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The history of Christmas actually dates back to over 4,000 years ago, and it can be traced by to the Mesopotamians, long before the birth of Christ. Many Christmas traditions came about while the Mesopotamians were celebrating their New Year. A twelve-day festival, called Zagmuk, began to help Marduk, their chief god, do battle with many monstrous beasts.
Many Europeans believed that during the Winter Solstice, the evil spirits would prevent the sun from returning and warming the earth. They had celebrations and rituals to welcome the sun back.
In Scandinavian countries, the sun would disappear for many days during the winter. Scouts were sent to the top of the mountains to search for the sun after thirty-five days. A Yuletide festival ensued when the scouts returned with the good news that they had seen the light of the sun returning. A feast would take place around a burning Yule log, and large bonfires would also take place to celebrate this joyous occasion. Some people would tie apples to the branches of trees reminding them of the coming spring and summer months. This is reminiscent of our Christmas tree decorating ritual of today.
When the Romans celebrated with a festival called Saturnalia, named after their god Saturn, there were masquerades and great meals, visiting and gift-giving, which represented the exchange of good luck treats. Their halls were decked with garlands, and trees were lit with candles.
Since Christians at this time wanted to keep the birth of Christ sacred to them, they celebrated his birth in a solemn way, as a religious holiday, as opposed to the celebration of a pagan god. And although some say that Christmas was designed to compete against the pagan ritual of celebrating December 25th, eventually the Church took part in the merriment, gift-giving, and the lights to celebrate Christmas as we know it today. Now there are parades, carolers going house to house, and elaborate holiday feasts to celebrate this religious holiday.
Share
the Christmas
History with your
kids as a bedtime
story.
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