The Evolution of Christmas
By zteve t evans
Christmas is for many people and not just children, the highlight of the year. Even though we may spend far more money and time than is really necessary it is still a time that people plan and work hard to provide for their families and themselves. It is the most important date in the calendar for many businesses ranging from retail stores, manufacturing, provision of food and beverages and many more. Indeed it seems to get more frenzied, stressful and expensive with every passing year. This article looks at how Christmas evolved through the ages through various cultures to the present date.
The Nativity of Christ - Ranosonar - Public Domain
Celebrating the Birth of Jesus
In Old English the word for Christmas is “Cristes Maesse,” meaning the Mass of Christ. Today we celebrate Christmas Day on the 25th of December as the birthday of Jesus Christ. The Western world has used the 25th of December as a nominal date to celebrate the birth of Jesus since 345 AD, before that his birth was celebrated on 6th January. The fact is that no one knows the exact day or year that Jesus was born on.
Many biblical scholars and historians point out that the Bible tells of shepherds tending flocks of sheep on the night Jesus was born and that it unlikely that they would be out in December because of the coldness of the winter in Judea. Some scholars think that Jesus was born in the spring, between March and May. Others argue for September. It is doubtful if we will ever know for sure unless some hidden knowledge is ever found. The important thing is that his birth is remembered and celebrated and the message kept alive.
Ancient Pagan Influences
Over the centuries Christians have changed the meaning and significance of many ancient pagan customs, traditions and festivals adapting them to suit Christian beliefs. Some may argue that it was an attempt to eradicate paganism while others say that it was a way of compromise that allowed old beliefs to be replaced by new in a less confrontational way.
In Egypt and Babylon both had mid-winter festivals and fertility festivals were also celebrate at this time of the year in many parts of Europe. In Phrygia the 25th of December was the celebration of the birth of the sun god, Attis and in ancient Persia they celebrated the birth of their god, Mythra.
The Persian Sun God, Mythra
Many scholars see the ancient Persian worship of the god Mythra as playing a leading part in the origins of Christmas and goes back some 4,000 years. Mythra was the god of light in ancient Persia and the sun was his symbol. A festival dedicated to Mythra was celebrated from the 17th of December to the 24th of December. During this period the winter solstice falling on the 21st of December was believed to be the triumph of light over dark and good over evil.
After Alexander the Great defeated the Persians many of his soldiers adopted the worship of Mythra spreading the cult across Asia with their conquests. By the 4th century it was the main religion in much of Europe becoming known as Deus Sol Invictus Mithras, meaning “the unconquered sun.”
In Old English the word for Christmas is “Cristes Maesse,” meaning the Mass of Christ. Today we celebrate Christmas Day on the 25th of December as the birthday of Jesus Christ. The Western world has used the 25th of December as a nominal date to celebrate the birth of Jesus since 345 AD, before that his birth was celebrated on 6th January. The fact is that no one knows the exact day or year that Jesus was born on.
Many biblical scholars and historians point out that the Bible tells of shepherds tending flocks of sheep on the night Jesus was born and that it unlikely that they would be out in December because of the coldness of the winter in Judea. Some scholars think that Jesus was born in the spring, between March and May. Others argue for September. It is doubtful if we will ever know for sure unless some hidden knowledge is ever found. The important thing is that his birth is remembered and celebrated and the message kept alive.
Ancient Pagan Influences
Over the centuries Christians have changed the meaning and significance of many ancient pagan customs, traditions and festivals adapting them to suit Christian beliefs. Some may argue that it was an attempt to eradicate paganism while others say that it was a way of compromise that allowed old beliefs to be replaced by new in a less confrontational way.
In Egypt and Babylon both had mid-winter festivals and fertility festivals were also celebrate at this time of the year in many parts of Europe. In Phrygia the 25th of December was the celebration of the birth of the sun god, Attis and in ancient Persia they celebrated the birth of their god, Mythra.
