Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Christmas Throughout Time

Christmas in the middle of a recession, high unemployment, our Country on the verge of bankruptcy, a very unstable economy and a corrupt government brings much sadness and grief to the people of America. People are so caught up in what they can not afford to buy for a gift, they have forgotten the values related to this ancient holiday. From early times it has been the tradition to spend the season in a festive manner with family and friends. Most frequently earlier celebrations were centered around a Pagan God. Let's take a little time to reflect on the true values of this glorious holiday.

Long before Jesus was born people, all around the world the world, celebrated the winter solstice rejoicing the end of winter and longer days of daylight.

The Norsemen of Scandinavia celebrated Yule from Dec. 21 through January. The men brought home huge logs which were set on fire, the local people feasted until they burned out sometimes the fires lasted up to 12 days. The sparks from the fire each represented the birth of a pig or calf. Decorated Yule Logs are a Christmas traditional decoration.

Early Europeans slaughter their cattle at the end of December so they wouldn't have to feed them through the winter. They were insured plenty of fresh meat and also their beer and wine thy made was properly fermented at that time, making for a jolly celebration.

During the winter holiday Germans honored the Pagan God Oden. They believed Oden flew through the sky observing his people and determining who would prosper or parish. Many people stayed inside during that period.

Romans celebrated Saturnalia honoring Saturn the God of Agriculture for a full month during the winter solstice. Food and drink were plentiful, slaves became masters and peasants commanded the city.
The also observed Juvenalia, a feast to honor the Roman children. Upper class Romans celebrated the birth of Mithra,the God of the Unconquerable Sun, on December 25. Legend has it that Mithra an infant God was born of a rock, many considered the birth of Mithra as the most sacred day of the year.

Early Christians did not celebrate the birth of Jesus. Their main holiday was Easter. During the fourth century Christians decided to celebrate the birth of Jesus, believed to have occurred in the Spring. Pope Julius I chose Dec. 25th in an effort to coordinate and absorb the ancient holiday traditions of the pagan Saturnalia Festival.
The celebration was first called the Feast of the Nativity. By the year 432 the custom spread to Egypt and arrived in England at the end of the sixth century.

Wisely Church leaders decided to hold Christmas during the winter solstice to increase the chances of popularity. During early celebrations of Christmas, they attended Church and celebrated in a feast of drunken rowdiness similar to Mardi Gras. A student or beggar was crowned the "Lord of Misrule," and celebrants served the part of his subjects. The poor could demand the best food and drink from the homes of the rich. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined "debt" to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.
(Gosh were there Democrats back then, take from the rich and give to the poor!)

Oliver Cromwell and Puritans controlled England in 1645. Christmas was canceled in an attempt to Rid England of decadence. Charles II was returned to the thrown and reinstated the Christmas Celebrations. The orthodox Puritans or Pilgrims did not bring the spirit of Christmas with them. 1659-1681 saw Christmas banned in Boston. Meanwhile the Jamestown settlement enjoyed the Christmas holiday.
The American Revolution dispelled all English Customs in America. Christmas was officially declared a federal holiday on June 26,1870.

1828 brought drastic changes to the way Christmas was celebrated in this Country. During the holidays a riot broke out in New York City. Gone were the days of the drunken party like turmoils. The American tradition turned to Christianity and families being together celebrating Christmas with parents presenting gifts to their children without the appearance of spoiling them. Along with this change Americans began their own traditions many of which we still enjoy today, gift giving and sending cards are among them.

"Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger." (According to History.com)

Let's enjoy this Christmas Season no matter if you are poor, rich, unemployed, employed, hurt, missing a loved one, or just a SCROOGE! The traditions of this holiday are and have been based on the value of family, friends and the belief of various Gods. 
Make this holiday special for someone who is in need. A kind smile and words of encouragement are always well received. Instead of buying a gift you can not afford, give a friend or relative a bag of cookies you made. Make a special Christmas Card for someone. Help your children make decorations for the tree. Send a card to a soldier who will not be home for the holidays because he is defending the Freedom of our Country. Above all have faith in God, your family, friends and our Country.

