Christmas has just passed. But i've some questions about it.. so do you?
People eat turkey at Christmas as part of a tradition that began in 1526, when William Strickland imported 6 turkeys from the USA, and started breeding them in the UK. The turkey then came to surpass the goose as a favourite dish. They are preferred because of their unique taste and also because they are big enough to feed an entire family during Christmas gatherings.
Why is it always RED and GREEN the Christmas colour?
During the Christmas season it is not uncommon to see many decorations in green and red. Green and red are easily recognized as the colors of Christmas. Everything from tinsel and decorations to wrapping paper can be found in Christmas colors. There are two prevailing argument as to why red and green are used as Christmas colors and both have had an impact on the use of the colors during the Christmas season.
Red and green adopted from pagan celebrations
Many cultures prior to the birth of Christ used green as symbol of life. During harsh winters they would cut down evergreen trees to keep in their houses as a way of symbolizing that life still exists in the cold and harsh of winter. Roman people would hang wreaths of holly on their doors and walls to welcome back the sun in a festival known as natalis solis invicti (“birth of the invincible sun.”) This was celebrated in December 25th every year. Other pagan holidays also contributed to the use of green and red. The festival of Yule used the colors of red, green and gold.
Red and green as symbols of a savior
After the death of Christ many Christians began to celebrate his birth on the 25th of December. They incorporated many of the traditions that they already knew of into their Christmas celebrations. Holly wreaths from the celebration of natalis solis invicti were used and red berries were added. The use of the evergreen tree to decorate houses also remained. Green still symbolized life, but with an added meaning of eternal life. Red berries, apples and other items were added to symbolize the blood that was shed by Jesus.
Why Christmas is celebrated on the 25th December?
It was said to be the birthdate of Jesus.
It is believed that the early Christians did not usually celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is most likely to be true since the primary focus was on His life, crucifixion, and particularly His resurrection (which is mostly believed by Christians). There certainly were some early celebrations.
However, we do not know the exact day that Jesus Christ was born. For the first few centuries after his crucifixion, His birth was not celebrated at all. In 336 AD, the Emperor Constantine declared Christianity the preferred religion, but even then, the church leaders celebrated a date in January as His birth.
The tradition for December 25th is actually quite ancient. Hippolytus, in the second century A.D., argued that this was Jesus' birthday. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Church, January 6th was the date that was followed.
In the fourth century, John Chrysostom (Archbishop of Constantinople) argued that December 25th was the correct date and from that day until now, the Church in the East, as well as the West, has observed the 25th of December as the official date of Jesus' birth. But then, it is quite possible that Jesus was born in the spring. However, the important thing is that He was born at all, the Word come to earth in the likeness of man.
There is evidence to suggest that Christmas was actually a takeover of a pagan festival. When Christianity was first formed, many Christians wanted to be rid of paganism. This is also evident with the wars that occurred in Rome. Many historians do believe that to get rid of paganism Christians took over the pagan festivals in order for them to have nothing to celebrate.
The believers of Christ could not profess their faith among the pagans. The pagans held a winter solstice around the late December. Christians figured out that if they celebrated the birth of the baby Jesus it would be seen as taking part of the pagan rituals.
Hope this post would give you a better idea of what Christmas is all about..
Hereby, wish you good people a Happy New Year!!!
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