We all love Christmas, but none of the contemporary Christmas customs have their origin in theological or liturgical affirmations, and most are of fairly recent date. Here are a few interesting facts about this festival.
When and how the Christmas tree originated?
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Back to 600 BC, evergreen trees were placed alongside the Sun God Mithras, during his birthday celebration in December.
Does the Bible mention the December 25th as the birthday of Jesus?
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Unfortunately, No!
So, why December 25th was chosen for Jesus birthday?
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Centuries before the arrival of Jesus, people celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. One of these festivals was the ancient pagan festival Saturnalia, which celebrated the agricultural god Saturn with partying, gambling, and gift-giving.
If the roots of Christmas are in pagan festivals, why is it accepted by religion?
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In the 4th century, the Catholic Church decided to recognize the birth of Jesus as an official holiday and Pope Julius chose December 25th for this festival. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival.
What is the origin of Christmas wreath?
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Wreaths of woven evergreen branches were used by Druids, Celts, and Romans during their winter solstice celebrations.
How the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started?
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Ancient Britons hung mistletoe in their doorway to keep evil out. Anyone who was able to cross the threshold safely received a welcome kiss.
We know about Santa Claus and his sleigh with flying reindeers, but what was before that?
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The ancient Norse god Odin with his eight-legged horse Sleipnir.
Many children leave out cookies and milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. This tradition can be traced...
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Back to ancient Norse mythology. Children left treats for Odin and his eight-legged horse Sleipnir with the hope that god would stop at their house and bring them gifts.
Iceland has...how many Santas?
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Iceland has 13 Santas (Yule Lads) that reward children for good behavior and an old lady (Grýla) who kidnaps children if they were naughty.
The practice of giving gifts at Christmas apparently became a widespread convention when?
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Gift giving became a widespread Christmas tradition in the 15th century.
Immigrants of which nationality are credited with importing the tradition of Santa Claus in America?
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Dutch immigrants brought the tradition of Sinterklaas (based on St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra) to New Amsterdam (later New York).
Was always Christmas a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia?
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Not at all, In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today’s Mardi Gras parties.
Was always legal to celebrate Christmas?
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No, actually from 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings.
Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870, and Oklahoma was the last U.S state to declare them a legal holiday in 1907!
End the last one...Which are the names of the eight reindeer?
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Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Duner and Blixem!.... Merry Christmas!
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