During this time of year, many people get into discussions about
whether the customs we celebrate are even Christian. This discussion often stems
from one on how no one understands the symbols of Christmas anymore. All
kinds of facts are bandied around at this point.
Date: Many people site the winter solstice as the reasoning
behind the December 25 date. When Dionysius Exiguus, or Dennis the short, prepared a
chronology for Pope Saint John I in the sixth-century, he selected the December date for
the birth of Christ and then restarted the calendar 8 days later on January 1 in the year
1. Why on January 1? It was the Feast of the Circumcision, Jewish males are
circumcised on the 8th day of their lives, but also it was New Year's Day in the Latin
Christian calendar. This may be where the solstice comes in. I've also heard
it suggested that the 25th was selected as it was the birthday of Mithra the savior figure
in the Zorastorian religion, Christianity's greatest rival among mystery sects in ancient
Rome. This was to show that Christianity incorporated all things into itself and
superseded all other religions. By the way, the magician Priests in Zorastorism were
called Magi. I would tend to think that there was some date in place
before Dennis set it in stone but I've found no evidence of this. Perhaps
the date is as it is because this is when we mere humans need it to be.
Various
Symbols: The reasons for the Christmas tree, wreath, candles, star or angel on top
of the tree and many other symbols are given all kinds of meanings and origins. The
Christmas tree was a German tradition that came to Great Britain and then to the USA by
way of Prince Albert but I've seen it given a Druid origin. Decorating trees
predates the birth of Christ even in the Middle East. The yule log and all the
greens we decorate with may well have been picked up from the Druids though. The
star and the angel are pretty self explanatory with in the Christian faith but how a male
was transformed into a beautiful woman with wings I've never understood. What are
all these customs for anyway but to bring together family and friends to remember?
Isn't this the reason for all holidays? In every religion? Does it
matter that many customs come from nonChristian traditions now that they have become so
important to a celebration of Christmas? Perhaps the similarities between
celebrations in different religions comes from the fact that we are all similar human
beings and this is how we celebrate and not from stealing from other traditions.
In this season, may you have family and friends gathered with you and
that you all remember the reason for the season.
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