There are a handful of festivals that we celebrate on a global stage. The relevance of those festivals are no longer bound within its origin or its motherland. These festivals have crossed all borders to convey the message of ‘togetherness’. One of such festivals is Christmas. Christmas has been able to go beyond all the barriers of segregation, of religion for certain. And has become a festival of “ALL”. The universal festival for centuries has many facts about itself. Here is a brief discussion about this holy festival.
Origins Of Christmas
Every occasion has its own unique origin stories. So has Christmas. The very popular belief is that the celebration of this festival had its initiation in Italy. The date of Christmas had been found to be-fixed on the Roman calendar. It was the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birthday. Also, this occasion includes exchange of gifts between other. It also originates from the Roman calendar. Among the gifts, Stenae (good luck/lucky fruit) had been a traditional one. Jesus received three gifts- Frankincense (a perfume that signifies popularity of Jesus). Other two are- Gold (in association with kings) and Myrrh (a perfume that was a sign on that Jesus will suffer and die). But the main gift of Christmas was Jesus himself that God presented to the world 2000 years back. Now a days we choose unorthodox items to send christmas gifts to our familiar people to celebrate the holy occasion.
Why Does Santa Bring Gifts?
We cannot imagine a Christmas celebration without gifts. There are varieties of gifts that we make lists of for Christmas. But has the thought ever come to our mind that why do we send gifts on Christmas. It was the story of the three gifts that were sent to Christ by three wise men. They all crossed the long distance following a star to find Christ. But the gift giving tradition was slightly different. The date was 6th of January, the Epiphany. The span of Christmas to Epiphany, from 25th to 6th January, is famous as ‘Twelve days of Christmas’ in the bible. The day of Christmas was observed as a holy day at first. But the tradition of gift giving and celebration came into view from the middle age. From nineteenth century the new dimension of gifts came along with St. Nicolas.
Christmas Tree?
The Fir tree is the official Christmas tree and thanks to Prince Albert for that. It has a history of its own too. It was 1000s of years ago that the Northern Europe first used the fir trees to hang from ceiling on Christmas. Other early Christmas trees were cherry and hawthorn plants. The first usage of Christmas tree was noted in Tallinn (1441) of Estonia and Riga (1510) of Latvia. There was a custom of Yule Log, where the plant was placed at the middle of the town squares. Blackheads dance around them and then set the tree on fire. Such description was written by Historian Balthazar Russow in 1584. The 16th century German preacher martin Luther first brought Christmas tree inside house. In Bremen, hanging nuts, paper flowers were famous Christmas Decoration ideas. There is a story of a forester rescuing Jesus in disguise. And he received a fir twig as present on the Christmas day is also famous. Ukraine has an amazing Christmas stories on spider. Christmas tree found a place in every one of our hearts and that is why it is regarded a one of the best christmas gift ideas and become the epitome of Christmas as a festival.
Why 25th December?
Bible had no mention of the date of Jesus’s birthday. Roman emperor Constantine first celebrated Christmas on 25th Dec. in 336. It was official by Pope Julius 1 a few years later. Bible said, Annunciation (Mary knowing to have a special baby) was marked on 25th March. 9 months from that date is 25th December. So, it is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ. There is another belief that Jesus died and reborn on the same date. And it was also the date of World’s creation. Roman festival of Winter Solistice and Saturnalia were other sources of celebrating Christmas. It is in the mid winter, on 25th December. Jewish festival of Hanukkah was also scheduled at the 25th of Kislev. It is the same time of biblical calendar of December. Later it was Pope Augustine who made 25th December as the birthday of Christ as official in the 6th century.
Why Christmas Gift Basket is Best Present?
Christmas is a festival of togetherness. The gift baskets are the best options for Christmas gift. It can be a gift for the family where every member gets a share. The gift baskets include nuts, chocolates and cookies. You can add your favorite things and make a customize Christmas gift basket and packed as per your budget and sense of style for a christmas gift basket delivery to your loved ones across the globe.
Santa Suits?
It is the custom of St. Nicolas/ Santa Claus. The suit was drawn by Thomas Nast from ‘Harper’s Weekly’ .In the USA, it is a white border red furry jacket and pant. Along with that, there are broad buckled belt, a red had and black boots. But in the UK, it is closer to Bishop’s mitre (long red robe).
Why Jingle Bell Song?
Having its origin in America, Jingle bells is the famous Christmas song. The original name of the song is ‘One Horse One Sleigh’, written in 1857. It was written and sung by the Sunday school choir. James Fuld was the famous lyricist of the song. It was a thank-giving song before. It was first recorded as a Christmas song by Edison Cylinder in 1889. On the eve of Christmas every one try innovative christmas decoration ideas to impart a great looks to their home and with the Jingle bell song the moment become memorable.
It is important to know about a festival before we celebrate it, especially Christmas. It is a world-wide celebration, observed by all the people irrespective of religions. Hope the above Christmas facts excited you to celebrate the occasion in livelier manner. Enjoy!
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