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Scrooge was a sissy. A few ghosts melted his anti-Christmas resolve, and he turned coat. The Grinch looked sinister, but alas, he was on the very cusp of pulling off a remarkable Christmas Caper when his tiny heart was swelled by a song. These rank amateurs of Holiday Haters have nothing on me. Being the northern hemisphere it is cold, dark, and gloomy—I have a hard time even understanding why anyone would want to make this dreary time of year into a holiday season, but I try.
Christmas began about 4000 years ago, despite the fact it’s only been about 2000 years since the birth of Jesus. For those who complain that America is trying to take the “Christ” out of Christmas, remember that the Christians borrowed the holiday from the pagans, and they seemed plenty willing to share.
The first known Christmas can be blamed on the early Mesopotamians who celebrated a 12 day new year around the winter solstice (the 12 Days of Christmas). Their chief god, Marduk, was set for his annual battle against the forces of chaos (the forces that were making the sunlight dwindle), and the Mesopotamian King was supposed to be killed to go fight at Marduk’s side. Seeing how hard it is to get a good king, however, they tried to pull a fast one on their god; they found a prisoner already condemned to death, and let him spend a day as the king. He got all the king’s treats, clothes, and respect. Then at the end of the day he was stripped and slain so he could go fight at the shoulder of god. This worked out well for the king, who got to live, and the prisoner, who at least had a nice day out of the dungeons before he was killed.
It was the Greeks who introduced mistletoe. Don’t ask the details though; they involve Zeus, a nap under the mistletoe bush, and an erotic dream. Ever after the plant was revered as having powers of fertility, but it always makes me want to shower.
Later on the Scandinavians watched the days grow short, and the nights grow cold and very, very long and they feared that the sun might not be coming back. I understand that fear. They would send men to climb to and wait on the top of the mountains and watch for sunlight. When they spied some they would come home to tell the good news, and the village would celebrate the Yületide—the change of sunlight’s tide. They’d go out into the wood and choose a big tree, cut it down, drag it home, and light it on fire. The feast was set to continue for as long as the wood burned; it could take several days.
The Romans decked their halls with green laurels and trees decorated with candles. This feast, called Saturnalia, was a time for masquerades and feasts and the trading of presents, including “lucky fruits” … not so lucky for us, because they were the forefathers of fruitcake. This was the festival the early Christians saw. The festivities went on with such vigor that these Christians knew they had no hope of stopping it—such pagan parties were forbidden. Instead of stopping it, they adopted it. (If you can’t beat ’em …)
It wasn’t until around 350 AD that Ceaser appointed 25 December to be The Mass of Christ. It wasn’t the same Christmas we know, but it had several elements in common. With so many traditions and cultures integrated into one holiday, I don’t think anyone should get upset if the White House greeting cards say “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” or (for all the atheists out there) “Have a nice day.”
I guess the cold and dreary time of year entices people to celebrate just to ward off the gloom. Personally, I think that bears have the best idea.
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I think it’s useful to note that the Christians actually didn’t borrow the pagan festivals in the sense that they wanted to join in and celebrate; rather, it was a response to the festivals to help make converts out of pagans. Small difference. :-)
It’s also interesting to point out that the Christmas celebration as we know it(more or less) today didn’t really become wide spread until the late 1800’s.
I’m a Jehovah’s Witness and JW’s have explained this to people for years as we strive to tell people the truth about origins of Holidays and why WE CHOOSE not to celebrate them.
So, after they insist we are not Christians, scream at us, Priests condeming us, people laughing at us, it is refreshing to see that not only this article but several media venues lately have begun telling people how Christmas traditions began. You don’t have to stop celebrating them, we just want people to know the origins so they can make an informed decision. Sometimes that informed decision includes a dog being let loose on us. Most don’t give us a chance to say anything to them.
I have always encouraged people to read Matthew Chapter 2 of their Bible. I mean, really read and study it. The Manger Scene may never look the same to you.
I celebrate Christmas as an athiest.
But I still don’t appreciate JWs knocking on my door at 3 o’clock on a christmas afternoon while I’m trying to eat silly amounts of turkey to tell me I’m doing something wrong (the door’s never been open long enough to find out why it is though). I’m also sure they want more than to know that my informed decision is that I like to eat, get drunk and give presents to my friends and family.
So where did Santa come from? :)
While it may not be a biblical fact that Christ was BORN on December 25th he was conceived on that date. The evidence for this fact is found in Luke 1:5 – 1:26. Zacharias was performing the “course of Abia” and was told he would conceive a son (John the Baptist). Elisabeth, Zacharias’ wife became pregnant and hid herself for 5 months. In the sixth month the Lord appeared to Mary and she conceived. The course of Abia is performed from June 13-19, the 5th month for Elisabeth’s pregnancy would have been around November 24 and the 6th month would have been December 25 when Mary conceived.
