What is the Fact about Christmas?
By icebridge
@icebridge (144)
Philippines
December 2, 2006 1:04pm CST
Where did the world get Christmas?...from the Bible, or paganism. Here are astonishing facts which may shock you. Test yourself. How much do you know of the origin of the Christmas tree - of "Santa Claus" - of the mistletoe - of the holly wreath - of the custom of exchanging gifts?
When I was a little boy, I was taught to hang up my stockings on Christmas eve. When I awakened the next morning, they were filled with small toys and sacks or little boxes of candy and nuts. And beside the mantle, from which my stockings hung, a Christmas tree had suddenly appeared, decorated with shiny tinsel. And on it hung presents. Other presents for us children were piled on the floor underneath. I was told Santa Claus had come down the chimney during the night and left all these things.
But did I question what my parents had told me? Of course not. I accepted it - took it all for granted. Didn't you?
Stop and think a moment. Very few have ever reflected on WHY they believe what they do - WHY they follow the customs they do, or from WHERE those customs came. We were born into a world filled with customs. We grew up accepting them without question. Why? Sheep instinct? Well, not exactly. But by nature we do tend to follow the crowd, whether right or wrong. Sheep follow others to the slaughter. Humans ought to check up where they are going. How - WHEN did Christmas originate? Does Christmas REALLY celebrate the birthday of Christ? Was Jesus born on December 25th? Did the original apostles, who knew Jesus personally and were taught by Him, celebrate His birthday on December 25th? Did they celebrate it AT ALL?
If Christmas is the chief of the Christian holidays, WHY do so many non-Christians observe it? Do you know? Why do people exchange presents with family members, friends, relatives, at Christmas time? Was it because the wise men presented gifts to the Christ-child? The answer may surprise you.
Most people have "supposed" a lot of things about Christmas that are not true. But let's quit "supposing" and get the facts!
5 responses
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
2 Dec 06
Christians cling to Christmas because Constantine decided to celebrate the birth of Jesus where it would coincide with Saturnalia. He had to make Christianity palatable to the Roman people, so he just basically changed the names of already existing Roman traditions and holidays and called them Christian.
It boggles me how many people think Jesus was actually born on December 25th. All the historical proof points to either late summer or early fall for his birth.
Christmas has evolved incredibly over the years, and incorperates so many traditions from so many different places and cultures and religions that it's impossible to say it's completely Christian or completely Pagan. It's a blend of both. Interesting tidbit: Christmas trees, which originated in Germany, were originally hung upside down from the ceiling. The custom has recently made a comeback.
Nowadays, most people are celebrating Commercialism And Presents rather than anything secular. Christmas is much larger than any religion and has become a commercial holiday in the eyes of many. I don't celebrate a secular Christmas, I celebrate the season of winter and a time to string up pretty lights in celebration of maybe tomorrow being a better day.
Oh yeah, and presents. :D
@layschips (8)
• United States
3 Dec 06
Wow, that is a really good answer....I coudlnt say for sure if its right or wrong since I have not done the research myself, but I have heard alot of what you said from religeous leaders before. I agree with you in the statement that Christ was not born on December 25th, I do believe that is when everyone observes it though. I wonder if you know anything about how "Santa Clause" started since it does not seem to have anything to do with christmas whatsoever, just like the Rabbit (easter bunny) in April....but thats a whole different topic.
@Lugh69 (149)
• United States
2 Dec 06
The dates and most of the traditions surrounding "Christmas" are all of Celtic and Germanic origin. Jesus was born in the spring. The Celts celebrated the coming of winter(when the time of light was greater than the time of darkness in a day)for centuries before Jesus was born. It was one of their 8 main holidays. The same can be said for easter and halloween/all saints day. Most of the holidays celebrated by Christians today were already being celebrated by the original inhabitants of Europe, mostly of Celtic or Germanic origin. When Christianity spread to Europe through the Roman empire they found it easier to co-opt the existing holidays ensure the inhabitants would convert more readily.
