December 28, 2007

The traditions of Christmas

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Christians around the world recognize Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ. They attend religious commemorations of the birth of Christ every year with church rites, carols, and prayer to show respect for their religion. Nativity scenes are prevalent in art, displays and recreations.

Rylee and Billy Curtis get ready to open Christmas gifts.

The exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown and has been debated for centuries, although Dec. 25 has become the traditional date for celebrations. That day was mentioned in a reference book for Christians written in 221 AD and celebrations of the Nativity occurred in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, usually around the winter solstice.

Festivities around the winter solstice pre-dated Christianity. In Scandinavia, burning of the Yule log honored Thor, the god of thunder and lasted until the log burned out, about twelve days. The Romans drank, gambled, sang, and suspended rules of behavior during Saturnalia, and throughout the countryside, the people exchanged gifts and prepared feasts. The Romans also worshipped several sun gods on Dec. 25 with winter festivals and a connection of the sun’s rebirth and the Son’s birth was made.

The word Christmas is derived from a contraction of “Christ’s Mass” and in early Greek, the letter X (chi) and the early Roman letter X was used as Christ. Although some people object to the abbreviation Xmas, believing it is improper, that it crosses out Christ. But Xmas is actually used properly and respectfully.

Secular celebrations around Christ-mas time have a somewhat checkered past. Christmas celebrations fell from favor in the 17th century because of concerns around non-religious events. Boston outlawed them from 1659 to 1681, although the holiday was observed in most of early America. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the poem popularly referred to as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in the 1800’s revived interest in gift-giving and family gatherings. Christmas also has become marked with parties, shopping, trees and homes decorated with colorful lights, gifts and Santa Claus.

President Ulysses S. Grant made Christmas a federal holiday in 1870. The holiday has blended religious recognition and secular celebration. People mix attending church services with shopping at the malls and online. The economic impact of the holidays is tremendous, and debate goes on about the merger and the real meaning of Christmas.

On the gifting side of the debate, visits by Santa Claus are of great import and he is part of cultures around the world. Thomas Nast, a famed cartoonist, drew the images of Santa Claus that evolved into the version most often used today in advertising and illustrations. Most every nation has a fictional gift giver who appears around Christmas. The appearance of Santa is commonplace in parades and at malls where children whisper their hope for toys. Elves making toys delivered in a sled drawn by Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer and others are part of the culture. Christmas carols praise Jesus and songs as well, sing of family gatherings, good will, and even humor.

Greenery has been used in rituals to “deck the halls” since pre-Christian days and the tradition of a decorated tree is traced to Germany in the 18th century. Decorations adorn homes, stores and downtown streets. Poinsettia, holly, mistletoe, amaryllis and cactus are popular for home decoration. Gaily wrapped packages are piled around the trees for “tiny tots with their eyes all aglow” to open on Christmas day.