2006-12-01 23:50:08 · 10 answers · asked by m_saltzma 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Because you could get arrested for decorating other peoples houses.
Long Live Jambi
2006-12-02 00:01:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back when there was no separation of church and state, when the church itself was a young political power scartching a niche for itself, Christmas was placed on top of ancient pagan holidays, such as Yule, by the church in hopes that their holidays would stamp out the older pagan ways and they would be forgotten. People would not give up their way of life or festive holidays, so the church thought, if you can't beat them, join them....in order to take over.
Decorations have roots in ancient pagan traditons that were adapted to fit into Christmas over the centuries because people would not give them up.
RED & GREEN are the colors to represent the pagan god and goddess, as do HOLLY and IVY which are used in SWAGS, GARLANDS and the WREATH, which is used to signify the circle of life. Even though the winter holiday, first known as YULE, was in the winter--the dead half of the year where vegitation and crops no longer grew and cattle were slaughtered for winter food, the sun died away to bring longer nights and cold harsh weather--we are reminded by the WREATH that the circle forever contiunes, the seasons will change once again, the sun will be restored bringing warmth and new life to the earth, renew crops and heards will reproduce.....which brings us to the symbols of life in the light half of the year at spring/easter--the baby lambs, eggs, chicks, and ducks. Ah....see how it all connects?
Fairies and other nature spirits were very real to the ancient people of europe. Bringing a TREE indoors (the Christmas tree) in the winter months invited the nature spirits in from the cold in hopes that it would invite their blessings and good fortune to survive the long,frozen, deadly months. These trees were then decorated with signs of ancient faith, such as the STAR/penagram, and the colors of red and green, and other symbols to invoke and project good fortune and goals for the coming year.
2006-12-02 00:18:59 · answer #2 · answered by flyingwitch13 alwayswinstheprize 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Question! Well, not all people decorate their houses, so it's all a matter of opinion I suppose, but it's simply and clearly to celebrate christmas! Like party hats at a party or balloons at a festival, they just enhance the spirit of the event.
2006-12-01 23:56:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To pass on the Christmas spirit inside and out for the holiday season, like trimming the tree, and placing Christmas lights outside our house. It's tradition from the good old days.
2006-12-01 23:52:35 · answer #4 · answered by Kristen H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lights to guide us through the dark days of winter and ornaments to celebrate a new life as Christmas is the longest night of the year and a new life starts. Pagan tradition which had nothing to do with Jesus Christ.
2006-12-01 23:56:34 · answer #5 · answered by sam-daddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it helps spreads the Christmas spirit and make others feel good because of the beauty.
2006-12-02 00:35:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i decorate my house because i enjoy it and it makes me happy. i love people to se my christmas decorations. i have musical decorations and grandkids love to hear them. just seems to be the thing to do if you can.
2006-12-02 00:26:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mostly because of tradition. We should be celebrateing the birth of Christ, by being Christ to others. This is what Christmas is all about.
2006-12-01 23:55:57 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's tradition & to be festive & keep up with the neighbors
2006-12-02 01:53:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its the best part!... the worst is when its over and have to put it all back in the attic.
2006-12-02 01:08:39 · answer #10 · answered by jena 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