Beth, the history of the Xmas tree, as well as other Christmas
rituals-including its
dating-is steeped in myth, legend, folklore, accommodation, etc. Probably the
closest
thing to historical reality is the early Christians, beginning in the 3rd
century, were
trying to bring various groups of pagans into the Christian fold. There was
the Cult of
Mithras who worshipped the birth of the Sun God, Mithra, at the time of the
Winter
Soltice; the Romans had the festival of the Kalends (hence calendar) at the
same time,
celebrating the conquering of light over darkness; there was the Saturnalia;
German tribes
had a festival known as Yule to celebrate the end of the growing season. The
Celts
revered mistletoe and holly as fertility symbols. To facilitate the conversion
of these
people the Church christianized pagan rituals and dating: December dating of
the birth
of Jesus, the circumcision of Jesus, the yule log, the decorations of the tree,
giving of
presents, the worshipping of trees, etc
The Church did the same thing with All Saints Day (appropriately my birthday),
All Hallow
Eve, and the Easter rituals.
In fact, Christmas during the Middle Ages was a minor holiday that was seldom
celebrated.
All Hallow Eve was THE major holiday, holier than Easter.
Make it a good day.
--Louis--
Louis Schmier www.therandomthoughts.com
Department of History www.newforums.com/L_Schmier.htm
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia 31698 /\ /\ /\ /\
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