Christmas Origin
Mass on Christ’s day
What does the name "Christmas" mean?
"Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh"
What is "Jingle Bells"?
One Christmas tradition that has been passed down from many generations of doing this, in which a group of people shows up at homes to serenade inhabitants with holiday music.
What is Caroling?
The Greek god of wine has been depicted as having been born of a virgin mother on December 25th
Who is Dionysus or Bacchus, also called Iacchus?
Pagans in Rome celebrated this weeklong period of bedlam and lawlessness between December 17-25.
When is Saturnalia?
The Christian clergy were not able to curb the pagan customs and celebrations. Since no one knew Jesus’s date of birth, they adapted the pagan (Saturnalian) ritual into a celebration of His birthday. Christmas was placed on December 25 as a way to “Christianize” a pagan holiday.
Why December 25th was selected to acknowledge the birth of Christ?
"You know Dasher and Dancer And Prancer and Vixen Comet and Cupid And Donner and Blitzen But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all?
What is "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"?
They became popular in Victorian Britain. But these were first seen in 16th Century Germany.
What are Christmas trees?
It is commonly claimed today that Persian god was born of a virgin on the 25th of December.
Who is Mithras?
Ancient Roman festival and holiday in honor of the god Saturn.
What is Saturnalia?
Historians think the origins of this festive tradition may date back to the Romans and Ancient Egyptians, who used these plants and garlands as symbols of everlasting life.
What are evergreens?
"Joy to the world! The Lord is come Let earth receive her King"
What is "Joy to the World"?
Since the 16th century, this native plant from Mexico, has been associated with Christmas carrying the Christian symbolism of the Star of Bethlehem; in that country it is known in Spanish as the Flower of the Holy Night.
What is the Poinsettia?
Born of the virgin Isis-December 25 in a cave
Who is the Egyptian God Horus?
Gifts, singing, lighting candles, feasting and merrymaking.
What are Saturnalia traditions incorporated by X-Mas?
When was Jesus really born?
"On the first day of Christmas My true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree"
What is "12 Days of Christmas"?
The charming tradition of hanging this dates way back to the 2nd or 3rd century. Not only did it supposedly ward off mischievous spirits, bringing good vibes to homes but hat's the very root of the smooching-under-this custom!
What is hanging mistletoe?
"pre-Jesus Roman soldiers worshiped Mithras, who was born in a stable to a virgin on Dec. 25." The great Egyptian Goddess, had absorbed Hellenistic qualities by the time of Roman rule, and was the most popular divinity in the Mediterranean basin. In her temples, Isis was often depicted with her son, Horus, on her lap. As Christianity 'encroached,' statues of Isis with Horus were repainted and renamed, Mary and Jesus.
How is Christmas similar to other ancient religions?
The Christmas Tree which is a Germanic tradition, not Roman. One similarity is the Yule Log, meant to burn for days during the celebrations. The similarity is that they last for 12 days, supposedly the length of time it takes for a Saturnalia log to burn.
Where did the "12 Days of Christmas" come from?
Church selected December 25th because of pagan celebrations during the same season. It is argued that the Church assumed more people would embrace Christmas if it was seen as a replacement-option from their pagan holiday.
Why was December 25th selected as Christmas?
"Santa baby, just slip a Sable under the tree for me
Been an awful good girl" is what the actress that play CatWoman sang in "Santa Baby" the Christmas song
Who is Eartha Kitt?
St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who lived in the 4th century – known for being kind and generous, he later became the patron saint of children. Sinterklaas, which means Saint Nicholas in Dutch.
Who was Saint Nick aka Santa Claus?
In Babylonia, Semiramis supernaturally conceived and bore a son on December 25th. The tradition held to this day was to go out in the forest and cut an evergreen tree down, decorate it and put gifts underneath it.
Who is Tammuz?
December 25th was generally considered a merry festival, with lots of feasting and exchanging of gifts.
What are some Saturnalia traditions?