Articles related to "Origin Of Christmas"

Although Christmas has become largely commercialized, the question still remains as to whether or not Christians should celebrate. Does Christmas have pagan origins?

The modern version of Christmas is an amalgam of many pagan traditions from early civilizations, especially that of the ancient Romans.

On this darkest night of the year, let's discuss where Christmas originated.

Parallels to many of our Christmas customs can be seen in the winter solstice celebrations of ancient times.

Almost all accepted Christmas celebrations are traced to Near Eastern, Roman, and pagan barbarian cultures that were adopted by the Church to legitimize December 25th.

Green and red. Together, these colors are immediately associated with Christmas. But where did that convention come from?

Many people enjoy Pagan Christmas traditions without knowing of their origins. From the Yule wreath to candles and lights, ancient practices abound at Christmas.

Christians are absolutely certain about the details and the truth of their traditional December 25 stories but there is little agreement as to how the festival began.

Christian opinion is divided on whether Christmas trees are Biblically permissible, morally neutral or a remnant of pagan rituals.

Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in Finland, and Christmas celebrations in Finland are built around ancient Nordic Christmas traditions.

Every year we decorate our homes a certain way but do we know why? The history or these decorations are explored.

Christmas carols today have religious significance for many; some Christmas carols date back to medieval times but the majority were written in the 19th century.

English entrepreneur Henry Cole commissioned John Collet Horsley to create the first Christmas card in 1843, not knowing that they would create a Christmas tradition.

Christmas is the most popular holiday in the world. When did Christmas begin? How was Christmas first celebrated? Why was Christmas created?

Christmas traditions today in the U.S. have certain underlying themes that originated from the first Dutch and British settlers of New Jersey in the early 1700s.

Carols were originally associated with dancing, not singing, and Christmas hymns have always been Christian sacred songs.

Before Christmas there was Yule, the original winter festival that started many festive traditions, from Yule logs to holly and Twelfth Night.

People often ask of the Scrooge-like character, "Where's your Christmas spirit?" referring to a sense of cheer and goodwill during the festive season.

Who were the Puritans and why did they put a ban on Christmas? What were their objections to the celebration and how long was Christmas legally banned?

Russians spend plenty of time in the kitchen for both Christmas and New Year's. Learn what foods are traditional and the history behind them.

Indoor greenery from the Winter Solstice until Candlemas ensured the return of vegetation while candles and other household fire anticipated the return of spring.

Weather conditions during the Southern Hemisphere Christmas celebrations are in sharp contrast to the icy winter weather underlying European Christmas ceremonies.

Christmas can be a stressful time of year when it comes to finding the right gifts at the right price for your loved ones. But gift giving doesn't have to be a burden.

This recipe is for baking delicious home-made Christmas tree decorations that will last throughout the festival season and beyond.

Most people who celebrate Christmas include in their decorating some kind of tree decorated with baubles and lights. It is an old tradition whose origin is unclear.

Decorating Christmas trees with ornaments began in the 1800s and went on to become a traditional part of the holiday.

Christmas was originally a pagan festivity and every symbol from the tree to gifts and lights to feasts has its roots in a celebration of the earth.

Singer-songwriter Christina Milian stars in the 2007 made-for-TV Christmas film Snowglobe.

During the Christmas season, there is much talk about peace. Many people do not know it, but the saying "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men" comes from the Bible.

Christmas ornaments were first made by Americans during the 1940s, creating their own distinctive style of tree decorations.

The Christmas tree and how it is used during the holiday season has many customs and traditions that are now practiced by people around the world.

Familiar holiday plants have a colorful history in Christmas tradition. Some are wrapped in lore stretching back to medieval times; others rise from more recent legends.

The magi were wise men from Persia whose origins can be traced to Zoroaster, following the Morning Star associated with the goddess Astarte to King Herod in Jerusalem.

Although Germanic pagans adopted Roman and foreign gods and goddesses, their primary worship focused on nature and the supernatural, incorporating magic and divination.

Restaurants at the Windsor Arms, King Edward Hotel, Toronto's First Post Office, or catering a tea party provide options for afternoon or high tea in Toronto and the GTA.

Christmas honors the birth of Jesus, and is observed by most Christian churches, but the holiday finds its roots in the Winter Solstice celebrations of the ancient world.

Fruiting in mid-winter, the evergreen Mistletoe held symbolism for the ancient Germanic and Celtic tribes and remains popular in modern Christmas traditions.

There exist several stories regarding the origin of Christmas trees. Whatever may be the story, the evergreen Christmas tree brings holiness into homes.