I find it a great revelation that John leaped in Elisabeth’s womb when Mary approached. To me it proves without a doubt life begins at conception.
Let us not forget that while some pagan celebrations may be older than the birth of Christ, the plan for Christ birth has been since the beginning.
joe schmoe: Just remember that one man’s faith is another man’s myth.
met said: “joe schmoe: Just remember that one man’s faith is another man’s myth.”
My comments were to present the reason that Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December from a biblical reference. I am very aware of all of man’s myths, even the ones of faith.
JustAnotherName wrote:
“So, after they insist we are not Christians, scream at us, Priests condeming us, people laughing at us, it is refreshing to see that not only this article but several media venues lately have begun telling people how Christmas traditions began.”
Don’t worry. We’ll still laugh at you.
Patrick Alexander
NoQuarter said: “I celebrate Christmas as an athiest.
But I still don’t appreciate JWs knocking on my door at 3 o’clock on a christmas afternoon while I’m trying to eat silly amounts of turkey to tell me I’m doing something wrong (the door’s never been open long enough to find out why it is though). I’m also sure they want more than to know that my informed decision is that I like to eat, get drunk and give presents to my friends and family.”
I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to insult anyone but show how we have known all the information in this article and more and people hated us for stating it.
Christmas isn’t usually our opener anyway. Even ON Christmas. We are just known for the fact that we don’t celebrate it AND knock on doors; sometimes on Christmas. Christmas is a good day to find people at home due to work schedules and so on. We do realize we can cause a disturbance and if we see we are we excuse ourselves and leave something small for them to read when they have the opportunity.
My post was actually an illustrative “slap in our face.” We tell people all kinds of things for decades from the Bible and historic related information and get everything from slammed doors to people screaming from their living rooms to dull stares and the occassional shotgun before we open the gate to their farm house. (You gotta respect the fact they give you a warning.)
We have preached to people the GOOD in the Bible and why God allows suffering for now and is going to make a change for the Earth and mankind very soon. We may start with Psalm 83:18 which in most Bibles contains Gods’ name. (Actually, wherever you see LORD in all caps is where YHWH, the tetragrammaton, had been written in ancient manuscripts; Gods personal name, which in English is pronounced Jehovah. Ancient Hebrew was written without vowels, only consonants; they knew where they were placed when they read and spoke.) So we get everything from unimpressed to ripping the page out of their Bible to screaming murder at us to “that’s a fun fact” as their response. But then they hear it in a movie or their own religious leader says it is true and now it’s just fine.
Over 6 million of us over the last ten years (we were 4 million 10 years ago and a JW is only counted if they are involved in the preaching work) put in 12 Billion Hours of the door to door and Bible Study work. People have begun opening up, needing to talk to someone, wanting answers from the Bible. So, 9 million more are interested enough to observe the Memorial of Christs Death at our Kingdom Halls around the World annually. We are fullfilling the prophecy of Mark 24:14 and Mark 28:19,20.
I am of a different flavor of Christianity and do not believe that Christ was born on 25th of Dec either…but it doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy the holiday for what it represents. And I don’t mean the gluttonous commercialism.
No matter your beliefs, Christmas is a good reason to improve yourself. It is sad the fact that we need a holiday as an excuse to be a better person, but if that day poor kids get presents, hungry people get food, and for once, maybe you say “screw it” and make up with people you had fought with, or do something you wouldn’t normally do for someones behalf, then there’s no reason to tear down the whole meaning of Christmas. (please don’t come with those newbie comments such as “but as some people get food, others die from starvation” or alike. i’m refering to the most personal aspect, not the whole humanity).
paalexan said: “JustAnotherName wrote:
“So, after they insist we are not Christians, scream at us, Priests condeming us, people laughing at us, it is refreshing to see that not only this article but several media venues lately have begun telling people how Christmas traditions began.”
Don’t worry. We’ll still laugh at you.
Patrick Alexander”
Actually, we are well aware of that fact.
I’ll tell you and, well, everyone reading these posts a secret. We LOVE jokes about us. But only if they are good. Some just don’t work. The LAND SHARK gag on SNL years ago was great. The Land Shark was loose so the girl (Gilda Radnor) had a knock at the door and she asked “Who is it?” And the response was “Jehovah’s Witness” and she winks at the audience, grabs something big, opens door and clunks a JW on the head; Watchtowers were flying everywhere! It was a SCREAM!!
The only other one who has outdone this is Jeff Foxworthy. He hits so close to home we think he was raised in a JW household or had close relatives that were Witnesses. Something, because he is dead on.