The Persian Sun God, Mythra
Many scholars see the ancient Persian worship of the god Mythra as playing a leading part in the origins of Christmas and goes back some 4,000 years. Mythra was the god of light in ancient Persia and the sun was his symbol. A festival dedicated to Mythra was celebrated from the 17th of December to the 24th of December. During this period the winter solstice falling on the 21st of December was believed to be the triumph of light over dark and good over evil.
After Alexander the Great defeated the Persians many of his soldiers adopted the worship of Mythra spreading the cult across Asia with their conquests. By the 4th century it was the main religion in much of Europe becoming known as Deus Sol Invictus Mithras, meaning “the unconquered sun.”
Saturnalia by Antoine Callet - CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)
The Roman Festival of Saturnalia
In Rome the festival of Saturnalia began on the 17th of December and ended on the 24th of December. This celebrated the god, Saturn, who had presided over a Golden Age of peace and plenty. During Saturnalia people gave and received presents and there was great feasting, drinking and merrymaking. Flowers and candles were used to decorated public squares and buildings, and evergreen leaves and branches were made into wreathes and carried in a procession by priests.
The Festival of Yule
In Northern Europe, pagan Germanic and Scandinavian people sought to bring light to the dark midwinter solstice with festivities light and fire and celebrate the renewal of the sun and was called the Festival of Yule. There are many legends and traditions associated with Yule such as the burning of the Yule log. It was a an event where the whole family would search the woods for a suitable log to burn to give honor to the gods and keep evil at bay.
Evergreens
The use of evergreens to decorate homes during the midwinter festivities is an ancient pagan tradition found in many countries and early Christians used holly and ivy as decoration and symbolic of eternal life. Holly was thought to represent masculine and ivy feminine and the two were combined for fertility and stability.
Mistletoe
In Druidic and Nordic cultures mistletoe was believed sacred and to have healing and mystical properties. The Arch-Druid would use a gold sickle to cut it for use in the mid-summer and midwinter solstice rituals. Druids believed it brought good luck, protected from sorcery and witchcraft and increased fertility.
Another theory about the origins of kissing under the mistletoe is that it goes back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, while other scholars think it may have evolved from ancient fertility rites. It was believed that a girl standing under mistletoe that was decorated with evergreens, colored balls and ribbons could not refuse to be kissed and that a kiss would bestow on her deep romance, or special friendship.
The Origin of the Nativity
The Nativity originated with Saint Francis of Assisi who wanted to find a way to give his congregation a simple and meaningful way to understand the significance of the birth of Jesus. The first crib scene was re-created in a candle lit cave where a Christmas Mass was held because the local church was too small. This proved popular with the congregation and became a tradition that spread far and wide. The small Nativity scenes that are placed in family homes are a reminder of the birth of Jesus linking Christians together in place and time through the ages.
In Rome the festival of Saturnalia began on the 17th of December and ended on the 24th of December. This celebrated the god, Saturn, who had presided over a Golden Age of peace and plenty. During Saturnalia people gave and received presents and there was great feasting, drinking and merrymaking. Flowers and candles were used to decorated public squares and buildings, and evergreen leaves and branches were made into wreathes and carried in a procession by priests.
The Festival of Yule
In Northern Europe, pagan Germanic and Scandinavian people sought to bring light to the dark midwinter solstice with festivities light and fire and celebrate the renewal of the sun and was called the Festival of Yule. There are many legends and traditions associated with Yule such as the burning of the Yule log. It was a an event where the whole family would search the woods for a suitable log to burn to give honor to the gods and keep evil at bay.
Evergreens
The use of evergreens to decorate homes during the midwinter festivities is an ancient pagan tradition found in many countries and early Christians used holly and ivy as decoration and symbolic of eternal life. Holly was thought to represent masculine and ivy feminine and the two were combined for fertility and stability.
Mistletoe
In Druidic and Nordic cultures mistletoe was believed sacred and to have healing and mystical properties. The Arch-Druid would use a gold sickle to cut it for use in the mid-summer and midwinter solstice rituals. Druids believed it brought good luck, protected from sorcery and witchcraft and increased fertility.