We will be posting YOUR Christmas Stories on http//RednecksForAmericans.com
Be sure to visit our website for details. 
Read about how many of our Christmas traditions came about. 
We will be updating frequently so don't miss out.
Have a Very Merry Christmas!
Tea Party Deanie

Source

12 comments:

  1. I find it interesting to learn that in ancient times the poor were given respect during their holiday. Today's society could learn from the past. Christmas has become a symbol of spending money on things that are not needed but wanted. We need to reflect on the actions of the past of sharing with others faith and fellowship.
    Merry Christmas

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  2. I'll tell you what Jim, if in the old days they had to cater to the poor people I would be in business. The sad part is after Nobama gets through with us there won't be anyone left to cater to the poor because we'll all be there.

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  3. This is a great article on Christmas, but in today's time people are starving. I agree with Jim Bob when it comes to catering to the poor we're all going to be there. I love Christmas, but I'm scared to death for the one after this.

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  4. It's true we have forgotten the reason for the season. Everything is so commercialized. I hate to see Christmas decorations up BEFORE Halloween in the stores. This detracts from Thanksgiving. People think they have to give their kids very expensive gifts and outdo their friends and family. When I was a child we were grateful for whatever we got. Now kids want and demand the best. Parents are to blame for this, they think it is ok to go into debt and make sure the kids get the best.

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  5. I did't know much about early Christmas. Thanks for researching the info and compiling it so well. Really good article !!

    Also enjoyed the goodies you have on the other page.

    Will get a Christmas story typed up sometime soon to add.

    Merry Chistmas Rednecks * * *

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  6. Christmas used to be when people got together to share time with each other. today the stores start it so early it takes the fun out of it. i do enjoy watching the children. I am trying to send in my Christmas memory but i type kind of slow.

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  7. I am scared to death to spend too much money this year. Knowing what kind of devious things this administration has been doing is putting a damper on the festivities this year. Many of my friends are preparing for the worst to come, they are stocking up on food etc.
    The history of the Christmas Holiday is very interesting. The meaning was honored by all, today we are too commercialized to remember why this holiday began.

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  8. Deanie, Thanks for doing all the research and putting your blog together. In years past, I have been unduely critical of others who seem to have forgotten the meaning of Christmas and the over commercialization. In recent years I have come to agree(in a significantly different sense)with the Charles Dickens' character Ebenezer Scrooge who said "you keep Christmas in your way and I will keep it in mine". By that I mean, it is the personal responsibility of each of us to keep the Christmas spirit alive in our hearts, REGARDLESS of how others interpret and celebrate the birth of Christ
    I no longer concern myself with what others think or do in this regard. Worship and salvation are not competetive or comparative issues. With some discretion, I simply follow my heart and encourage others to remain joyful and do the same.

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  9. After a week-end of shopping and seeing beautiful decorations on display, it is nice to relax and read an article like this. I never thought about the history of Christmas before now.
    Many of the people I encountered this week-end did not say Merry Christmas but Seasons Greetings or Happy Holidays. One lady told me to enjoy the Winter Festival. I say Merry Christmas to all.

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  10. Wishing you Merry Christmas this year

    Perhaps the one good thing we can be thankful for this year during the continued recession and abusive treatment from our govt is that the real meaning of Christmas will shine through some peoples sadness and despair, touch more hearts than in past years because of the way things are ... hoping so!

    ~ Jesus is the reason for the season ~
    MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL

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  11. The month of December has always been a time when people could unite and spend time with friends and family. I enjoyed the blog, but let's make another challenge: How do we make the season last?

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  12. It appears from the beginning the winter festival has be based on a form of religion. Christianity brought the Christmas spirit to the world.
    Why do people say Christmas is not religious? It is, even in ancient their holiday was based on pagan gods.

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