The origins of Christmas

The word Christmas originates from the Latin "natalis" which in turn derives from "natus, born. This is the day that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In the West falls on December 25, in the East on January 6.
We do not know exactly the date of the birth of Jesus that was not originally celebrated by the Church.
Christians in Egypt were the first to celebrate Jan. 6 and since then the custom has spread
Throughout the East. It is believed that the birth has taken place around the fourth century BC However become a
Christian celebration only in the fourth century of the Roman Empire.

Do you know why in the West but is celebrated on December 25? Everything was by the will of the ecclesiastical authorities who attempted to meet the converted pagans and in the same day used to celebrate the feast of the Sun God. So Christmas has pagan origin and Saint Augustine also stressed in a sentence in which the pagans asked not to celebrate the sun, but the one who created the sun.

Traditions

The crib: term derived from the Latin "praesepium" which means manger, is a typical tradition
Especially the southern countries. The birth of the Child Jesus is represented by the statues.
The elements are always present in the cave or hut, with Mary, Joseph side of a manger in which Jesus is accepted, then the ox, donkey, the Archangel Gabriel, the Three Kings 3 (Melchiorre, and Baldassarre Gasparre) , parties from different countries to bring gifts to Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh). Then outside shepherds, sheep, and of course the star comet. They deserve note the gifts brought by the three kings 3 that because in reality are just symbols. "Myrrh" represents the prophecy, as is the substance with which he was anointed Christ's body before burial. Gold is a symbol of perfection and divine light and the incense, or rather its smell, symbolizes holiness.

Christmas trees: derives from the shackles of oak burned by pagans. The custom to adorn the tree, however, is probably born in Scandinavia where the transition since the winter was celebrated by burning a tree, to give the winter sun, and planting a new decorated with garlands in front of the house. Over time we began to use other decorations, including the classic pine today full of ribbons, balls and lights.

Santa Claus is the old man with a white beard, a little grease on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, comes on the homes of children and descending through the fireplace brings

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