And where did the Christmas tree, and gifts come from??? If it's my birthday I'm not gonna be happy is everybody else gets a gift except me. Bah Humbug!!
2006-12-10 08:11:36 · 31 answers · asked by Jacobi S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Santa came from St. Nicholas- a kind man who actually visited children to put presents in their stocking hanging by the fire during the Christmas season. That's where the idea came from. Jesus is a Christian belief of the messiah that came more than 2006 years ago- and despite what these other people say it's up to you to believe in him.
2006-12-10 08:14:15 · answer #1 · answered by katie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the more relevant question is which is more important to modern society. Who's holiday is it. The Christmas tree actually came from a pagan celebration that takes place around this time of the year. The gifts, I'm not sure. I think they have to do with the 3 wise men, but don't quote me. Some aren't even sure if the birth of Christ took place around this time of the year. It's messed up the way people can take religious festivals and turn them into cash cows for the economy.
2006-12-10 16:19:55 · answer #2 · answered by Angie, Raised by Wolves 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Santa character is based on Nicholas, a bishop in North Africa from a long time ago. He gave many gifts to help poor people have better lives, and a legend grew up about him. The catholic church named him a saint.
There used to be a church holiday named for him - Saint Nicholas Day. People gave small gifts on that day, like Nic did. It was close to Christ Mass Day, the day to celebrate Jesus' birth, and eventually the two got combined.
Since Jesus' day was celebrated by more people, retailers loved the idea of shifting the gift giving to Jesus' Day
2006-12-10 16:21:17 · answer #3 · answered by guitar teacher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gift exchanges are symbolic of the part of the story in which the wise men, or kings, give gifts to the baby. The tree is from a pagan festival celebrated around the winter solstice which is why Christmas is in December... Jesus wasn't born on Dec. 25.
2006-12-10 16:14:38 · answer #4 · answered by ChooseRealityPLEASE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Santa derived from the idea of Saint Nicholas, who was a Christian bishop. Christmas gifts came about because the Wise Men gave their gifts to Jesus. I'll have to get back to you on that Christmas tree one though - I believe it was a pagan tradition or something.
2006-12-10 16:22:06 · answer #5 · answered by Cayleen O 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Santa was to supposed to have originated from an actual story about a priest in Europe who gave gifts of money to poor people around Christmas. I think St. Nicholas was his name. Now it's just exploded into a big fairy tale thing for kids and when they grow up they realize they have to get a job and work for a living. LOL
2006-12-10 16:15:08 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Santa is from the Saint Nicholas from Denmark. He traveled around and gave poor people things they needed and the kids treats at night. The idea about presents comes from this. Also the Church is called The Body of Christ because she is Christ's bride and the two shall become one flesh according to the marriage covenant, so when it's Jesus birthday in effect it is ours too so we give presents to one another to recognize this.
2006-12-10 16:17:34 · answer #7 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Germany, Christkindl, or the Christ Child, brought gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Christkindl is depicted as a child riding a mule. Kris Kringle is derived from Christkindl.
2006-12-10 16:29:39 · answer #8 · answered by February Rain 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely NOT!
The story of Santa is a plagiarized version of St. Nikolas' life! An Orthodox Christian Bishop of the then Greek city of Smyrna in Asia Minor.
2006-12-10 16:19:22 · answer #9 · answered by Nikolas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is true
appairntly this whole santa thing started off because a man used to go to an orphan house on christmas day and give them presents. Well thats what i was told and i guess everyone thought it was a neat idea.
2006-12-10 16:13:40 · answer #10 · answered by maddy k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