2006-09-27 15:23:29 · 11 answers · asked by ? 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Christmas, like other Christian celebrations, was created as part of the attempt to convert the people of Europe. The pagan communities celebrated Yule - the longest night of the year. Not wanting to give up Yule, early Christians co-opted the celebration, calling it Jesus' birthday.
There is much debate on when Jesus was actually born. Most scholars believe he was born in spring, sometime in the month of April.
Other celebrations that were co-opted by the early Christians?
Easter - Ostra
Candlemass (Feb. 1) - Imbolc
The Day of the Death (Nov. 1) - Samhain
2006-09-27 15:33:48 · answer #1 · answered by gjstoryteller 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It happened after the Council of Nicea, considered the 1st "modern" church council. It was sponsored by the Roman emporer Constantine I. Contrary to popular history, it is actually doubtful if he personally converted from the Religio Romana to Christianity. His mother was Christian, however, and he used Christian symbology in his campaigns. He did also make Christianity the favored religion in the Empire and when he commisioned the building of his capital on the site of the city of Byzantium, he dictated the city be only for Christian citizens. When December 25 was chosen for the feast of Christ (literally, the Christ Mass, or Christmas), it was chosen for a few reasons. First, the area of the Empire Constantine was from was steeped in the sect of Sol Invictus, which venerated the Graeco-Roman solar god, Apollo, as the one, universal deity. The feast of Sol Invictus (the Invincible Sun) was December 25. Also, the Romanized sect of the Persian/Indian god Mithras, which was popular in the Roman army, celebrated his birth on December 25. Constantine was very interested in holding onto his power, and the army was a traditional power base for Roman rulers, so it was a handout to the Legions. It was a good sell to the Church fathers, as well, because it elevated Christianity over its major competitors. Biblical scholars are not really sure when the birth date of Jesus is since there is no textual evidence in the Christian scriptures.
2006-09-27 15:51:12 · answer #2 · answered by tiberius_coruncanius 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Understand that December 25th is not the actual date Jesus was born on. It was decided by the early Christians to celebrate it on this date coincide with a Roman holiday.
2006-09-27 15:36:12 · answer #3 · answered by Sick Puppy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is a holiday on the Christian calendar, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Among those using the Gregorian calendar, it is observed on December 25. Eastern Orthodox Churches, celebrate on December 25 on the Julian calendar, which currently is January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. Both dates are merely traditional and neither is thought to be the actual birthdate of Jesus.
The word Christmas is derived from Middle English Christemasse and from Old English Cristes mæsse. It is a contraction meaning "Christ's mass". The name of the holiday is often shortened to Xmas because Roman letter "X" resembles the Greek letter Χ (chi), an abbreviation for Christ.
2006-09-27 15:31:29 · answer #4 · answered by Yahoo Medic 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ive heard of one theory which states that one of the early popes intetionally declared Jesus Birthday on the 25th because of the so called "Christians" who had both Pagan and Chrisitan beliefs. He just wanted to make people decide which religion they truly wanted to follow. I cant find the source right now, but I suggest you look into it. I personally think this is accurate.
2006-09-27 19:07:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the two........and previous. I start up celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve Eve, and proceed by way of Christmas Eve and yuletide Day. alongside with December 23, 24, and 25, I additionally rejoice it on January 7 because of the fact of a few Russian kinfolk.
2016-10-18 02:45:02 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pagans had thier Yule on December 22nd and christians slapped christmas right on top of it.
2006-09-28 15:33:49 · answer #7 · answered by brianna_the_angel777 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always celebrated regardless of who or what history spoke about Jesus birth.
=0)
2006-09-28 09:44:28 · answer #8 · answered by Pashur 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Egyptians or possibly Sumarians. It's been a holy day for all of recorded history.
2006-09-27 15:33:40 · answer #9 · answered by lenny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know why churches decided on that date but they stole the winter solstice pagan festival(around 21st December),the shortest day in the northern hemesphere, and the celebration of the first day of winter,and return of daylight.
2006-09-27 15:32:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