Christmas is an annual sacred Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ,the spiritual leader and founder of Christianity. While many people celebrate Christmas to honor Jesus's birth, it's also celebrated as a cultural holiday across the globe.
So, why is Christmas on Dec. 25 each year? Many people think it's because that was the day Jesus was born, but that's actually false. The Bible doesn't say when he was born, and the few clues we have—like shepherds guarding their flocks outside—hint that it may have been in the spring.
It wasn't until three-and-a-half centuries after Christ's birth that the date Dec. 25 was chosen to celebrate his birthday. Pope Julius I picked the date in 350 AD, and it was formalized in 529 AD, when Roman Emperor Justinian declared Christmas to be a civic holiday. (There is some controversy surrounding this timeline, and research into early Christian history is ongoing.)
The date wasn't a random pick. Many historians believe that both the Pope and the Emperor liked this date because it coincided with the pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice, which dated back centuries. (The winter solstice occurs Dec. 21 or 22, depending on the year.) Combining Christmas with these ancient celebrations allowed the church to keep the winter holiday tradition while refocusing the party on the “new” religion of Christianity; many of the pagan rituals were ditched in the process.
Choosing a date near the shortest day of the year may have also been symbolic, according to another theory. Each day afterward, the sun would grow progressively brighter, much like how the Christ child developed from infant to immortal.
Of course, Santa isn't the only popular Christmas tradition. In fact, you might find yourself wondering, What is Christmas without these holiday favorites?
Watching Christmas movies
Movies with Christmas themes are some of the highest-grossing films of all time, and families often love watching them together as part of their holiday celebrations.
Singing Christmas carols
“Raising a joyful noise” (in tune or otherwise!) is a favorite Christmas tradition for many. There's just something special about singing these Christmas songs, especially when you go caroling with a group of loved ones.
Decorating Christmas trees
The tradition of cutting down an evergreen tree, setting it up indoors and decorating it for Christmas originated in Germany in the 16th century. Since then, it's become one of the most well-loved holiday traditions of all time, whether you have a real or fake tree.
Giving gifts
There are many ways to show your love for others during the holiday season, and giving gifts is a popular one. The tradition of gift-giving is said to be a reminder of the gifts the three wise men brought to the baby Jesus.
Creating a festive dinner table
A sumptuous feast is made even more appealing when it's placed on a beautiful tablecloth or a table laid out with festive decorations.
Eating popular Christmas food
What is Christmas without traditional Christmas foods? Each culture and family have their own special menus, but here are some of the most popular treats and traditions.
Yuanyeled hope your Christmas jingle bell rocks! Thank you for all your support and dedication this year.
Best wishes this holiday season. Our company is better and better because of you, wish you a Merry Christams again!
May you share joyful memories, laughter and good cheer.
Copyright © 2024 Shenzhen Yuanyeled Co.,Ltd.