Another theory about the origins of kissing under the mistletoe is that it goes back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, while other scholars think it may have evolved from ancient fertility rites. It was believed that a girl standing under mistletoe that was decorated with evergreens, colored balls and ribbons could not refuse to be kissed and that a kiss would bestow on her deep romance, or special friendship.
The Origin of the Nativity
The Nativity originated with Saint Francis of Assisi who wanted to find a way to give his congregation a simple and meaningful way to understand the significance of the birth of Jesus. The first crib scene was re-created in a candle lit cave where a Christmas Mass was held because the local church was too small. This proved popular with the congregation and became a tradition that spread far and wide. The small Nativity scenes that are placed in family homes are a reminder of the birth of Jesus linking Christians together in place and time through the ages.
The Origin of Christmas Trees
In much the same way that the early Christian Church absorbed and adapted the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia to encourage pagan assimilation with Christianity it did the same with other cults and religions. There were many pagans in the forests of Europe who believed trees were sacred and would decorate them and bring them into their home.
There is a legend that says that Martin Luther, who was the founder of German Protestantism, started the tradition of bringing Christmas trees into the home. The story goes that one Christmas Eve he was walking in the forest and became enthralled by how beautiful the fir trees looked under the starry sky. He took one into his home and placed candles on it to decorate. His intention was to remind his children of the wonder of God’s earth.
The first Christmas tree in England was given by Prince Albert, who was of German ancestry, to Queen Victoria, his wife in 1841. From this the Christmas tree spread in popularity throughout England.
In much the same way that the early Christian Church absorbed and adapted the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia to encourage pagan assimilation with Christianity it did the same with other cults and religions. There were many pagans in the forests of Europe who believed trees were sacred and would decorate them and bring them into their home.
There is a legend that says that Martin Luther, who was the founder of German Protestantism, started the tradition of bringing Christmas trees into the home. The story goes that one Christmas Eve he was walking in the forest and became enthralled by how beautiful the fir trees looked under the starry sky. He took one into his home and placed candles on it to decorate. His intention was to remind his children of the wonder of God’s earth.
The first Christmas tree in England was given by Prince Albert, who was of German ancestry, to Queen Victoria, his wife in 1841. From this the Christmas tree spread in popularity throughout England.
The Origins of Father Christmas
For centuries St Nicholas was celebrated on 6th December and a forerunner to Santa Claus and Father Christmas. His origins are shrouded in time and there are many legends about him though we will probably never know the real truth. He was known to be a rich Bishop in Myra, in Asia Minor, now Turkey, around 4 AD.
Legend has it he was extremely kind and generous and was known for giving help to the poor and secretly leaving people in need presents to help them through their troubles by dropping gold coins down the chimney. It is thought that through him the tradition of hanging a stocking over the fireplace on Christmas Eve began.
With many different ethnic groups merging together in the USA many legends and customs became intermixed, adapted and adopted. The Dutch called him Sinterklaas, which evolved in America to become Santa Klaus. In their legend he was a religious character who was very dignified and very tall and rode through the air on a white horse. In Germany he was known as Saint Nicholas and had an elf as a companion called Black Peter whose task was to discipline naughty children. He eventually lost his elf friend and religious identity to be become a fat, jolly old man.
In 1823, Clement Clark Moore wrote a poem for his daughter called, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas," The poem starred Saint Nicholas who delivered presents to children riding in a flying sleigh drawn by a reindeer. This image was further strengthened in the late 19th century by Thomas Nast, the American illustrator. He was seen as living at the North Pole making toys for Christmas for all good boys and girls with the help of elves.
19th Century Christmas in North America
Prior to the 19th century particularly in New England, Puritans had objected to Christmas celebrations and Christmas Day had been just another work day. Later, immigrants from many other countries brought their own traditions and rituals, but often found that for many reasons they could not reproduce the same celebrations in their in their new homeland, as they celebrated in their old.
