The Long Road to Modern Christmas Celebrations

Because the New Testament does not give a specific date, modern historians have determined that Jesus Christ was actually born a few months before December 25. That date was chosen by the early Christian church to coincide with ancient Roman solar festivals, during which several sun gods were collectively worshipped.

Solar deities were revered as far back as 10,000 B.C. Many were said to have been born on the winter solstice.

Christmas comes from "Christ's mass," the English Christemasse derived from the Greek "Christos" and the Latin "missa." Although some people find the word "Xmas" offensive, in early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter X (chi) is the first letter of Christ. Since the 16th century, the letter X has been used as an abbreviation for Christ. Thus some still use the word "Xmas" for Christmas.

In the early seventh century, Christmas was referred to as "geol," a winter festival from which the word Yule is derived. The Teutonic Yule logs were burned to honor Thor, god of thunder. Feasting would continue until the large logs burned out, which could take as many as 12 days.

The Twelve Days of Christmas begin Dec. 26 and go to the Feast of Epiphany on Jan. 6 that includes the major feasts surrounding the birth of Christ.

The winter festival was popular because of the end of the season's agricultural work. The modern Christmas customs of gift giving and partying have roots in the Roman Saturnalia festival. Northern Europe came late to Christianity, so its pagan celebrations had a major influence on Christmas. Scandinavians still call Christmas "Jul."

When Julius Caesar introduced his calendar in 45 B.C., Dec. 25 was approximately the date of the winter solstice. Now it is observed on Dec. 21; Hanukkah begins Dec. 22. Early Christian writers connected the beginning of longer days - the rebirth of the sun - to the birth of The Son, Jesus. The celebration was already in place.

Christmas Day became more important as various kings were crowned on that day and feasts were held. English royalty had hundreds of animals slaughtered for each huge Christmas dinner.

Caroling was a part of such festivities, but the singing was originally done while dancing. In early England, gifts were exchanged on New Year's Day. Later, Christmas gift giving was between business associates, not family members.

The Reformation Protestants saw Christmas celebrations as pompous and unholy. The Catholic Church responded by making the celebrations more of a religious nature.

In 1647, Puritan rulers banned Christmas, but pro-celebrators rioted in several cities. King Charles II ended the ban, although many clergymen did not like the idea of Christmas celebrations.

The Puritans of New England also disapproved of Christmas celebrations and outlawed them in Boston from 1659 until 1681. But Christian residents of Virginia and New York freely celebrated the holiday. German settlers in Pennsylvania had hearty Christmas parties.

Because Christmas was considered an English custom, it lost favor in the United States after the American Revolution. George Washington even attacked Hessian mercenaries on Christmas day in 1777.

Charles Dickens' 1843 book "A Christmas Carol" did much to reinvent Christmas as a family holiday about goodwill and compassion, instead of a celebration of hedonistic pleasures.

In 1870, President Grant signed a law making Christmas a federal holiday.

Father Christmas or Santa Claus is a blending of St. Nicholas of Myra and parts of pagan Nordic and Christian mythology. Santa's modern appearance originated in 19th century newspaper engravings, with our current image finalized in 1950s Coca Cola magazine ads.

The Christmas tree is a pagan tradition adopted by Christians. It was a ritual during the winter solstice, and originally used evergreen boughs as a part of pagan tree worship. The phrase "Christmas tree" was first used in the early 1800s. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century.

From Germany, the custom came to England and was enthusiastically promoted by royalty. German immigrants introduced Christmas trees into the United States. The Czech Moravians are noted for displaying the first nativity scenes. The modern blending of nativity with Santa, plus colored lights, is not uncommon on America's front lawns.

The Christmas holiday may have its roots in many early religions, but it is celebrated throughout the modern world as the birth of Jesus Christ.

Larry Behnke is a freelance artist in High Springs.
He may be contacted at larry@towerpublications.com.