The pagan origins of Christmas traditionsDolores FlahertyRoger Flaherty
1. The origins of Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations such as Deus Sol Invictus (observed Dec 25), the Kalends (Jan 1-5), and Saturnalia (Dec 17-23). The Christian Church disapproved of these festivals and co-opted the holidays by declaring Dec 25 as Jesus’ bir...
The Origins of Christmasdelves into this history, revealing surprising similarities between the world’s favourite Christian holiday and some of its not-so-religious roots: One of the earliest Santa Claus prototypes was a convict who, during a respite from everyday social restrictions, was chosen ...
By exploring its connections to various ancient pagan ideologies, Jerry uncovers a truth that may shock many Christians who rely on the Just War theory to justify military engagements. As you watch this video, be prepared to confront deep-seated assumptions and question the origins of your own ...
There are detailed accounts of Wren Boys and Star Boys, mumming and wassailing, the Feast of Fools and the origins of eggnog. And of course stories of the Nativity and legends of the Magi. With beautifully illustrated accounts ranging from the pagan roots of Yuletide, through the birth of...
Origins of Christmas English settlers who traveled to the New World brought the debate over Christmas with them. By the late 16th century, a group of Protestant reformers known asPuritanssought to purifythe Church of England, and purge it of Roman Catholic traditions they saw as excessive. ...
The pudding’s pagan roots are now celebrated rather than swept under the Christmas-tree skirt. A recent history cheerfully notes that the game of “snap dragons,” in which children compete to pluck raisins from the flaming brandy, likely has origins with the Celtic Druids. Across the ...
set up a tree in Windsor Castle. In America, German immigrants were using Christmas trees as far back as the 1830’s. The custom took several decades to catch on in the U.S., as most people correctly assumed its pagan origins, but by the 1890’s the indoor decorated Christmas tree was...
afterChristmasEve.However,itdiffersinChina.Itisconventional thateldersgivechildren“hongbao”intheSpringFestival -aredpaperbagwithmoneyandelders’wishes.Lastbutnot least,diverseoriginsoffestivalsarediversecustomstosome degrees.Christmasstemsfromapaganfestivalwhichwas ...
So important, in fact, that for more than 300 years, Hogmanay actually supplanted Christmas as the winter solstice holiday in Scotland. The exact origins of Hogmanay in Scotland are unknown, but it was probably introduced by invading Vikings between the 8th and 9th centuries. It's possible ...