Where and When Did “Christmas” Begin?

Author: Admin | Filed under: Christmas, Christmas History Saturday Nov 15,2008

Christmas… The word itself inspires feelings of joy and good will towards our fellow man. A day when the greatest gift in all the world was bestowed upon us from Heaven.

When you think of the name “Christmas”, what immediately comes to your mind? The birth of Jesus Christ? Yes, traditionally, that is what we believe is the reason behind the Christmas holiday and celebration. The birth of Jesus Christ. I mean, goodness sake! His name is in the word itself!

But is that really where the beginning of the Christmas holiday comes from? Or is it somewhere else? Would you believe that it is indeed rooted somewhere else?!

Let’s go back though, to the time before Jesus Christ’s birth, and see if we can’t make sense of this. . . .

Centuries before Christ was born there was a group of people who celebrated something they called “The Winter Solstice”. In this celebration, early Europeans would gather together and rejoice that the worst part of the Winter Season was passing and that they had managed to survive another harsh, cold Winter. And also, that they could begin enjoying longer days. In other words, this was a celebration of light itself. And life as well.

This celebration of light and survival would take place around December 21st or the 22nd every year. And, depending on the calender shift, it could occur anywhere between December 20th to the 23rd. Pretty close to the time when we traditionally celebrate our Christmas holiday, wouldn’t you agree?

To find out more about when and where “Christmas” actually began as well as much more about the history and traditions of Christmas, check out An American Christmas - Its History and Traditions!

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