Tis the Season - ?
Do you celebrate Christmas? How do you celebrate Christmas?
Many of the rituals and ceremonies that comprise Christmas today evolved from pagan rituals. Many of which were in existence long before Christ was born. These early celebrations included wine, song and dance. Garlands and other decorations were included in festivities that payed homage to other gods and the winter solstice. Early Romans also exchanged gifts to honor Saturn. Christmas ornaments evolved from "witch balls," which were hung in windows and later on trees to ward off evil spirits.
Around the 4th century the Roman Pope and St. Augustine introduced a "nativity feast" to the people they wished to convert over to Christianity. Early Christians allowed the new converts to keep their traditions and basically inserted the celebration of Christ's birthday* in the middle of all the raucous activities. By the 1800s, many of the Christmas celebrations continued to be rowdy, even raunchy. In the young New York City, a police force was first formed to handle Christmas riots. During those years, poor did actually go wassailing (carousing), pounding on doors and demanding drink and gifts from the more wealthy residents. At this time a concerted effort was made to bring the Christmas celebration inside and make it a more wholesome occasion. Nordic ideas of a kind St. Nicholas were adopted and also converted into Santa Clause. "The Night Before Christmas" was widely accepted and another Christmas transformation was complete.
Over time rituals often lose their meaning as they are passed down from one generation to the next. Knowing how many of the Christmas rituals made their way into your life can help you make a conscious decision to keep the traditions that serve you well, and discard the rituals that drain your energy. *Also note that the Bible is vague on when Jesus was born. What can be derived from the description of shepherds tending flock is that Christ was born in the Spring or Fall, rather than a during a period of time when the days are short.
Christ just asked us to love one another - every day of the year. Be kind to yourself, take time to relax and enjoy. Participate only in what feels right to you.
Many of the rituals and ceremonies that comprise Christmas today evolved from pagan rituals. Many of which were in existence long before Christ was born. These early celebrations included wine, song and dance. Garlands and other decorations were included in festivities that payed homage to other gods and the winter solstice. Early Romans also exchanged gifts to honor Saturn. Christmas ornaments evolved from "witch balls," which were hung in windows and later on trees to ward off evil spirits.
Around the 4th century the Roman Pope and St. Augustine introduced a "nativity feast" to the people they wished to convert over to Christianity. Early Christians allowed the new converts to keep their traditions and basically inserted the celebration of Christ's birthday* in the middle of all the raucous activities. By the 1800s, many of the Christmas celebrations continued to be rowdy, even raunchy. In the young New York City, a police force was first formed to handle Christmas riots. During those years, poor did actually go wassailing (carousing), pounding on doors and demanding drink and gifts from the more wealthy residents. At this time a concerted effort was made to bring the Christmas celebration inside and make it a more wholesome occasion. Nordic ideas of a kind St. Nicholas were adopted and also converted into Santa Clause. "The Night Before Christmas" was widely accepted and another Christmas transformation was complete.
Over time rituals often lose their meaning as they are passed down from one generation to the next. Knowing how many of the Christmas rituals made their way into your life can help you make a conscious decision to keep the traditions that serve you well, and discard the rituals that drain your energy. *Also note that the Bible is vague on when Jesus was born. What can be derived from the description of shepherds tending flock is that Christ was born in the Spring or Fall, rather than a during a period of time when the days are short.
Christ just asked us to love one another - every day of the year. Be kind to yourself, take time to relax and enjoy. Participate only in what feels right to you.
Posted by Cindy at 12/25/2009 11:59 PM 
Categories: Understanding
Tags: traditions rituals Christmas Christ
Categories: Understanding
Tags: traditions rituals Christmas Christ
Comments