In the American South the weather and geography were different from England and Northern Europe and availability of traditional food from their country of origin may also have been limited. Therefore it was necessary to adapt to local conditions. Furthermore, the mass immigration from Europe to North America resulted in many different cultures mixing together adapting and modifying each other's traditions and practices particularly in the towns and cities, where immigrants from England, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain and many other countries mingled freely with each other.
Some of these groups celebrated Christmas with feasts, boisterous and rowdy public behaviour and drunkenness. Following an English tradition some of the merry-makers put on costumes and went from door to door for presents of food and drink. Other modest presents were given by the rich to their servants, and it was not a practice at the time to give presents within families.
During the 19th century the fast growing industrial economy helped the creation of a new middle class which cherished family life and the home in society. It also made many more products available to the market. With this emphasis on family and home Christmas became seen as a way to bring families together, while giving special regard to children. Christmas became a family celebration and holiday with gifts being exchanged between family members and to children.
With the expanding commercial market exerting a growing influence gift-giving was exploited with new products being made available for presents at more affordable prices. With new commercial ideas flourishing, department stores sprang up and mass advertising promoted the giving of presents along with all other associated products at Christmas. Though many people regretted this and voice objections the commercialization of Christmas was well underway.
With ever increasing numbers of immigrants adding new cultural and religious practices and ideas to North America, Christmas grew in significance. It became a way for people of many diverse ethnic groups to come together to join in the celebrations. This helped to create a community spirit in towns and cities while promoting the Christian values of goodwill.
Christmas Cards
In the 19th century the tradition of exchanging Christmas cards began. In 1875, in the United States Louis Prang, a printer who was born in Germany, made improvements in color lithography making it possible for the first mass produced color Christmas card. This proved a popular innovation and the practice became widespread through out the USA and the Western world.
Christmas in Modern Times
Today globalization and increased movement of people around the world is bringing together all their different cultures, traditions and beliefs. As people become intermingled so too do traditions and legends in the great melting pot of culture. The modern Christmas as we know it today has evolved from this melting pot and has exerted a huge influence on how Christmas is celebrated in many different countries around the world.
Even with all this diverse mixture of religions and ethnic groups there are still central unifying themes that makes Christmas very much a community celebration as well as one of religion and tradition. City centres, shopping malls, public buildings and square are all decorated with coloured lights and shops fill with gifts and presents and play piped Christmas music. Christmas cards and presents are exchanged and even though it has become powerfully commercialized many people do come together in a spirit of goodwill, peace and friendship.
Christmas Cinema and Television
Of course, television brings Christmas programs into homes. Instead of gathering around the burning yule log, or fire families gather around the television to watch what has become traditional Christmas viewing. Old films such as “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” are still family favorites along with, cartoons like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and recently, “Krampus,” released by Universal Pictures on 4th December, 2015. There are many other examples from cinema and television and undoubtedly new works will appear in the future.
The Evolution of Christmas
The Christmas we know today has evolved over many centuries from many different points of origin. There are many traditions, myths and legends from many cultures that have become entwined, adapted and altered to form the Christmas that we celebrate today. With growing commercialism, globalization, modern media and the internet Christmas is sure to continue to expand and evolve for good or bad.
© zteve t evans
For centuries St Nicholas was celebrated on 6th December and a forerunner to Santa Claus and Father Christmas. His origins are shrouded in time and there are many legends about him though we will probably never know the real truth. He was known to be a rich Bishop in Myra, in Asia Minor, now Turkey, around 4 AD.
Legend has it he was extremely kind and generous and was known for giving help to the poor and secretly leaving people in need presents to help them through their troubles by dropping gold coins down the chimney. It is thought that through him the tradition of hanging a stocking over the fireplace on Christmas Eve began.
With many different ethnic groups merging together in the USA many legends and customs became intermixed, adapted and adopted. The Dutch called him Sinterklaas, which evolved in America to become Santa Klaus. In their legend he was a religious character who was very dignified and very tall and rode through the air on a white horse. In Germany he was known as Saint Nicholas and had an elf as a companion called Black Peter whose task was to discipline naughty children. He eventually lost his elf friend and religious identity to be become a fat, jolly old man.
