"...for the first three centuries of Christianity’s existence, Jesus Christ’s birth wasn’t celebrated at all. The religion’s most significant holidays were Epiphany on January 6, which commemorated the arrival of the Magi after Jesus’ birth, and Easter, which celebrated Jesus’ resurrection. The first official mention of December 25 as a holiday honoring Jesus’ birthday appears in an early Roman calendar from 336 A.D." (source)
And here's an interesting video for those of you who are interested in learning more about the Christmas holiday.
I'm a real trivia junkie, so I'm always tuned into this kind of stuff. How about you?
Fun video! The thinking is now that Santa's roots go even further back than St Nicholas and have their ultimate origin in Odin/Wotan.
ReplyDeleteWe're always learning new things, which I find very fascinating. And there are a lot of things we'll just never know.
DeleteThat was an interesting video :) I knew most of the facts there too :) Its funny how it has changed over the years; you wonder if the world is still around in the next 500 years what it will be like :)
ReplyDeletebetty
I wonder about that, too. The people in the future will be learning about our period as a history lesson!
DeleteInteresting fact - I didn't know Christmas wasn't a church holiday immediately. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to learn about the history of all these things. I find it quite fascinating.
DeleteLove that video! So succinct and interesting. The bit about the Christmas cards encouraged me to keep up sending mine :) Christmas has never been really religious for me but being reminded about the pagan roots makes me feel less of an interloper ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is quite interesting. I enjoy learning new things, especially when they're historical.
DeleteFundamentalist Christians still don't celebrate Christmas. They are usually miserable souls.
ReplyDeleteI really don't mind if certain Christians don't celebrate, Birdie. We should all be free (whatever our beliefs or views) to celebrate - or not - in our own way. I'm only bothered when someone impose their views on me. My motto is - and always will be - "live and let live". So long as people are doing their thing quietly (be it happily or miserably) and don't bother me with it, it's all good.
DeleteThat's a really interesting video Martha!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it, Christine :)
DeleteGreat history lesson. I had no idea about much of this.
ReplyDeleteWe learn something new every day!
DeleteI enjoy learning new stuff about herbs, spices, whole foods, baking and cookery. I'm a sucker for most-all food-related documentaries.
ReplyDeleteI know you are! It's your passion, after all.
DeleteWhen it comes to religious practices there are some challenges as dates and other accurate details are missing. We still don't agree on calendars. However I don't get hung up on the nitty gritty. The beliefs are what counts.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, we are missing so many details. It would be great if we could have those but that's the way it is. And like you say, no need to get hung up on the nitty gritty!
DeleteJeremiah 10:1-5 in the Bible basically says don't be like the pagans who decorate the trees they cut from the forest. LOL
ReplyDeleteBut let's remember the most important thing, keeping Thor in (Thor's Day)Thursday
And so people are decorating the trees they cut down :)
DeleteBut as long as Thor is in Thursday! LOL...
Great post, Martha! That's really a very good video on the history of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMy family and I actually do not celebrate...though we love Christmas cookies. I think a lot of people get offended when *anyone* (especially a fellow Christian) doesn't celebrate, so I typically try to keep my opinions to myself. And if anyone wishes me a Merry Christmas, I'm happy to wish them back one...I want every day to be a merry/happy day for everyone.
If I lived closer, I would bring you some Christmas cookies :)
DeleteThanks for sharing this with me, Bethany. I'm not sure why people would get offended that you don't celebrate Christmas just because you're a Christian. Aside from it not being their business, you are certainly free to decide that. And definitely have the right to your opinion about it. Feel free to express it here!
I like interesting historical tidbits as well.
ReplyDeleteI have always heard that Easter was the biggest day of the year in Christianity. This 'title' has been replaced by Christmas now, I feel.
I guess it depends on who you ask, Jim. For the Orthodox Christians (which I was raised as), Easter was - and still is - the biggest and most important holiday of the year. Just ask my mom; she'll talk your ear off about it :)
DeleteGreat to know stuff like this. It might come up on Jeopardy!!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! You are right, Barb. I watch that show regularly and sometimes these tidbits of information come in handy :)
DeleteI'm going to re-visit to watch that video.
ReplyDeleteEddie is currently watching a fishing video !! and the sound clashes terribly !!
... now where did I put my headphones?
Hope you've had a good week.
All the best Jan
So far so good, Jan! I hope it's been a good one for you, as well :)
DeleteWell that was interesting, Martha! Those Puritans don't look like much fun though. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed, Francie. I love learning stuff like this...and sharing it with you all. Whether you like it or not :)
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