Christmas is a Christian holiday which celebrates the birth of Jesus. In most countries of the world this holiday takes place on the 25th of December. Christmas is a time of love and peace and many people across the world enjoy the beautiful Christmas songs which create a certain romantic atmosphere.

It is unknown why December 25 is chosen because this date is probably not the real date of Jesus' birth. Many consider the elected date for this celebration as more of a tradition. Even the New Testament in the Bible doesn't specify a real date.

If you read the version in Luke 2: 8 in the bible it states "And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night"; it is more likely to believe that Jesus is born in September. Shepherds stayed with their flocks from spring to August in the Middle East; Palestine is situated there. It is hard to believe the shepherds went to Bethlehem in December.

Although Christmas is associated now with the birth of Jesus the real history started more than 4000 years ago. The word Christmas originated from Cristes maesse which means Mass of Christ. Many of our current Christmas traditions include exchanging gifts, decorating of trees, burning of the yule log, and parades. Even the church processions started during the times of the Mesopotamians, many years before the birth of Christ.

New Year was celebrated by the Mesopotamians with a 12 day festival, called Zagmuk. They believed in many Gods but they held this festival to support their chief God Murdok. There was a common belief by this people that Murdok should battle the monsters of chaos at the beginning of each winter. This festival was probably the origin of Christmas.

The Romans honored their God Saturn every year with a festival called "Saturnalia", which was popular throughout Italy. This festival started in the middle of December and ended the first of January. Many traditions today include decorating the houses with garlands and trees with candles and originated as a practice of the Romans.

There is a theory saying that the tradition of exchanging gifts between family and friends during our Christmas holiday found its origin in this festival. During the festival of the Romans the exchange of gifts was meant to promote good luck and this is something we also during our Christmas holiday.

Another Roman festival related to Christmas was "Dies NatalisSolis Invicti" which was celebrated on the 25th of December. This festival

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about The history of Christmas?
We want to hear your view. Write now!