The Christmas story and how it began to be celebrated
Where did the Christmas story start? The first mention of Christmas Day as December 25 was in 354 AD. However, the history of Christmas can be traced back some 4,000 years ago to the Mesopotamian culture. Each year, in the winter months, the Mesopotamians celebrated a festival revolving around their religious beliefs and their fight with evil spirits. The defeat of these spirits was celebrated in a twelve day festival known as Zagmuk. Many of the traditions today that are associated with the history of Christmas, including the twelve day celebration, the Yule log, the giving of gifts and the carolers going from house to house, all have their roots tracing back to the Zagmuk celebration.
Many other historical cultures had pagan celebrations during the winter months based on variations of the Christmas story. The Persians and Babylonians celebrated a festival known as Sacaea, during which masters and slaves would trade places. The history of Christmas also has roots leading back to Europe. As the Winter Solstice approached with its short days and long nights, the people feared that the sun would not return. Festivals were held to welcome the sun back. December was also the perfect time to celebrate because this was when the cattle were slaughtered and the people had fresh meat. The ancient Greeks had a similar festival to Sacaea honoring their god Kronos, while the Romans celebrated their god Saturn by having street parades and masquerades, gift giving and the visiting of friends. As Christianity spread, however, the Romans grew worried about such Christmas stories and other rituals. At first, the Church forbid such celebrations, but the history of Christmas reveals that they could not be stopped. The Church decided to make the celebrations more somber, befitting the birthday of the Son of God.
The rich history of Christmas, its traditions & customs
One of the oldest traditions in the history of Christmas is caroling, which got its start during the Middle Ages in England and France. During this period in history, carols were dances accompanied by singing. Today, groups of people congregate in small choirs and spread Christmas cheer throughout neighborhoods by going from house to house singing such carols as “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” in which some of the songs describe the history of Christmas.
Another Christmas tradition is gift giving and its origin can be traced all the way back to the birth of Jesus, when the wise men brought frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus. Today, families gather on Christmas Day and exchange gifts collected under the Christmas tree. Children are often told that the gifts are brought by Santa Claus. The tradition of Santa Claus can be traced back to a real person in the 4th Century named Saint Nicholas. Nicholas had a reputation for generosity and kindness, which gave rise to legends of miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy. Today, every child waits expectantly for Santa Claus’ gifts. The Christmas tree is another holiday tradition. Bringing a tree into the home started in Germany in 700 AD and spread to England and then to the United States, where it is an exciting annual ritual.
What is the Christmas story today? It is most certainly a combination of differing traditions and religious observances – a special time for joyous celebration and solemnity. Christmas will always reflect the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and should always be a time to not only be thankful for one’s own endeavors, but also a time of year in which we reflect on the needs of other’s put before our own immediate ones.
From everyone at www.BuyMySAproperty.com we hope that you and your family will have the most wonderful Christmas ever and that your time is filled with friends, family, and loved ones in an atmosphere of memorable moments that you will be able to cherish for years to come. Take time to remember those that are less fortunate than you may be, while finding the historical reflections of Christmas in your own religious and personal beliefs. Remember those that are either away from home, and those overseas defending our freedom allowing us the ability to live in peace and exercise our own individual expressions.
Merry Christmas!