10 Thus. public pagan religious observances. There is another way to account for the origins of Christmas on December 25: Strange as it may seem.5 In the 18th and 19th centuries. Jesus was born. such as sacrifices. . particularly its roots in Puritanism. Tertullian of Carthage reported the calculation that the 14th of Nisan (the day of the crucifixion according to the Gospel of John) in the year Jesus diedc was equivalent to March 25 in the Roman (solar) calendar. This view was first suggested to the modern world by French scholar Louis Duchesne in the early 20th century and fully developed by American Thomas Talley in more recent years. the first mention of a date for Christmas (c. Exactly nine months later. The treatise states: “Therefore our Lord was conceived on the eighth of the kalends of April in the month of March [March 25]. . 250–300) come in a period when Christians were not borrowing heavily from pagan traditions of such an obvious character. . . . Jesus was believed to have been conceived and crucified on the same day of the year.E. as many scholars recognize. . In the first few centuries C.. claiming it as the time of the Messiah’s birth and celebrating it accordingly. the persecuted Christian minority was greatly concerned with distancing itself from the larger. on December 25. however. For on that day he was conceived on the same he suffered. Is Christmas a Sin? Some Christians believe that Christians should not observe Christmas. they simply assimilated the pagan solstice festival for their own purposes. However. They may simply have wanted to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Puritans identified the embracing of Christianity by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the early 300s as the starting point of the degeneration and corruption of the church. The fact that anti-Christmas sentiment exists among some groups originating in New England should not be surprising. This syncretistic character of most forms of Christmas celebration was enough for Puritans to avoid the holiday as a compromise with the pure exercise of Christian faith. worship and thanks toward Christ in forms not found in the Bible? Are Christians ever free to innovate in worship? May church leaders establish special days to celebrate the great acts of salvation? . but focused instead on Jesus' birth. though interconnected. They attempted to base their faith and practice solely on the New Testament. but by the mid-300s. As late as 1847. Christmas meant "the mass of Christ. except among their most conservative offspring." Consequently. Puritans argued that God reserved to himself the determination of all proper forms of worship. No evidence exists that the Christian leaders who began this practice consciously wanted to compromise with paganism. The two customs had separate. to express their faith. no college in New England had a Christmas holiday. They believed the corruption of the church was brought on by the interweaving of the church with the pagan Roman state." The mass was despised as a Roman Catholic institution that undermined the Protestant concept of Christ. is any concern about Christmas. either individually or as a church. and that he disapproved of any human innovations – even innovations that celebrated the great events of salvation. To Puritans. modern scholars generally agree that the date they chose for Christmas was influenced by a pagan celebration on or about that same date honoring the "Invincible Sun. Christmas was impure because it entered the Roman Church sometime in this period. The Puritans' passionate avoidance of any practice that was associated with papal Rome caused them to overlook the fact that in many countries the name for the day had nothing to do with the Catholic mass. However. Congregationalists and many Baptists – remain. some customs unrelated to the birth of Jesus that commonly characterize modern Christmas celebrations were also present in pre-Christian pagan celebrations. who offered himself once for all. As ardent Protestants. and their position on Christmas reflected their commitment to practice a pure. Gone. the practice was well established.The Puritans believed that the first-century church modeled a Christianity that modern Christians should copy. No one knows the exact year or under what circumstances Roman Christians began to celebrate the birth of their Lord. there are today no churches that call themselves Puritans. The name Christmas also alienated many Puritans. Yet their theological descendants – Presbyterians. The New England culture was permeated with Puritan values. The mass did not evolve into the form abhorred by Protestants until long after Christmas was widely observed. The central issue regarding Christmas observance is this: How much freedom do Christians have in the new covenant. scriptural form of Christianity. histories. When Israel added Hanukkah and Purim to its religious calendar – events that celebrated God's saving acts in Jewish history – these were acceptable to God. Temples. God used to symbolize an aspect of the Christ (Malachi 4:2). Even the sun. priests. universally worshipped as a god by pagan cultures. any more than not knowing when Christ will return diminishes the value of celebrating his return. music in worship. . Puritan criticism of Christmas was based on outward appearances and a strong anti-Catholic perspective. his entrance into the world was a cause of great rejoicing and celebration. they deny it for customs and traditions. "Once pagan. Christians who keep Christmas are not pagans. Too often. Love motivates many Christians to celebrate Christmas. But a truly Christian observance of Christmas does not include drunkenness. Christmas provides an opportunity for them to express both. fornication. such as the birth of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus. and make a right judgment" (John 7:24). They honor Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jesus taught. They love their Savior and they love their families. God transformed these customs into a form of worship devoted to him. It is not a sin to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The fact that non-Christians or even some Christians celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday or in a profane way is not a reason to avoid Christmas — any holiday can be misused. but the behavior. harvest festivals. circumcision and tithing all had ancient pagan counterparts. Unless we are to conclude that celebrating Christ's arrival as God in the flesh is a bad thing. They may admit the transforming power of Christ for people. was the addition of the synagogue itself and its traditions. and even the angels sang for joy (Luke 1:46-2:38). To harshly judge those who choose to practice their faith in this spirit of devotion conflicts with many New Testament principles. its celebration on what was once a pagan holiday is irrelevant. because it made possible human reconciliation to God. But this lack of knowledge does not diminish the value of celebrating his birth. "Stop judging by mere appearances. The problem is not the date. No one knows the exact date of Jesus' birth. always pagan" is the way some people reason. Yet many of the practices God approved for ancient Israel had previously existed in paganism. After all. It is true that certain customs attached to December 25 are practiced in a pagan spirit by many people.Devout Christians sometimes confuse ancient forms with modern substance. Examples such as these have led many Christians to conclude that the church also has the freedom to add to its calendar festivals that celebrate God's intervention in human affairs. So. too. They do not worship nor regard pagan gods. At his birth people who loved God rejoiced in praise. carousing or any other conduct unworthy of saints. and we hope that Christians who celebrate Christmas and those who do not are both seeking to honor Jesus Christ (Romans 14:5-6). . not a commercialized one. We encourage them to celebrate it as a religious holiday.We encourage people to observe Christmas as a celebration of a very important event in our salvation: the birth of Jesus Christ. Christ should be the center of the celebration. Some may choose not to celebrate.