JustAnotherName said: Mark 24:14 and Mark 28:19,20.”
Ahem…..so sorry. Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19,20. Just in case you really do want to look it up.
The comments on here are “damn interesting” to say the least. Once again I have learned something new. When for decades this time of the year is regarded as one where merchants try anything to fatten their bottom line prop up their year end it’s refreshing to hear the actual history behind the event for once. Merry Christmas (not happy holidays) everyone.
So, will I still get presents?
Festivus for the rest of us!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus
Christmas is what it is for each person. For one person to tell another that they are doing it wrong is arrogance of the first degree.
As an atheist, sometimes religios call me a devil worshipper. I always get a grin out of their ignorance of their own beliefs.
Have a great weekend…
In defense of the JW, as I understand it, they don’t celebrate bithdays. My guess is, because any idiot can be born. They make a big deal of easter instead because rising from the dead is a big something. They also follow the bible on other things like not consuming blood, as the jews don’t and putting forth no other gods and sreading the word. Why can a christian order a rare strip steak, when the bible says not to?
Oax said: “In defense of the JW, as I understand it, they don’t celebrate bithdays. My guess is, because any idiot can be born. They make a big deal of easter instead because rising from the dead is a big something. They also follow the bible on other things like not consuming blood, as the jews don’t and putting forth no other gods and sreading the word. Why can a christian order a rare strip steak, when the bible says not to?”
Thank you for your input. The Steak answer is at the bottom. : )
Actually, we don’t celebrate Easter. We recognize the the Memorial of Christs Death which we gather at Kingdom Halls all around the world on Nisan 13, according to the Jewish Calendar when Jesus ate his last passover with his disciples. Nisan 13 this past year on the Gregorian Calendar was on Thursday, March 24th. This year it will be Wednesday, April 12th. We don’t celebrate Birthdays as there is no reference to the Nation of Israel nor Early Christians celebrating birthdays in the Bible. Only two references are made two these celebrations; both ending in disaster.
#1 This is where the term “The Writing is on the Wall” comes from. The Babylonian King Belshazzar and his people celebrated to the point of drunkeness and were lax about security. The doors were left open. The Medes-Persians diverted the waters securing the city. Daniel the prophet had just interpreted the ME’NE, ME’NE, TE’KEL and PAR’SIN. The interpretation was: ME’NE-God has numbered the days of your kingdom and has finished it. (ME’NE stated twice as it would be completely finished.) TE’KEL-you have been weighed in the balances and have been found deficient. PE’RES, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and the Persians. Daniel 5:1-30.
#2 The other Birthday was celebrated by a corrupt District Ruler, Herod. John the Baptist was beheaded. Matthew 14:1-13.
Although the eating of blood was one of the more than 600 Mosaic Laws, it actually predated the Mosaic Law as God commanded Noah that although they were now given animals to eat, they were not to eat the blood. Genesis 9:1-4. The animal had to be drained of it’s blood, which is explained in many areas of the Pentatuch; the first 5 books of the Bible. Because this particular command predated the Mosaic Law, the Apostles saw that it was still necessary to eat of animals bled properly (although they could now eat of ANY animal as the Mosaic Law was not under force for Christians). Acts 15:22-29.
When an animal is strangled, it cannot bleed properly. Animals we eat today are properly bled, at least in the U.S. JW’s in other lands have to be careful concerning this process. Blood NEVER completely comes out from animals. What God was making certain of is that it was understood that blood was sacred. It is Jesus’ shed blood that was the ultimate sacrafice and the end of the Mosaic Law. MISUSE of blood is the issue.
A rare steak is not misuse of blood. The blood has been drained from the animal and the red juices come from the color of the flesh of the meat. Some JW’s conscience may make them want it cooked more as they are not comfortable seeing so much red. (At that point, it is just the color of the flesh of the meat, but they may not be comfortable eating steak so rare.) Personally, I like mine medium rare as I prefer the taste this way. It would not bother me OR God if someone ate it rare.
Blood sausage, Blood Pudding and true Black Forrest Ham in Germany (Dipped in Pigs Blood prior to the smoking/preserving process) are foods we would NEVER eat. Black Forrest Ham here, at least Dietz and Watson, is fine. The black color around the rim is from a smoking/dieing process rather than actually dipped in blood. Yes, I contacted them.
Again, thanks for your input.
Wow a lot of people posting comments on this one. The pagans didn’t celebrate it as Christmas, did they? They had their own festivals. Just like how popular languages like English and French have borrowed words from local languages of colonized countries, Christianity has taken some of their traditions and beleifs from existing cultures. The method of how Christmas is celebrated is therefore, borrowed from the old religions. But everything else, like the day when it is celebrated and the story behind it, is purely Christian.
