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Christmas
Christmas is celebrated all over the world
and in many different ways. Christmas originated as Christes
Maesse a religious festival to celebrate the birth of
Jesus held on the Bethlehem plains . However, a date to
celebrate this illustrious occasion wasn't ordained until 350
AD. Although some believe it has been celebrated
since 98.  Julius I, Bishop of Rome, chose
December 25th to commemorate the occasion.
During the winter, several pagan festivals were held which created
conflict within the church. Saturnalia, a decadent Roman festival
lasted 2-3 weeks. This festival honored their agricultural god and
there was a lot of feasting, drinking, and merry making. The Winter
Solstice was (and is) celebrated by many cultures. Winter Solstice is
the shortest day of the year and the days begin getting longer and so
the rebirth of the sun was celebrated. The Persians feasted and paid
tribute to Mithra and the Teutonic tribes honored Woden.
Although this day was initially suppose to be a solemn occasion as
decreed by Telesphorus, Bishop of Rome in 137, the influence of the
different pagan holidays was destined. After several attempts to ban
pagan rituals and customs from the Christian holiday, the church
eventually gave way and incorporated many of them into Christmas by
"Christianizing" them. Thus, Christmas is the blending of the old faith
and the new.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
by
W.Holidays
modified
May 4, 2008
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