Christmas stories are beloved by everyone, from Dr. Seuss to Charles Dickens. The holiday itself has many storybook elements. There are the Christmas decorations, an Christmas dinner and a mysterious gift delivery that contains everything you could wish for. These are all Christmas traditions that we accept. But have you ever thought about the true history of Christmas?
It is a Christian holiday and therefore has religious significance. Since centuries, artists have painted the nativity scene. Numerous movies have been made that explore the joyful themes of the holiday. What’s the deal about the red-suited red-headed jolly man? Why are we able to keep ornamented trees in our homes. Why are ornaments traditionally round? There are many things to learn if you really stop and think about it.
The history of Christmas is older than we think, just like the true story of Halloween. Over the years, our beloved traditions have changed in ways that we couldn’t imagine.
What Is The True Story Behind Christmas?
Although we all know Christmas is celebrated on December 25, it wasn’t always this way. People from all over the globe have celebrated Christmas Day as the birth of Jesus of Nazareth for two millennia. Surprise surprise! The Bible does not mention any specific date or time for Jesus’ birth.
As many people saw the winter solstice, December was a significant month before Christianity. In recognition of the sun’s return, the Norse celebrate Yule between December 21 and January. best-selling For Product in market on Christmas days,Large logs were brought home by families who would light them up and feast until the sun went out. December was the month in which most European cattle were killed and wine and beer were fermented.
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Further south, in Rome, winters were not as harsh. However, they observed Saturnalia all through December and Juvenalia on the 25th. Saturnalia was dedicated to the god of agriculture and Juvenalia was for the honor of the children of Rome, as well as the infant god Mithra. These celebrations featured evergreens as a key part of the decoration.
What Is The Origin Of Christmas Traditions?
The Feast of the Nativity was originally called this holiday. It spread to Egypt in 432, and England and Germany in the sixth century. The celebrations were characterized by raucous drinking and a carnival atmosphere. These Christmas traditions were similar to the pagan Juvenalia and solstice rituals, but were now integrated into one day.
A fascinating aspect of the original tradition is the dynamic between the rich & the poor at Christmas. States that students and beggars would visit a lord’s home and ask for the best food and wine. The visitor could cause trouble if the master refused to comply. The holiday was a day when the wealthy could repay society’s debts by giving entertainment or gifts to the less fortunate.
How Did Christmas Become An American Holiday?“
Americans took the holiday as a chance to make a living, as we do so often. The 1800s was the first time Americans adopted Christmas. But, we basically remade it after that. There was a lot of class conflict in the 19th century. According to The Atlantic, wealthy New Yorkers responded by changing the holiday’s ethos.
In 1819, Washington Irving, the best-selling author, wrote The Sketchbook Of Geoffrey Crayon. This popular series of stories set Christmas at an English manor house. It made the holiday a family-centered, peaceful celebration that brought together everyone, regardless of their wealth or social standing.
Charles Dickens also published A Christmas Carolyn England. His message about Christmas charity struck cultural chords. This time, children’s emotional needs were also reexamined and Christmas became a day for “spoiling” them.
