2006-12-25 06:32:37 · 9 answers · asked by --------------- 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.
In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.
The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.
In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.
2006-12-25 07:04:34 · answer #1 · answered by cutebluesea18 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cute Blue Santa gave an excellent answer, but missed one small point. The Pagan Romans celebrated Saturnalia on the longest night of the year, as Saturn was the God who brought Apollo back in the sky. The Catholic Church tried to supress the Pagan holiday but tradition continued. Knowing that the people needed a new holiday, and that Christ was born on the 25th day, the church mandated that we celebrate the birth of Christ the 25th of December.
2006-12-25 17:11:20 · answer #2 · answered by dogtownbetty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas Day
The festival of Christmas is regarded as the greatest celebration throughout the ecclesiastical year, and so important and joyous a solemnity is it deemed, that a special exception is made in its favour, whereby, in the event of the anniversary falling on a Friday, that day of the week, under all other circumstances a fast, is transformed to a festival.
2006-12-25 14:39:33 · answer #3 · answered by Chiquitita 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the day the Christian church 'borrowed' from the Pagans who celebrate the Birth of The Sun on that day. Perhaps there was some confusion: birth of sun/son ... anyhow Christ was not born on Dec. 25th.
2006-12-25 14:43:40 · answer #4 · answered by C J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because that is the day the church had decided that Jesus was born. They had no idea the exact day of his birth so they just made one up.
2006-12-25 14:37:12 · answer #5 · answered by maxresist 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, funny to read all the answers and see how ignorant people are. I guess people tend to believe everything they are told without trying to find the answers for themselves.
2006-12-25 17:39:47 · answer #6 · answered by Jani 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because thats what day jesus was born. dont u have clue. and dont u even go to church
2006-12-25 14:46:10 · answer #7 · answered by j♥ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it is the day that Jesus Christ was born. CHRISTmas......... get it ???
2006-12-25 14:59:47 · answer #8 · answered by deaniebeanie91 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because that is when christ was born
2006-12-25 14:35:25 · answer #9 · answered by *Hello* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