If so, then why do Christians have the tree etc?
And who came up with ol Santa?
2006-10-25 06:01:28 · 13 answers · asked by THE WISE MAN 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Uh, cos they look nice
2006-10-25 06:17:31 · answer #1 · answered by Brendon B 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think the christmas we have come to know in the west is mostly Germanic with lots of symbolism that was brought to america by european settlers. I think that saint Nicholas has his roots in Greece but the tree was originally German although there was a pagan festival which was held at the same time and the church just sort of moved Christ's birthday to the same time and merged the two together. I also seem to recall a pagan festival which involved bringing a live tree indoors but I shall have to look that up!
2006-10-25 13:18:55 · answer #2 · answered by wattie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of the ancient pagan idea that the evergreen tree represents a celebration of the renewal of life. In Roman mosaics from what is today Tunisia, showing the mythic triumphant return from India of the Greek god of wine and male fertility, Dionysus (dubbed by some modern scholars as a life-death-rebirth deity), the god carries a tapering coniferous tree. Medieval legends, nevertheless, tended to concentrate more on the miraculous "flowering" of trees at Christmas time. A branch of flowering Glastonbury thorn is still sent annually for the Queen's Christmas table in the United Kingdom.
more @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_trees#History
Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santy, or simply Santa is a gift-giving figure in various cultures who distributes presents to children, traditionally on Christmas Eve. The popular American form Santa Claus originated as a mispronounciation of Dutch Sinterklaas, which is a contracted form of Sint Nicolaas (Saint Nicholas).
more @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_clause
2006-10-25 14:17:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christmas trees are actually of Pagan origin. They were described in detail in the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament and strictly forbidden that the Jews must avoid. Christians use the tree because it is believed that Martin Luther had one in his home and thus started the tradition.
Santa is a modern rendition of St Nicholas who was a Catholic saint. Although there are several folks similar to him in other cultures. The red suit is due to Coke's advertising team.
2006-10-25 19:09:13 · answer #4 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AUGH! Those answers make me nuts!
Yes it is pagan, but pagans don't sacrifice people or animals. Very ignorant statement.
The evergreen tree was the only plant that could survive the harsh Northern winters, and so became a symbol of everlasting life, and the ability to make it through hard times. You bring it inside because you are inviting life into your home.
The Yuletide festivals are about the celebration of light in the darkest of times. We celebrate the gifts the community gives to each other with little tokens. We laugh at the darkness and the dead of winter by feasting and celebrating and acknowledging our togetherness.
These are concepts that are universal to all humans, and all religions can celebrate them.
Christians took up the traditions because Pagans wouldn't give them up, although the early church tried to ban the celebrations. But in the end they decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
2006-10-25 13:35:42 · answer #5 · answered by KC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some Christian countries such as Britain used to be pagan, so as paganism was more or less phased out some of its traditions lived on like Christmas trees and the tradition of wearing black at funerals as Christians originally wore white to funerals but due to pagan influences and traditions it is now black.
2006-10-25 13:10:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It began in the pagan religions of the Celtic tribes of Germania, I believe. They used trees for many ceremonies, including ritual human sacrifices. They would hollow out portions, put people inside and then burn the tree. That's probably where christians got the idea of putting the lights on the tree.
2006-10-25 13:14:04 · answer #7 · answered by theswedishfish710 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes is is Pagan.
Jeremiah 10:2-4 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven: for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain, for the one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and gold, they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
2006-10-25 13:05:45 · answer #8 · answered by hijabigirl1973 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It came from Germany. So did Santa. It came from the word St. Nickolaus. What else could picture to decorate, if not a tree???
2006-10-25 23:48:14 · answer #9 · answered by smplylori32 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Germans came up with both. Originally it was a pagan tradition.
2006-10-25 13:04:26 · answer #10 · answered by Jamie A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas trees were bought to England in Victorian times. Queen Victorias husband, Albert bought them to England from Germany.
2006-10-25 13:15:47 · answer #11 · answered by gardener101 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