The history of Christmas can be traced back at least four thousand years with many of the most popular traditions celebrated long before the Christ child was born. Early Europeans believed in evil spirits and other supernatural beings and as Winter Solstice approached with its shorter days and increasingly longer nights, there became an anxiety among the society members that maybe the sun would never return. To ensure that the sun would return, special rituals and celebrations were conducted including yule log fires, gift exchanges, feasts, caroling, and even a huge carnival.
Many of the same traditions practiced by the early Europeans were mirrored in other societies including Scandinavian, Greek, and Roman practices. As Christianity spread throughout the world, the Christians wanted to maintain a reverent holiday by which to honor the Christ Child. The Christians were alarmed by the irreverent and festive celebrations and customs of the pagans and Romans. This type of jovial celebration was absolutely forbidden by the church. Of course at first, the Church tried to forbid its converted members from taking part in the various festivities. It didn’t really work well, and the Church took a different approach. The Church created a Christmas celebration that merged the two conflicting practices. The Church insisted on a celebration that would be an appropriate recognition for the son of God yet it would incorporate the merriment, lights, and gifts that were so mesmerizing of early European celebrations.
By the 12th Century, Christmas became the most prominent religious festival in Europe, with St. Nicholas providing an example of selfless giving. In the 17th Century a resurgence of protect against Paganism resulted in Christmas being entirely outlined in England and the American colonies.
Of course, not to be held down, the holiday reemerged with feasting and decorations still part of the festivities but with a more religious emphasis placed on practice and themes. Many carols, paintings, and other historical Christmas traditions continue to reflect this return to the Christian Christmas theme that enabled the holiday celebrations to again be allowed.
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