answersLogoWhite

0

It actually started in Rome (part of Italy, of course). The Romans had a festival called the Saturnalia, celebrating the Winter Solstice on December 21 as the rebirth of Sol Invictus (the invincible sun). Additionally, the pagan god, Mithras, had a birthday on December 25. Part of the festival involved merry-making and the exchange of gifts. An early pope declared that December 25 was the birthday of Jesus, intending to graft a Christian holiday onto one that was already being celebrated anyway. (This was a common practice in the early Church, "usurping" pagan holidays and giving them a Christian spin.) Jesus, by the way, was probably born in spring (March or April). The Bible tells us that shepherds were out in the fields watching their flocks by night, which they wouldn't have done in December because it was too cold. The Winter Solstice has been celebrated by many cultures and in northern Europe, especially, it was marked by bonfires and the display of lights, which is the origin of our modern Christmas light displays. They would also decorate their homes with evergreens, thought to have magical properties because they stayed green throughout the winter. In northern Europe the festival was called Yule. So what we celebrate at this time of year is not the birth of Jesus but the rebirth of the sun (days grow longer after the Winter Solstice). Aware of its pagan origins, the Puritans prohibited the celebration of Christmas. And some modern denominations do, as well. Mainstream denominations follow the example of that ancient pope.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?