Christmas, Saturnalia and Other Festivals
Most of us realize that no one is sure exactly when Jesus was born and that the selection of December 25th as the time to celebrate had as much to do with the timing of the winter solstice and pagan celebrations that already existed.
For centuries, people around the world have held mid-December celebrations. Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 21, was celebrated by most of Europe. It was a time to enjoy the meat from animals slaughtered for the winter and partake in libations that had become fermented. The Winter Solstice marks the day with the shortest period of daylight; therefore, December 21 was a time to rejoice in the fact the days were beginning to get longer. .
By choosing a mid-December date, Pope Julius I hoped to increase the chances that Christmas would be embraced as it coincided with existing traditional Winter Solstice festivals. The date December 25 also aligned with the pagan festival known as Saturnalia, or the Feast of the Nativity. Begun in Egypt around 432 A.D., by the 6th century, the tradition made its way to Europe. Historians believe the Catholic Church chose this date as a way to convert a pagan holiday into a Christian one. It did the trick as by the Middle Ages, Christianity had mostly replaced pagan religion.
Angie George and Brian Shifflet, Shores & Islands Ohio Visitor Services Managers
So what was Saturnalia like:
During Saturnalia, work and business came to a halt. Schools and courts of law closed, and the normal social patterns were suspended.
People decorated their homes with wreaths and other greenery, and shed their traditional togas in favor of colorful clothes known as synthesis. Even enslaved people did not have to work during Saturnalia, but were allowed to participate in the festivities; in some cases, they sat at the head of the table while their masters served them.
Instead of working, Romans spent Saturnalia gambling, singing, playing music, feasting, socializing and giving each other gifts. Wax taper candles called cerei were common gifts during Saturnalia, to signify light returning after the solstice.
On the last day of Saturnalia celebrations, known as the Sigillaria, many Romans gave their friends and loved ones small terracotta figurines known as signillaria, which may have referred back to older celebrations.
Before the end of the fourth century, many of the traditions of Saturnalia—including giving gifts, singing, lighting candles, feasting and merrymaking—had become absorbed by the traditions of Christmas as many of us know them today., World History Encyclopedia.
Interesting sidelight: In the Anglo-Saxon (basically the period before the Norman Conquest of England) and possibly Norse tradition, the first night of Yule is Mordraniht or “Mother’s Night”. It is a day to honor and offer thanks to our female ancestors, those who are believed to watch over our families and help us in times of need. These ancestors are known as “The Disir”. Many people also honor those mothers who are still among us.
Many Pagans and Heathens still celebrate this holiday today with prayers and rituals.
-Jenn Campus – Old Ways for Modern Days
Most of us realize that no one is sure exactly when Jesus was born and that the selection of December 25th as the time to celebrate had as much to do with the timing of the winter solstice and pagan celebrations that already existed.
For centuries, people around the world have held mid-December celebrations. Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 21, was celebrated by most of Europe. It was a time to enjoy the meat from animals slaughtered for the winter and partake in libations that had become fermented. The Winter Solstice marks the day with the shortest period of daylight; therefore, December 21 was a time to rejoice in the fact the days were beginning to get longer. .
By choosing a mid-December date, Pope Julius I hoped to increase the chances that Christmas would be embraced as it coincided with existing traditional Winter Solstice festivals. The date December 25 also aligned with the pagan festival known as Saturnalia, or the Feast of the Nativity. Begun in Egypt around 432 A.D., by the 6th century, the tradition made its way to Europe. Historians believe the Catholic Church chose this date as a way to convert a pagan holiday into a Christian one. It did the trick as by the Middle Ages, Christianity had mostly replaced pagan religion.
Angie George and Brian Shifflet, Shores & Islands Ohio Visitor Services Managers
So what was Saturnalia like:
During Saturnalia, work and business came to a halt. Schools and courts of law closed, and the normal social patterns were suspended.
People decorated their homes with wreaths and other greenery, and shed their traditional togas in favor of colorful clothes known as synthesis. Even enslaved people did not have to work during Saturnalia, but were allowed to participate in the festivities; in some cases, they sat at the head of the table while their masters served them.
Instead of working, Romans spent Saturnalia gambling, singing, playing music, feasting, socializing and giving each other gifts. Wax taper candles called cerei were common gifts during Saturnalia, to signify light returning after the solstice.
On the last day of Saturnalia celebrations, known as the Sigillaria, many Romans gave their friends and loved ones small terracotta figurines known as signillaria, which may have referred back to older celebrations.
Before the end of the fourth century, many of the traditions of Saturnalia—including giving gifts, singing, lighting candles, feasting and merrymaking—had become absorbed by the traditions of Christmas as many of us know them today., World History Encyclopedia.
Interesting sidelight: In the Anglo-Saxon (basically the period before the Norman Conquest of England) and possibly Norse tradition, the first night of Yule is Mordraniht or “Mother’s Night”. It is a day to honor and offer thanks to our female ancestors, those who are believed to watch over our families and help us in times of need. These ancestors are known as “The Disir”. Many people also honor those mothers who are still among us.
Many Pagans and Heathens still celebrate this holiday today with prayers and rituals.
-Jenn Campus – Old Ways for Modern Days
