Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture
The Origin and Meaning of Christmas
Christmas, observed on December 25, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a pivotal figure whose teachings form the basis of Christianity. The English word "Christmas" comes from “Christ’s Mass,” a term dating back to the 11th century. Previously, this time was referred to as "Yule," likely originating from the Germanic jol or Anglo Saxon geol, words associated with feasts celebrating the winter solstice.
In other languages, terms like "Navidad" (Spanish), "Natale" (Italian), and "Noel" (French) represent the nativity, the theme of new beginnings, while the German word "Weihnachten" translates to "hallowed night." In addition to its religious significance, Christmas has evolved into a holiday celebrated by people worldwide, incorporating traditions from various cultures and characterized by a secular focus on family, community, and the spirit of giving, with Santa Claus as a prominent figure.
Early Christian Celebrations
The early Christian church differentiated between the date of Jesus’ birth and the significance of the event, initially resisting birthday observances, as the church typically honored saints on their martyrdom dates. Early Christian writers, including prominent theologians, discouraged birthday celebrations as they were associated with pagan customs.
The first official mention of December 25 as Jesus' birth date comes from Sextus Julius Africanus in 221 AD, although some Christian communities celebrated the event on January 6, which is now the Feast of the Epiphany. The choice of December 25 may have been intended to align with Roman traditions, specifically the "dies solis invicti nati" ("day of the birth of the unconquered sun") celebrated around the winter solstice. Early Christians might have chosen this date symbolically to represent Jesus as the "light of the world," counteracting winter's darkness and embodying the hope of salvation.
Evolution of Christmas Traditions
Christmas was first celebrated with a dedicated liturgy in the 9th century, though it did not reach the importance of other major Christian holidays, like Easter or Good Friday. In the Middle Ages, the holiday gained prominence, with the Church emphasizing themes of redemption and joy. Midnight mass, celebrated by Roman Catholics, became a tradition in the 5th century, symbolizing Christ’s arrival in the world at the darkest time of night.
Protestant churches later adopted Christmas Eve candlelight services, celebrating the “light” theme with candles symbolizing hope. The "lessons and carols" service was introduced by Edward White Benson in the 1880s and continues to be a popular tradition, especially in English speaking countries, intertwining traditional carols with biblical passages recounting the story of salvation. This format, now widely practiced worldwide, brings communities together in anticipation and celebration of the Christmas season.
Christmas in Culture and Commerce
Today, Christmas is both a religious celebration and a global cultural phenomenon, marked as a federal holiday in the United States since 1870. Beyond its religious observance, it has become a holiday steeped in cultural traditions, with customs like decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and hosting gatherings with family and friends.
The figure of Santa Claus, based on Saint Nicholas of Myra, became central to the secular celebration of Christmas, evolving into the iconic character known for delivering gifts to children. The Christmas tree tradition likely originated from 16th century Germany, where devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. The festive spirit extends to commercial practices, with retailers around the world adopting Christmas themes and promotions, emphasizing the season as a time for generosity, charity, and kindness.
Ancient Winter Celebrations
Celebrations around the winter solstice predate Christmas, as ancient cultures observed festivals marking the return of the sun and the lengthening of days. The Norse in Scandinavia celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through early January, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun. During Yule, families burned massive logs, with each spark from the fire representing prosperity and new life for the coming year.
In many parts of Europe, winter feasting became a necessity, as farmers slaughtered livestock to save resources for the cold months, giving people access to fresh meat. This season was also the time when much of the wine and beer brewed earlier in the year had fully fermented and was ready to be enjoyed. In Germany, the midwinter festival also involved honoring the god Oden, who, according to legend, flew through the skies at night to observe his people, a tradition that kept many indoors. The deep rooted winter customs from these cultures laid the foundation for the diverse practices that enrich the modern Christmas season.
Merry Christmas!
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