The history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years as the various
Custom and tradition associated with the festival of Christmas were celebrated centuries before the birth of Christ. The exact day of the
Christ child's birth has never been pinpointed. Traditions say that it
Has been celebrated since the year 98 AD. In 137 AD the Bishop of Rome ordered the birthday of the Christ Child celebrated as a solemn feast.
In 350 AD another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, choose December 25th as
The observance of Christmas.
The History Of Christmas can be traced to some of the popular
Festival celebrated by early civilization that gave way to Christmas.
Mesopotamian: New Years
Many of these traditions began with the Mesopotamian celebration
Of New Years. The Mesopotamians believed in many gods, and as their
Chief god - Marduk. Each year as winter arrived it was believed that
Marduk would do battle with the monsters of chaos. To assist
Marduk in his struggle the Mesopotamians held a festival for the
New Year. This was Zagmuk, the New Year's festival that lasted
For 12 days.
Persians and Babylonians: Sacaea
The Persians and the Babylonians celebrated a similar festival
Called the Sacaea. Part of that celebration included the exchanging
Of places, the slaves would become the masters and the masters
Were to obey.
Europeans: Winter Solstice
Early Europeans believed in evil spirits, witches, ghosts and trolls.
As the Winter Solstice approached, with its long cold nights and
Short days, many people feared the sun would not return. Special
Rituals and celebrations were held to welcome back the sun.
Scandinavia: Yuletide
In Scandinavia, during the winter months the sun would disappear
For many days. After thirty-five days scouts would be sent to the
Mountain tops to look for the return of the sun. When the first light
Was seen the scouts would return with the good news. A great festival
Would be held, called the Yuletide, and a special feast would be served
Around a fire burning with the Yule log. Great bonfires would also be
Lit to celebrate the return of the sun. In some areas people would tie
Apples to branches of trees to remind themselves that spring and
Summer would return.
Roman: Saturnalia
The Roman's celebrated their god Saturn. Their festival was called
Saturnalia which began the middle of December and ended January
1st.The celebration would include masquerades in the streets, big
Festive Meals, visiting friends, and the exchange of good-luck gifts
Called Strenae.
The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also the Persians
Whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at
That time. The Church eventually was successful in taking the
Merriment, lights, and gifts from the Saturanilia festival and
Bringing them to the celebration of Christmas.
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