I’m an athiest though.
“any idiot can be born”
Jason, I think you should really consider moving further South–much further South to a place where there are warm beaches all year round.
I enjoy Christmas, apart from the religious aspects it is a time for families to get together and put aside old animosities. What I really dislike is the rampant commercialism that has taken over the whole thing. It has turned into a competition to see how much money they can extract from your pockets
People get too caught up with the why’s, and where’s and sometimes don’t stop and think about meaning. Christmas is about so many things to so many people that it’s transended the common idea that it’s about Christ being born. That’s just a part of it now and, as time goes by, it might become a lesser part of it. Is that a good thing? I guess only time will tell.
this is in response to something the jw said. i read her comment about how it is okay for a jw to eat a rare steak and not okay to eat something dipped in blood prior to curing or preserving. okay. i’m sorry if i come across rudely, but, could we be more deluded? isn’t the pig blood further from raw than the blood that oozes from a rare, or medium rare steak??? and, anyone who believes that the ‘juices’ in a slightly cooked piece of meat are just general ‘meat juices’ they are kidding themselves. i have no problem with people eating meat however they choose to, i had a medium steak last night, but i will not kid myself into thinking these juices are not blood. so… wouldn’t it seem contradictory to eat raw blood yet have such a strict and unusual stance on the taking of blood? even to the point of allowing your child to die in order to preserve the stance???? any thoughts??
As a pagan, I have always found it funny to watch “Christians” put up christmas trees when it plainly states in the bible that to have a christmas tree is a sin because pagans do it.
Having been born on Dec 21, I’ve always thought of Christmas/Soltice/Chanukka/Et all as one big birthday celebration shared with the whole wide world. :)
Then I learnt that according to the Aztec or Myans calendars, Dec.21 2012, will be the end of the world as we know it. Thats only in 5 more years…Bummer. And happy damned birthday. :(
I don’t believe in holiday but I am not a JW. I think everyday could be christmas if we were all nice,hell not even nice just civil to each other all year we wouldn’t need this BS excuse. Nothing says I love you like a peice of random merchandise.
Round 2 begins…
We have the atheists in one corner and the Christians in the other.
It’s been a bloody battle so far as the atheists destroy every little child’s dreams, and the Christians quote from the greatest work of science fiction…
JustAnotherName said: “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to insult anyone but show how we have known all the information in this article and more and people hated us for stating it.
Don’t let it get to you. As a Catholic I am hated, as a former soldier I am hated. As a Southerner living in the north I am hated. As a white man I am hated.
Hey, if you’re just hated for being a Witness consider yourself lucky. By the way, stop coming to my door before eight.
Can’t we all just get along?
Can’t we both “get along” and disagree? Just because people don’t see things the same way and exchange those views, does not mean that they aren’t “getting along.”
Now, if we could only get people to see that saying “Happy Holidays” is an inclusive greeting meant to bring all people together, rather than a part of some imaginary “war on Christmas.” ;-)
What, no mention of Mythras? It was he who revealed himself to shepherds, under the light of a bright star, on the 25th of December (on a huge rock and in the form of a white bull) about 250 years before the birth of Christ. Then Emperor Constantine, who was a Mythratic, was the one who accepted Christianity into the Roman Empire as its official religion and simply changed many of the Mythratic holidays and symbols into Christian dogma, making Christmas the 25th of December in spite of all of the evidence that Christ was born in the spring.
joe shmoe, i looked at Luke chapter 1 verse 5, and it says nothing about Zacharias “performing the course of Abia”. It only states that he is of the division of Abijah”
can u explain the “performing the course of abia” part of your quote. thanks.
I drink blood on Christmas eve.
i dunno…. i mean beating the other two million sperm to the overy has gotta count for SOMETHING. I think it deserves a pat on the back at least.
My philosophy teacher (the wacky, wacky man he is) tells me that Easter was originally a pagan fertility festival, hence all the bunnies and eggs.. Yay or Nay?
40th!!
Pretty awesome article, didn’t know about the Scandinavians. Keep up the good articles, very DI
pretty sure that he came from coca-cola, notice he wears the same colors as the coke can has red and white, anyway, he’s fake
different copies of the bible have different wording
Spring is when the ‘Dead of Winter’ ends and signs of life start to show. Pagans celebrated this ‘rebirth’ with eggs and bunnies. The Swiss, Germans, or Belgians must’ve thrown in the chocolate part – My favorite!
Easter is actually from Eoster, the Godess of Spring and fertility… Her symbol was a rabbit…She brought the dawn and renewal.