In 1823, Clement Clark Moore wrote a poem for his daughter called, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas," The poem starred Saint Nicholas who delivered presents to children riding in a flying sleigh drawn by a reindeer. This image was further strengthened in the late 19th century by Thomas Nast, the American illustrator. He was seen as living at the North Pole making toys for Christmas for all good boys and girls with the help of elves.
19th Century Christmas in North America
Prior to the 19th century particularly in New England, Puritans had objected to Christmas celebrations and Christmas Day had been just another work day. Later, immigrants from many other countries brought their own traditions and rituals, but often found that for many reasons they could not reproduce the same celebrations in their in their new homeland, as they celebrated in their old.
In the American South the weather and geography were different from England and Northern Europe and availability of traditional food from their country of origin may also have been limited. Therefore it was necessary to adapt to local conditions. Furthermore, the mass immigration from Europe to North America resulted in many different cultures mixing together adapting and modifying each other's traditions and practices particularly in the towns and cities, where immigrants from England, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain and many other countries mingled freely with each other.
Some of these groups celebrated Christmas with feasts, boisterous and rowdy public behaviour and drunkenness. Following an English tradition some of the merry-makers put on costumes and went from door to door for presents of food and drink. Other modest presents were given by the rich to their servants, and it was not a practice at the time to give presents within families.
During the 19th century the fast growing industrial economy helped the creation of a new middle class which cherished family life and the home in society. It also made many more products available to the market. With this emphasis on family and home Christmas became seen as a way to bring families together, while giving special regard to children. Christmas became a family celebration and holiday with gifts being exchanged between family members and to children.
With the expanding commercial market exerting a growing influence gift-giving was exploited with new products being made available for presents at more affordable prices. With new commercial ideas flourishing, department stores sprang up and mass advertising promoted the giving of presents along with all other associated products at Christmas. Though many people regretted this and voice objections the commercialization of Christmas was well underway.
With ever increasing numbers of immigrants adding new cultural and religious practices and ideas to North America, Christmas grew in significance. It became a way for people of many diverse ethnic groups to come together to join in the celebrations. This helped to create a community spirit in towns and cities while promoting the Christian values of goodwill.
Christmas Cards
In the 19th century the tradition of exchanging Christmas cards began. In 1875, in the United States Louis Prang, a printer who was born in Germany, made improvements in color lithography making it possible for the first mass produced color Christmas card. This proved a popular innovation and the practice became widespread through out the USA and the Western world.
Christmas in Modern Times
Today globalization and increased movement of people around the world is bringing together all their different cultures, traditions and beliefs. As people become intermingled so too do traditions and legends in the great melting pot of culture. The modern Christmas as we know it today has evolved from this melting pot and has exerted a huge influence on how Christmas is celebrated in many different countries around the world.
Even with all this diverse mixture of religions and ethnic groups there are still central unifying themes that makes Christmas very much a community celebration as well as one of religion and tradition. City centres, shopping malls, public buildings and square are all decorated with coloured lights and shops fill with gifts and presents and play piped Christmas music. Christmas cards and presents are exchanged and even though it has become powerfully commercialized many people do come together in a spirit of goodwill, peace and friendship.
Christmas Cinema and Television
Of course, television brings Christmas programs into homes. Instead of gathering around the burning yule log, or fire families gather around the television to watch what has become traditional Christmas viewing. Old films such as “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” are still family favorites along with, cartoons like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and recently, “Krampus,” released by Universal Pictures on 4th December, 2015. There are many other examples from cinema and television and undoubtedly new works will appear in the future.
The Evolution of Christmas
The Christmas we know today has evolved over many centuries from many different points of origin. There are many traditions, myths and legends from many cultures that have become entwined, adapted and altered to form the Christmas that we celebrate today. With growing commercialism, globalization, modern media and the internet Christmas is sure to continue to expand and evolve for good or bad.
© zteve t evans
References and Attributions
Copyright zteve t evans
Copyright zteve t evans
